bulletin of reports

Transcription

bulletin of reports

BULLETIN OF REPORTS
Sixteenth Biennial
Convention
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Steinbach
April 21-23, 2016
Please bring this Bulletin of Reports with you to the Convention.
Delegates are urged to read all reports carefully, since they will not be verbally
presented during convention.
Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONVENTION ORIENTATION ..................................................................................... 3
AGENDA .................................................................................................................... 7
SYNOD COUNCIL REPORTS
Report of the Chair ........................................................................................ 11
Report of the Bishop and Staff ........................................................................ 15
Beautiful Feet Project ............................................................................. 20
Report of the Secretary
Status Changes to MNO Synod Roster of Ministers .............................. 22
Changes to Roster of MNO Synod Congregations ................................. 24
MNO Synod Council & Executive Motions ............................................ 25
Report of the Necrologist – no report
Report of the Treasurer .................................................................................. 35
2015 Financial Statements:
MNO Synod ..................................................................................... 45
MNO Synod Foundation for Mission & Ministry Inc. ..................... 65
2016 – 2018 Synod Budgets..................................................................... 75
Reports of Program Committees
Candidacy Committee ............................................................................ 81
Committee for Mission .......................................................................... 83
Committee for Youth Ministry ............................................................... 85
Report on Convention Fees ............................................................................. 86
Motions presented by Synod Council ............................................................. 90
MNO Synod 16th Biennial Convention
Bulletin of Reports
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NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTIONS
Nomination for Treasurer ............................................................................. 103
Report of Committee on Nominations ......................................................... 103
Delegates to 2017 National Convention
Rostered Ministers Eligible for Election .............................................. 107
Nominations for Youth Delegates ....................................................... 109
Nominations for Lay Delegates ........................................................... 112
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO MNO SYNOD CONSTITUTION ................................. 127
Summary of Changes .................................................................................... 128
Full Text Showing Changes Approved at 2014 Convention ......................... 132
PROPOSED MNO SYNOD ADMINISTRATIVE BYLAW CHANGES ............................... 153
Summary of changes .................................................................................... 153
Full Text of Proposed Administrative Bylaws ............................................... 156
BOARD REPORTS
Luther Village
.............................................................................................. 181
Lutheran Urban Ministry ............................................................................... 182
PARTNER REPORTS
Report of the National Bishop ...................................................................... 185
Canadian Lutheran World Relief ................................................................... 189
Lutheran Theological Seminary ..................................................................... 191
BOURINOT’S RULES OF ORDER ............................................................................. 195
GOVERNANCE
Constitution .................................................................................................. 203
By-laws ......................................................................................................... 215
ANNIVERSARIES OF ORDINATIONS ....................................................................... 231
ROSTERED MINISTERS NEW TO SYNOD ................................................................ 242
SYNOD LISTING ...................................................................................................... 245
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CONVENTION ORIENTATION
Welcome, everyone, to the 16th Biennial Convention of the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario
(MNO) Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC). We pray that the
convention will be a productive time as we gather to conduct the formal business of synod and
to share in the joy of meeting and interacting with all those who have gathered in Christ's
name.
What follows is intended to serve as a brief orientation to the proceedings of the convention,
especially for those who are attending a synod convention for first time.
The Chair
The business sessions of the convention will be chaired by the chair of the synod council. The
role of chair is to ensure that the sessions proceed in an orderly fashion. To that end, the chair
applies rules as set out in Bourinot's Rules of Order, a summary of which is provided elsewhere
in this docket.
Above all else, the chair's role is to remain impartial - in a sense, to play the role of referee.
Hence, the chair does not participate in debates. If the chair should decide to participate in a
debate, he or she will delegate the duties of the chair to another officer of the synod or a
member of synod council.
The chair is neither omnipotent or omniscient. Rulings of the chair may be challenged by any
voting delegate by making a motion to that effect. Once the motion is seconded, the assembly
will be asked to vote on the matter with only a simple majority being needed to support or
overrule the chair.
Your Role as a Delegate
As a voting delegate, you are here to participate in decision-making. During the convention you
will be asked to consider and then vote on various motions and cast ballots for a variety of
offices. Some of these actions include:
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elect two officers (chair and treasurer)
elect four lay members and one rostered minister to Synod Council
elect an MNO rep to the Board of Lutheran Theological Seminary
approve budgets for the 2017 -2018 period
approve compensation guidelines for rostered ministers in the synod
approve changes to the MNO constitution that were given first reading approval at the
2014 synod convention
adopt a new set of administrative bylaws for the MNO synod
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elect rostered, lay and youth delegates to represent the MNO synod at the 2017 ELCIC
convention
At appointed places in the agenda, time will be allotted to ask questions concerning reports
from synod council, council's standing committees, synod staff and ministry partners such as
Luther Village. These reports are included in this docket. It will be assumed that you have read
them in advance and have made note of items about which you might wish to ask a question or
seek clarification. We will not waste your time by having authors of these reports stand at the
podium and read them to you so you must be ready to ask your question when the time comes.
Lastly, your role is to learn and share. We hope that the convention proceedings will afford you
an opportunity to become more informed about your synod. We hope you will be inspired by
the renewal event on Saturday and by the message delivered by our guest speaker. And most
importantly, we hope that you will return home after the convention and enthusiastically share
your experience with your congregation.
Some Procedural Formalities
On how to participate
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If you would like to ask a question pertaining to a report or speak for or against a
motion, please go to one of the microphones and wait for the chair to indicate it is your
turn to speak
When it is your turn to speak, please identify yourself, your delegate status (e.g., lay,
rostered) and your affiliation (e.g., congregation name).
If speaking to a motion, indicate whether you are speaking in favour or against that
motion
Address your comments to the chair, not to the mover or any other member of the
assembly
You may speak only once on a specific report or during a debate on a motion. Please be
as brief as possible. Normally, the chair will allow you a limit of three minutes.
To make a motion
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Write your motion out in full before coming to a microphone.
Once recognized by the chair, read your motion. Provided the motion is acceptable
under the rules of order, the chair will ask for someone to second the motion and if
successful, the floor will be open for debate. As the mover, you are given first
opportunity to speak to the motion.
Proposed amendments to a motion already moved and seconded must also be written
out and given to the secretary once they have been orally presented.
Amendments must not change the intent of the original motion.
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Motions from the floor can only be made if they are germane or relevant to the topic
currently being debated. If the motion is not germane, it must be referred to the
Committee on Reference and Counsel.
Only one main motion can be on the floor at a time.
Voting
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Voting on motions is carried out by a show of hands unless otherwise indicated by the
chair. With your delegate package, you will have received a red and a green voting card.
When the chair calls for a vote, hold up the green card if you are in favour or the red
card if you want to vote against the motion.
Elections are carried out by secret ballot. Your delegate package should contain a set of
pre-printed ballots for all scheduled elections.
The Committee on Elections will be responsible for counting ballots and reporting
results to the convention.
Process for Electing Officers
Both the council chair and treasurer will see their terms of office come to an end at this
convention. Both have indicated their intention not to let their names stand for re-election.
Election of a Chair:
The election of a new chair begins with a nominating or what is also referred to as an
ecclesiastical ballot. Delegates will be given a blank ballot upon which they will be asked to
write the name of a person they wish to nominate for the position. Ideally, delegates will have
spoken to the person they wish to vote for on the first ballot to insure their willingness to serve
if elected. To be elected on the first ballot, a candidate must receive 75 percent of the votes
cast.
If there is no election on the first ballot, a second ballot is held. On the second ballot, delegates
may only vote for candidates who received at least one vote on the first ballot. To be elected on
the second ballot, a candidate must receive two-thirds of the votes cast.
If there is no election on the second ballot, the four persons receiving the highest number of
votes on the second ballot will be placed on the third ballot. To be elected on the third ballot, a
candidate must receive a majority of the votes cast (more than 50%).
If there is no election on the third ballot, a fourth ballot will be held on which the three persons
with the highest votes counts from the third ballot will be candidates. Again, a simple majority
is needed for election.
If a fifth ballot is required, delegates will vote a final time to choose between the two highest
vote getters on the fourth ballot.
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Election of a Treasurer:
Synod Council will present to the convention its nominee for the position for Treasurer.
Delegates will then have opportunity to nominate further candidates from the floor. Again, only
those persons who have indicated a willingness to serve may be nominated from the floor.
If balloting is necessary and there are four or fewer candidates nominated, only a simple
majority is needed for an election to occur. If there is no election, the lowest vote getter is
dropped for the next round of balloting. This process continues until a candidate receives a
majority of the votes cast.
Personal Care
Friday and Saturday will be long days. Please take advantage of the scheduled breaks to avail
yourself of refreshments and fresh air.
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AGENDA
SIXTEENTH BIENNIAL SYNOD CONVENTION
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Steinbach, Manitoba
UL = upper level
LL = lower level
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016
4:00-5:30 p.m. UL
Registration
5:00-6:00 p.m. LL
Supper
6:00 p.m.
UL
Rehearsal for opening worship service participants
6:30 p.m.
LL
Sitting 1 - Business Meeting
1.1
Opening of Convention
1.2
Greetings from Host Congregation
1.3
Adoption of Agenda & presentation of Consent
Agenda
1.4
Granting of voice to special guests
1.5
Announcement of appointments to Convention
Committees
1.6
Introduction of Synod Council and staff
1.7
Report from Convention Committee: Registration
& Attendance
1.8
Reporting of petitions received from congregations
and conferences
1.9
Convention Orientation on Rules & Procedures
1.10 Elections – First Ballot for Chair; First Ballot for NC
Rostered Delegates (regional)
7:30 p.m.
UL
-
9:00 p.m.
LL
Bulletin of Reports
Worship (offering designated for “ELCIC Reformation
Challenge, LWF Endowment Fund”)
Recognition of special anniversaries and rostered
ministers new to synod
Greetings from LTS Acting President
Dessert reception
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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2016
8:30 a.m.
UL
Morning Prayer
9:00 a.m.
LL
Sitting 2 - Business meeting
2.1 Reports from Convention Committees: Registration
and Attendance, Reference and Counsel, and
Elections
2.2 Elections – Second Ballot for Chair; First Ballot for
NC Rostered Delegates at Large; First Ballot for NC
Youth Delegates
2.3 Report of National Bishop
2.4 Introductions: David C Cook, Eastern Synod
Foundation
10:00 a.m.
LL
Refreshment Break
10:30 a.m.
LL
Sitting 3 – Business meeting
and Attendance, Elections
3.2 Report of Nominations Committee and further
nominations
3.3 Elections – Third Ballot for Chair, First Ballot LTS
Board of Governors
3.4 Report of Synod Bishop
3.5 Report of the Treasurer
3.6 Report of the Secretary
3.7 Introduction of 2015-16 Budgets
3.8 Questions on Reports of Synod Staff, Synod Council,
Synod Executive and Boards
12:30 p.m.
LL
Lunch (sponsored by Canadian Lutheran World Relief)
1:30 p.m.
LL
4.1 Reports from Convention Committees: Elections,
Registration and Attendance, Reference and Counsel
4.2 Constitutional Amendments – 2nd Reading
4.3 Introduction of Administrative Bylaw changes
4.4 Fourth Ballot for Chair, Second Ballot for LTS Board
of Governors; First Ballot for NC Lay Delegates
(regional)
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3:15 p.m.
LL
Refreshment Break
3:45 p.m.
LL
Registration and Attendance
5.2 Presentation of Synod Council Nominee for
Treasurer and further nominations
5.3 Fifth Ballot for Chair, First Ballot for Treasurer
5.4 Partner presentations: CLWR & GSI
5.5 Report of Synod Council: continued
a. Compensation Guidelines
b. Approval of 2016-2018 Budget
5:00 p.m.
LL
Supper
5:45 p.m.
UL
Entertainment
6:45 p.m.
UL
Keynote Presentation #1– Anglican Church Canada
Indigenous Bishop Rev. Mark MacDonald
Table Discussions on theme/presentation
8:00 p.m.
LL
6.2 Second Ballot for Treasurer / First Ballot for Synod
Council; First Ballot for NC Lay Delegates at Large
6.3 Report from Convention Committee: Reference and
Counsel
6.4 Greetings from Bishop of Diocese of Rupert’s Land
8:55 p.m.
LL
Closing Prayer
9:00 p.m.
LL
Adjournment
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SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2016
8:30 a.m.
UL
Morning Prayer
8:45 a.m.
UL
Keynote Presentations on Convention Theme Keynote
Presentation #2 – Bishop Susan Johnson
Table Discussions on Theme
10:00 a.m.
LL
Refreshment Break
10:30 a.m.
UL
Keynote Presentation #3 – Rev. Dr. Tim Wray
Table Discussions on Theme
12:00 p.m.
LL
Lunch
1:00 p.m.
LL
Sitting 7 - Business Meeting
7.2 Second Ballot for Synod Council
7.3 Decision on Administrative Bylaws
7.4 Report on Convention Fees
7.5 Announcement of Synod Committee appointments
Reference and Counsel
7.7 Enabling motions
3:30 p.m.
LL
Refreshment Break
4:00 p.m.
UL
Closing Service (offering designated to “ELCIC Praise Appeal”)
- Installation of Officers
- Decommissioning of Deans
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SYNOD COUNCIL REPORTS
Report of the Chair
For those less familiar with the governance structure of our synod, synod council is an elected
body of 14 people charged with the responsibility of attending to the business of the synod
between conventions. Its approach to this task can best be described as one of macro-managing
– that is to say, it focusses on setting strategic directions and establishing a policy framework that
guides synod staff and a variety of committees in carrying out the mission of the church.
Synod Council meets in person twice a year (Spring and Fall) and in convention years, usually
meets a third time just prior to the opening of the convention. Electronic meetings are held when
routine but time-sensitive business arises between council meetings.
An executive committee consisting of the Bishop, chair, secretary and treasurer meets five to six
time a year. Its provides a sounding board for the Bishop as she attends to the daily needs of the
synod. As well, it monitors the work of the synod and identifies issues to bring to council for its
consideration. In reality, the executive has little authoritative power as it may only take action
when delegated to do so by the council.
What follows is a brief summary of some of the major initiatives undertaken by the council since
the 2014 convention.
Missional Directions
A primary function of Council is to set strategic directions for the Synod in the form of Missional
Directions. Missional Directions serve to guide council in their deliberations as well as form the
background framework for the work done by its standing committees and synod staff.
At its November 2014 meeting, council reaffirmed the existing missional directions.
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Strengthening all God`s people for discipleship.
Embracing passionately a call to spiritual renewal through: prayer, study, scripture,
worship, give, tell, service.
Celebrating the abundance of God`s gifts.
Nurturing relationships with neighbouring congregations and the community at large.
In addition, council identified a fifth direction, that of building a ministry of presence within the
synod. In the spring of 2015, council members volunteered additional time to visit with
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congregational councils across the synod both to share information about synod initiatives gather
feedback about how the synod can better serve its people.
Governance
At the 2015 ELCIC national convention held in Edmonton, delegates endorsed a new set of
administrative bylaws for the national church that have significant implications for MNO and the
other synods. Three of the most prominent changes were the replacement of the current twoyear convention cycle with a three-year cycle, the reduction in the size of the national convention
to 150 delegates and the move away from a system of conferences to one of electoral regions
and area strategies.
Knowing these changes were coming, synod council has been working for several years now to
lay out a plan for how our synod will transition to the new system. The process of change was
begun at our 2014 Synod Convention when delegates gave first reading approval to revisions to
the synod constitution.
These constitutional changes must be reaffirmed at our 2016 convention. In anticipation of a
positive decision, council has also developed a new set of administrative bylaws that will be
presented to the convention once 2nd reading of the constitutional changes has taken place.
Preparation of these bylaws was not an easy task as council had to tackle several thoughtprovoking issues. These included:
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defining a new synod geography – electoral regions and areas– to replace the old
conferences
determining a protocol for choosing delegates from our synod to attend downsized
national conventions
formulating a protocol to pay the registration fees for those delegates as the cost will now
be assumed by the synod, not the home congregations of delegates
devising a plan for transitioning to a three-year cycle for conventions and the implications
that has for term length of elected positions
In addition, council undertook a review of other aspects of the synod’s bylaws including:
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the number of council members and their geographical distribution
the process by which the chair of council is chosen
participation of retired rostered members at synod conventions
In making decisions about these matters, council took into consideration the results of a round
table discussion held at the 2014 synod convention as well as a survey of congregational councils
conducted during the Fall of 2014.
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The end result is the proposed set of new administrative bylaws that you will find published
elsewhere in this docket. Both a summary of the proposed changes as well as the full text of the
new and old bylaws have been included. I encourage all delegates to familiarize themselves with
these documents in advance of the convention.
Policy Development
In November 2015, council approved a new personnel policy for synod staff. It represents a
compilation of a disparate set of personnel-related documents into a single go-to-source for
information on hiring practices, employee conduct and expectations, employment benefits and
travel policy. In developing this comprehensive document, steps were also taken to insure our
practices do not fall below those stipulated in the Employment Standards Act of Manitoba.
Stewardship of Finances
Council continues to work steadfastly to insure the benevolence gifts provided by congregations
are used effectively. General benevolence receipts declined slightly in 2015 meaning
disbursements to ministry partners such as the National Church, Luther Village, Lutheran Urban
Ministry (LUM) and Lutheran Theological Seminary fell short of the budgeted goal.
Further details on Synod finances can be found in the treasurer’s report.
Committees
A considerable amount of Council's work is carried out by its standing committees. Each
committee has prepared a report for this docket documenting its accomplishments over the past
two years. On behalf of the council, I want to thank those who have graciously given of their
time serving the synod in these endeavors.
In November 2015, council took steps to restructure how social justice issues will be addressed
by the synod. It was decided to end the mandate of the Church in Society committee. In its place,
the synod will call on ad hoc committees that will be given a mandate to target more narrowlydefined issues. It is hoped that the ad hoc approach will attract broader participation from those
with a passion for specific issues and interests.
Council created two new committees to assist it in its work. A grants committee will review and
make recommendations on applications to the Compassionate Justice Grant program. A
governance committee will be charged with the task of reviewing and recommending changes to
the synod’s constitution, bylaws and policies. Appointees to both committees will come from
synod council as well as at least one representative from outside of the council.
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Council Membership
This convention will see a significant turnover in council membership. Having served consecutive
four-year terms, Ben Nickel is not eligible for re-election as the Agassiz lay representative and
Lorelie Mitchell has indicated she will not return for a second term as the representative from
Westman Conference. The Brokenhead position is also open as Rhea Galeschuk resigned in 2015
when her employment took her out of province. All three have made valuable contributions to
our deliberations and will be missed. On behalf of the council and all members of the synod, I
want to express our heartfelt appreciation for the time they have graciously volunteered.
Three members of Council will see their terms expire at this convention but are eligible to be reelected. They are Rev. Jason Zinko (clergy-at-large), Tom Brook (Lay member – Interlake) and
Haakon Dagsvik (Lay member - Cambrian).
After eight years of service, Allan Francis is stepping down as synod treasurer. Under Allan’s
leadership, the synod’s finances have been well attended. His uncanny knack for being able to
find money when it is needed, his ability to remember details of transactions long forgotten by
the rest of us and his sage advice when difficult issues confronted us have been a wonderful gift.
Finally, my time as chair of the council will come to an end at this convention. It is hard to believe
that 12 years have elapsed since I was first elected at the convention in Selkirk. Along this journey,
there have been times of frustration but they have been vastly outnumbered by moments of joy.
It has been my privilege to serve alongside Bishop Elaine and my fellow officers, Carol and Allan,
and all those who have occupied seats around the council table during this time.
A word of appreciation
I am certain that I can speak on behalf of all council members in extending a word of appreciation
to our synod staff - Assistants to the Bishop Rev. Larry Ulrich and Rev. Tyler Gingich,
Administrative Assistant Ms. Debbie Beyer and Communications Coordinator Rick Scherger. All
have been unwavering in their commitment to our shared mission.
Respectfully submitted
Brian Lorch
Chair
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Report of Synod Staff
No one has to tell us that we live in a changing world. We know it, we feel it and we live it every day and still
it is hard work. Often our responses to change have been about us and the questions we ask are about us.
What is happening to our church? How can we survive? How can we continue to live with instability? How
can we meet the changing needs of the church? We focus our concerns on ourselves and how change
impacts us and how we might control it, make it more manageable and malleable.
Missional leadership will tell us that the question is not about us but rather about God. What is God up to in
the midst of the changing context? What is God up to in the church? in our neighbourhood? in our world?
We are to spend less energy on the negative aspects of this context but rather to spend excessive energy in
asking the question- What is God making new as a result of this change? In the book of Acts we are
reminded that the Spirit of God “blows where it wills and we don’t know where it will land”. This Spirit of God
is disrupting our world and God is about to do something new in and through us in the midst of that newness.
We can only imagine and discern what we think God is up to in our church and in our neighbourhoods
because the Spirit isn’t always landing where we think it ought to land. We can however create spaces for
conversations about what God is up to and what the Spirit is calling us to do. How then might we do that?
The Missional Network leaders suggest a process of listening, discerning, experimenting evaluating and living
into the future of what God has in mind. For in our IMAGINATION is the ability to see what God might be up
to. We can build a capacity for imagination amongst our leaders and our congregations and our ministries
and from there we can engage in adaptive challenges that will help us live into a new reality with God in the
future. Otherwise, we will remain where we are at, as status quo, as structures that can no longer sustain
ministry as it has in the past.
At the national level there has already been a small step in using imagination to listen, to discern, to
experiment, to evaluate and to live into a different future. In 2015 the ELCIC National Church Council
approved a gift of $200,000 to each synod to “imagine a future” in a changed context, living out God’s will in
new ways. The gift has brought opportunities for imagination and in February 2016 five congregations and
groups across our synod brought their proposals to the ACTS of the MNO Synod visioning group and three
were recommended to receive funding. Two others fit the criteria of CECF funds so they will also find a place
to imagine something different for ministry into the future. We look forward to receiving many more
proposals. Look on mnosynod.org to find application forms and start imagining!
The synod council and synod office staff are also working together at “building a capacity for imagining a
different future”.
In 2009 the Synod Council created the Mission as Hope Appeal. Funding for new initiatives during this last
biennium has created opportunities for:
a) Rostered women leaders from MNO to assist women leaders in Cameroon to be embraced by
the whole community, not just by women - In January 2016, Rev. Katharine Bergbusch, Rev.
Lynne Hutchison, and Peter Kostiuk visited Cameroon and addressed this issue with regional
bishops and their councils, seminary students and professors, as well as taking the opportunity
to meet and support those Cameroonian women who have answered the call to ordained
ministry.
b) Provision for training Cameroon leaders in the theology of stewardship – we have been working
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with our ELCA counterparts to address this area.
c) Encouraging more people to visit Cameroon, because their church is encouraged by our visits.
We are working to arrange for a July 2017 contingent of older youth to make a visit. Largely, this
is seen as an opportunity for the Cameroon church to share their excitement for the Gospel with
us, which is the strong benefit of this partnership experienced in all of our visits.
d) In 2015, Rev. Dave Saude, retired, led an online Lay Academy of Preaching for 10 weeks, in
which participants from around the synod reflected on the appointed weekly Scripture readings,
as well as preparing and sharing a couple of sermons. Other one time lay training workshops
have been offered in conjunction with the Beautiful Feet Initiative in Lay Pastoral Care (2015)
and Bible Study Facilitation (2016).
e) What began as a joint Anglican Lutheran (webcast) stewardship event in June of 2014 has given
rise to an expanding network of stewardship (both lay and rostered leaders) who meet every
second month for food, Scripture reflection, and stewardship learning that can be incorporated
at the local level. On September 12, 2015, we hosted a second Stewardship webcast. Plans for
2016 involve some rural stewardship/missional workshop days that will be led by Rev. Geoff
Woodcroft (ACC) and Rev. Larry Ulrich (MNO Synod)
f)
We continue the mission work within Waverly West, a house church initiative, working along
with our Anglican and United Church partners. Currently, they have two house church groups
that meet regularly, as well as a Messy Church initiative that has about 20-25 participants from
the neighbourhood. In 2016 we took a huge step and agreed to support staffing of this mission,
as well as the creation of a governing board of 9 who manage the ministry. An extensive
evaluation of this mission work will take place in 2017.
Communications and technology are also one of the fastest growing industries in Canada. We know that the
more ways we can tell our stories and witness to God’s transformative love in our lives and in the lives of
others, the more God’s presence will be known in the world. There is ongoing development of the synod
website (mnosynod.org), the synod e-newsletter, CrossWord, which reaches 308 subscribers every two
weeks and witness moments, video clips of people involved in ministry across our synod and the church, and
finally in the Canada Lutheran magazine. We are always looking for your stories of faith and witness. Every
experiment you do should be shared so that others will be inspired to do the same, maybe a little different
than you or your congregation does but inspired just the same. Experiments are always successful. They are
sometimes not sustainable but every time we try something new, it tells us something different about who
we are as God’s people and how we live out the gospel on a daily basis.
We experimented with live streaming at our 2016 convention. Unfortunately, few engaged with it and we
had many issues around internet access that interfered with the live streaming of our convention. As a result,
we will not be live streaming at this year’s convention. However, we will encourage tweets and Facebook
postings throughout the day so those at home or around the world can know what we are doing as church
together in convention. All three of our keynote addresses will be on video as well.
We are imagining a different model for leadership of the church into the future as well. In 2015 the synod
staff worked with the Brokenhead Area and eight congregations to imagine a new model. A pastoral support
person was called, 40% time, to help the congregations coordinate their ministry, develop learning modules
for lay leadership, and assist with integration of worship planning. The pilot project gives the congregations
and the Brokenhead Shared Ministry Council time to imagine how to live into the future, discerning how this
relationship will be lived out and what is needed to build sustainability.
Bulletin of Reports
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At the 2014 Synod Convention, delegates created the “Beautiful Feet Initiative” which was to build
relationships between rural and urban congregations. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Winnipeg and Lundar
Lutheran Church, Lundar became the first pair of partners. Lundar Lutheran receives sacramental ministry
once a month, as well as lay training. On Feb 28, 2016 twenty one people from Lundar took a handi-transit
bus to Winnipeg to share stories of their nine years as a congregation without a regularly called pastor. St.
Mark’s was inspired by the imagination of a rural congregation as it serves its neighbours and community in a
multitude of activities and events. Both congregations will have a display at the 2016 synod convention. It is
an opportunity for other congregations to imagine what they can do together as well.
Addressing the need for dialogue between rostered ministers across the synod, Bishop Elaine has been
“meeting” regularly with some gathered around the table at synod office and others on line via Skype and
conference call. Bishops Table Talks have provided participants an opportunity to discuss the changing role of
leadership; how do diaconal and ordained ministry work together to provide leadership and ministry to the
church today; how does worship provide for a transformational moment for members in the pews; how has
“personal chaplaincy” become the norm for parishioners who need pastoral care; the theory of atonement
and how it impacts the proclamation of God’s saving grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ. This has been a fruitful time for those gathered together to be enriched by conversation and engaged
in the context before us today.
In 2014 our synod had a candidate ready for internship. In these strained financial times, it was difficult to
find a suitable site. Synod staff put together a proposal for shared ministry with St. Luke’s Zion, Winnipeg and
an internship was born. Lisa Janke serves the congregation and synod each in a half time capacity. She is
learning what it is like to serve a congregation part time. The congregation and synod are learning sites for
future leadership and Pastor Tyler and Pastor Lynne share supervision of the intern.
Intern Pastor Lisa was also invited to imagine young adult ministry and the development of alternative
worshipping communities. She created three opportunities for young adults to be engaged in ministry. This
model for engaging young adults addresses the ongoing concerns their generation has for justice and
reconciliation in our world, particularly around:
a) consumerism and how it affects people today- young adults were invited to attend a Lenten study
over 6 weeks as they immersed themselves in understanding how consumerism affects creation
and our lives as disciples of Christ. The model draws on wisdom from the 12 step program
b) a response to the Truth and Reconciliation 94 Calls to action young adults were invited to develop
an artistic response to reconciliation post Easter. The art will be displayed at synod convention.
c) conversation on gender and sexuality and the concern to live out a gospel of welcome and
inclusion, in particular LGBTQ people in our Lutheran communities The conversation begins postconvention so look for communications through future Crossword editions.
In 2015 Statistics Canada released a memo that indicated there are more seniors in Canada today than there
are people under the age of 15 years. This is a startling statistic and it will take courage to imagine what this
can mean for the church in the next 15 years. We already notice a drop in youth in congregations, attendance
at the Canadian Lutheran Youth Gathering (CLAY), and of course at synod youth events. This does not mean
that we will abandon our emphasis on youth and young adult ministry and its leadership development
through worship, peer ministry and youth retreats. More than ever we need to imagine how different youth
ministry may need to look in the future. It is encouraging is to see interest in developing a right relationship
with our Indigenous people of Canada. Indigenous youth are one of the fastest growing demographics in
Canada. How might youth ministry look if we deepened this relationship?
Bulletin of Reports
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In a context where young people have many forces wanting their attention, it has been important to be
authentic and engaging. Most of this work done by Pastor Tyler and congregational leadership is geared to
forming and enhancing our Lutheran identity, leadership development and building capacity for young
leaders, about building relationships in and with others so we know we are not alone. Within an ecumenical
model, especially in our full communion relationship with the Anglican Church of Canada, youth engagement
has found its essence in the Canadian Lutheran Anglican Gathering (CLAY) and Stronger Together, a
gathering of youth leadership. MNO has a proud tradition of sending large groups of youth to the gathering,
and in particular providing leaders on the band and drama teams. We continue to support this programming
but also recognize that youth leadership is changing and we will need to experiment with new ways of faith
formation for young people in our world.
As we face difficult challenges in local congregations, some have managed to envision a different way to live
as communities of faith. Twenty two of our congregations are working at half time or less time of pastoral
support. This means supply is at a premium and other relationships will need to be developed. In the past
biennium we have worked with congregations to develop Ecumenical Shared Ministries between Anglicans or
United Church congregations and our own Lutheran parishes. These have been both great and frustrating as
we learn new polities and structures, worship services and of course develop pastoral relationships that are
different from what we are used to. Our theologies and practises may differ but at the heart of these
relationships is our faith in Christ and our discipleships as we work and serve our communities. Many thanks
to the congregational leaders who inspire us with their creativity as they work in ecumenical shared ministry.
As synod staff we too have experienced ecumenism in a new way. When we last met in synod convention we
were excited to report our “honeymoon” year at the Anglican Lutheran Centre on Nesbitt Bay, Winnipeg. This
has developed into a warm, loving and inviting “marriage” where we walk in and out of each other’s office on
a daily basis, whether to support a family in crisis, an announcement of joy, a reflection on what we are
currently dealing with or merely a show of support or sharing a good idea. It is a visible reminder of our unity
in Christ and we are thankful for your support and encouragement as we have lived this reality.
As an ongoing way to nurture relationships with our congregational partners, during non-synod convention
years (2015), synod council and staff have made an intentional visit to all congregational councils. While this
takes considerable time and energy, the value of listening and nurturing the relationships has in past
initiatives been seen as hugely beneficial, so much so that other synods are looking at doing similar initiatives
on their synod territory. Our “experiment” in listening is building capacity for us to imagine a better and
deeper relationship with one another
The National church in convention in 2015 invited us to participate in the Reformation Challenge, a tangible
way for us to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Dozens of congregations have
accepted the challenge of providing safe homes for refugees and we have been following those
congregations on Facebook and Twitter as they welcome new families to Canada. Many more are providing
for tree planting, in our provinces, in Ethiopia and other global sites in need of forests. Still others have rose
to the challenge of providing bursaries for students at schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan
and the Holy Land, a way to provide education and imagination for a new reality in the Holy Land as Muslims
and Christians are educated together in peaceful co-existence. Finally, you as delegates will be asked to
support the Lutheran World Federation Endowment Fund. Yes, it’s not exotic to give to a fund but if you think
about all the places where LWF assists us in living out the gospel in places in the world that are in need of
food production, safe places to live and work, education programs, and many other projects that we hear of
through Canadian Lutheran world Relief, you will see the exotic nature of “endowment”, which is people,
God’s people, faces around the world. We can ensure that 72 million Lutherans around the world are working
together for the good of all of creation. Bring your cheque books and dollars!
Bulletin of Reports
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At the beginning of this report, the Missional Network process of listening, discerning, experimenting,
evaluating and living into a new future was referenced. We are excited to extend this process into
congregations and rostered leadership across the synod, as well as with our Anglican partners in the Diocese
of Rupert’s Land. We believe our capacity is to handle 8-10 congregations and their rostered leaders. More
information will follow in the weeks after the 2016 synod convention
Synod council and staff continue to vision together through engagement of scriptures, contextual review and
consultation. We are committed to our missional directions that guide our work and are an integral part of
the ministry we share as we are led into God’s future. They provide unique ways for us to listen, discern,
experiment, evaluate and live out God’s future within this synod and the world.





Strengthen God’s people for discipleship
Embrace passionately the call to spiritual renewal
Celebrate the abundance of God’s gifts
Nurture relationships with Neighbouring congregations and the Community at Large
Build a ministry of presence within the synod
In closing, I want to say thank you to staff who have faithfully served the synod and who have joined us
throughout this biennial time. Debbie continues at 80% time as our faithful Executive Assistant. Rick
continues 60% time as our communications person. Pastor Larry’s work among us was decreased to 40% as
of June 30, 2015. We are thankful to God for Larry’s dedicated work to youth and young adult ministry for the
past nine years. We feel blessed that he continues his passion for mission and stewardship among us and
especially his guiding role in our pilot project in the Brokenhead area funded through a special grant from the
Committee for Mission
We had a wonderful transition with Pastor Tyler (50% time in youth and young adult ministry) and Intern
Pastor Lisa. The challenge has been in recognizing that all staff, except the bishop, are part time and it takes
extra care to manage our joint time together and to respond to requests from congregations and leaders.
Thank you for your patience with us as we prioritize and manage the ministry of the synod office. We look
forward to continuing our work together as we cultivate a new and imaginative narrative of God’s work
among us.
Bulletin of Reports
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Beautiful Feet Project – An Evolution in Ministry
Proposal adopted – 2014 MNO Synod Convention
 To supply a pastoral presence to congregations and Lutheran communities without a continuing
pastoral presence in order to insure sacramental ministry is available
 Pastors to be recruited – 18 expressed willingness to participate
 Pastors serving parishes are encouraged to be “released” as an extension of the home
congregation’s ministry
 Host congregations might request visiting pastor to lead worship with communion, preside at
baptism, and as time may permit, negotiate supplemental ministry during the visit, such as shut-in
visits, confirmation instruction, or Bible study.
 Congregations receiving the visiting pastor would be responsible for costs incurred, where possible
 Pastors serving active congregations are encouraged to perform this ministry as part of their
salaried call, as extended duties, with no honorarium expected
 Pastors without call or retired should be given an honorarium by hosting congregation –
according to synod guidelines
 Travel, housing and meals to be supplied by the hosting congregation
 Synod would establish a fund to assist with travel costs where necessary – application to be
made to the Coordinator for Sacramental Ministries
 Role of the Coordinator for Sacramental Ministries
 Explain the benefits and procedures of the Beautiful Feet Initiative to congregations and
synod
 Help congregations differentiate whether Beautiful Feet or Pulpit Supply is
appropriate
 Receive request for Beautiful Feet visit
 Broker initial contact between visiting pastor and hosting congregation – Visiting Pastor and
Hosting Congregation negotiate timing, transportation and accommodation, range of duties
required, honorarium is required
 Administer fund for Beautiful Feet expenses

Help to facilitate alternative ministry opportunities
Phase 1 – promotion and recruitment
 Letters were sent to synod congregations explaining the initiative
 Pastors recruited
 Update letters sent describing status of the project
 Initial assignments made
Phase 2 –recognition of need to support lay ministries
 Pastoral visitation is necessary and to be continued, however visitation by pastors is costly in terms
of travel and time required
 While the demand has been low, the number of vacancies is expected to increase
 The number of clergy available is limited by pastors involved in continuing pulpit supply
arrangements
 Synod resources probably can afford only two visits per year to any one congregation
 The need for continuing ministry presence remains – how do we support the local lay ministry?
 Creation of the Lay Academy of Preaching Pilot Project- January – April, 2015: Design, Promotion,
recruitment, Implementation and Evaluation
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 Initial imagining of a larger Lay Academy addressing preparation for a variety of lay ministries
 Creation of Lay Academy of Preaching-2, February-April, 2016
Phase 3 – Partnership Pilot Project
 Lundar Lutheran, Lundar, and St. Mark’s, Winnipeg, establish a partnership agreement
 St. Mark’s would arrange for monthly pastoral presence with worship leadership and communion, as
well as bring resources for lay workshop around various themes
 Lundar Lutheran established areas of interest and promoted the workshops with neighboring
Lutheran and ecumenical congregations
 Lundar also brought a workshop on community ministry to St. Mark’s
 Project under review with likelihood of continuance
 Successful project encourages recommending other partnerships be initiated
Phase 4- Establishment of a Lay Academy supported by the Saskatoon Lutheran Seminary and four
Western Synods
 Task Force created with representation by four bishops and representatives appointed by the
bishops, as well as LTS
 Sub-Committee establishes vision and values statement
 Task Force explores budget and curriculum
 Sub-Committee initiates Needs Assessment
 Referrals from synod bishops provided initial contacts
 34 congregations contacted to suggest contact information for participants in the feasibility
study and begin database of potential participants
 Feasibility Study will determine interest in course subject matter and preference for course
delivery: on-line and face-to-face options. Study to be completed early April
 Vision includes three courses offered per year in areas of scripture, theology, confessions, church
practices
 Coursework will supplement the training necessary for lay people licensed for preaching and
sacramental ministry
 Coursework broadened to include “theologically curious” and those interested in deepening
discipleship faith, understand and practice as lay people active in the church and the world
 Task Force will explore creating a Coordinator of the Lay Academy to implement the directions of the
Task Force, schedule coursework, recruit faculty, promote involvement, arrange learning sites or
provide for on-line facilitation, and administer expenses
Concluding Remarks - but Not the End
Members of our synod responded compassionately and faithfully to a perceived need for sacramental
ministry so essential to the living of our faith. Congregations have responded with determination to create
means for ministry sustainability and independence. Together, synod and congregations have worked
imaginatively to discern other possibilities for sustainable ministry, faith formation and practice, overcome
obstacles and move beyond survival to mission. We have a God of abundance, not scarcity, active in our
people and faith communities.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. David M. Saude, retired
Coordinator of Sacramental Ministries, MNO Synod
[email protected]
home phone: 204-255-4599
Bulletin of Reports
21
Report of the Secretary
STATUS CHANGES TO MNO SYNOD ROSTER
Rostered Minister
From
To
Date
m/d/y
LEFT MNO Synod after April 2014
Lurvey, Thomas
Retired
Resigned from Roster
09/08/14
Marlor, Jennifer
On Leave from Call
BC Synod
08/01/14
Mattiasson, Terri-Ann
On Leave from Call
Retired
Retired
Eastern Synod
03/12/15
05/25/15
Zinken, Bruce
On Leave from Call
Synod of Alberta & the
Territories
09/02/14
Zinken, Jane
Retired
Territories
09/02/14
NEW TO MNO Synod since April 2014
Bergman, Michael
SK Synod (Retired)
MNO Synod (Retired)
03/03/15
Bishopp, Chris
SK Synod
Faith, Winnipeg
04/03/16
Frankland, Melissa
(on roster of Anglican
Church Canada)
St. Paul’s Steinbach
02/01/15
Gallivan, Daren
Ukrainian Greek Catholic
Bethesda Kenora
07/01/14
Kerr, Deborah
Newly Ordained
Call to Special Service
Lutheran Urban Ministry
05/24/14
Moroz, Deborah
Territories (Retired)
MNO Synod Retired
03/11/15
Ringham, Nancy
(on roster of Anglican
Church Canada)
Hilldale, Thunder Bay
06/01/14
Bulletin of Reports
22
CHANGES WITHIN MNO Synod since April 2014
Barr, Michele
On Leave from Call
Call to Special Service,
Chaplain, Pembina Place
11/23/15
Gingrich, Tyler
ELCIC, Call to Special
Service (CLWR)
MNO Synod Staff
08/01/15
Karlowsky-Clark, Kolleen Cross, Winnipeg
Retired
12/31/15
Koenker, Mark
Rural Beausejour Parish
Temporarily Without Call
On Leave from Call
12/31/14
05/31/15
Krentz, Glen
Cross, Lac du Bonnet
Retired
11/24/15
Lowe, David
On Leave from Call
Gloria Dei, Winnipeg
05/01/15
Saude, David
Faith, Winnipeg
Retired
08/21/14
Seyfert, Laurel
On Leave from Call
Redeemer, Brandon
10/23/14
Speary, Claire
Gethsemane Inwood &
St. Peter’s Teulon
Retired
12/31/15
Tiefenbach, Mark
South Parkland Parish
(Anglican)
07/31/15
On Leave from Call
11/30/15
Tippel, Erwin
Peace, Moosehorn &
Grace, Ashern
Retired
07/31/15
Zinko, Jason
Redeemer, Brandon
Sherwood Park, Winnipeg
06/01/14
Bulletin of Reports
23
CHANGES TO ROSTER OF MNO SYNOD CONGREGATIONS since April 2014
St. John Lutheran Church, Snow Lake MB
Official Date of Closure: June 21, 2014
Service of closure was held on June 20, 2014
Christ Lutheran Church, Winnipeg MB
Official Date of Closure: August 31, 2014
Service of closure was held on January 26, 2014
Immanuel Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay ON
Merger into Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay ON: November 9, 2015
Service of Leave-taking was held on November 22, 2015
Bulletin of Reports
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MNO Synod Council & Executive Motions (April, 2014 – March, 2016)
The following motions were made by MNO Synod Council and Executive since the April 2014 Synod Convention.
Motion numbers beginning with “SC” are MNO Synod Council motions, and motion numbers beginning with “EX”
are MNO Synod Executive motions. Motion numbers that end with the letter “E” are motions that were made,
second and carried electronically.
ADMINISTRATIVE (Synod Council Motions)
MSC
SC 2015-20
that Synod Council affirms the Beautiful Feet Initiative and encourages synod staff to
continue to develop and promote the program.
MSC
SC 2015-23
that the Policy on Executive Authority be approved as presented.
MSC
SC 2015-24
that the Policy on Electoral Regions be approved as presented for recommendation
to the 2016 synod convention.
MSC
SC 2015-25
that the Policy on Procedure for Electing Delegates to National Conventions be
approved as presented for recommendation to the 2016 synod convention.
MSC
SC 2015-26
that the policy on “Procedure for Revising Terms of Call from Full time to Part time”
be approved as presented.
MSC
SC 2015 50
that the following amendments to the constitution be recommended to the 2016
convention prior to 2nd reading:
a. Article 6 – Section 7 be amended by replacing “pastor” with “rostered
minister”.
MSC
SC 2015 51
that the revised synod administrative by-laws as amended be recommended to the
2016 convention for approval
Amendments as follows:
Part V Section 3 B All rostered ministers under call or appointment, or on leave
from call in this synod.
Part V Section 3 C Retired ministers may constitute up to 10% of all rostered voting
delegates. Retired rostered ministers will be elected by their peers through a
nomination and balloting procedure to be determined by the synod council and
published in the convention manual.
Part V, Sec 2a: remove “eligible for nomination” and replace with “nominated”
Part II, Sec. 4c: Remove Immanuel Thunder Bay from Electoral Region 3.
MSC
SC 2015 55
that the personnel policy be approved as presented.
Bulletin of Reports
25
MSC
SC 2015 56
that the terms of reference for the Grants Committee be approved as amended.
Replace Section 3 with the following:
The committee shall consist of up to four members, at least two of which shall be
members of synod council and at least one shall be a non-council member. The
committee shall be responsible for electing a chair from within its membership.
MSC
SC 2015 57
that the terms of reference for the Governance Committee be approved as amended
Replace Section 3 with the following:
The committee shall consist of up to four members, at least two of which shall be
members of synod council and at least one shall be a non-council member. The
committee shall be responsible for electing a chair from within its membership.
MSC
SC 2015 58
that the policy on the Spouse of the Bishop travel (SC 72-09-16) be rescinded.
MSC
SC 2015 59
that the policy on the Bishop’s Sabbatical (SC 45-99-33) be rescinded.
MSC
SC 2015 64
that Synod Executive be authorized to take action on the following items prior to
April 2016 meeting of council:
a. amend the convention agenda to accommodate keynote presenters availability
and balloting for national convention delegates
b. approve the 2015 audited financial statements
c. correct typographical errors and, if necessary, make minor editorial changes to
the revised bylaws prior to inclusion in the 2016 Synod Convention bulletin of
reports.
MSC
SC 2016-2E
that the MNO Synod Bylaws approved by MSC SC 2015 - 51 for presentation to the
2016 MNO Synod Convention be amended as follows:
(a) Part V - Section 9(b) be deleted
(b) Part V - Section 11(c): replace "Vacancies in retired rostered delegates shall be
filled by Synod council" with "If an eligible retired rostered minister is not able
to attend, synod council shall appoint a replacement from the retired roster."
(c) Part V - Section 4: replace "sixty" with "forty"
(d) Part V - Section 10(a): after "nominations" insert
"Committee on elections"
(e) Part VI - Section 1(a): replace "60" with "forty"
(f) Part VII - Section 2: add item "n" which shall read "Establish a protocol by which
congregations of the synod share in the costs of sending delegates to synodical
and national conventions."
Bulletin of Reports
26
BUDGET & FINANCE (Synod Council Motions)
MSC
SC 2014-31
that the $12,000 from the Internship Fund be designated for a 2015-2016 joint
synod/ congregation internship site.
MSC
SC 2014-32
that the 2015 Mission as Hope Appeal package be approved as follows:
Ongoing Initiatives:
Continuing to tell the story from across our synod through new “Witness Moments”
1,500
Assistance with the Lay Academy Training and with the
“Beautiful Feet” initiative
6,500
Leadership development for youth and young adults
through LIT (Leaders In Training) at Luther Village and
other such initiatives
5,000
Support of the Crock Pot Cooking and other training
programs for inner city residents at the Urban
5,000
New Initiatives
Youth Maritime Bus Trip 2016 planning
Right Relationships with Indigenous Peoples
Cameroon Companions – assistance to send 2 female
rostered leaders to support Cameroon women clergy
Support for an MNO young adult leader to coordinate
the Plunge 2016 (a joint ELCIC/ELCA Young Adult leader
learning tour that involves learning about the global work
of our church through the LWF as well as experiencing
spiritual direction at Taize)
MSC
SC 2014-33
2,000
2,000
6,000
5,000
that the following adjustments be made to existing allocations under the Mission as
Hope New Initiatives Fund:
Women’s Leadership trip to Canada (Cameroon)
(SC-2011-48 - $5000)
5,000.00
Web Design Initiative (SC-2013-11: $5,000–3,697.01)
1,302.99
Cameroon Travel (for Bishop Ngozo) (SC -2013-27:
$8,000-$6,313.27)
1,686.73
Lay Theology Event (SC-2013-27: $4,000–$1,135.53)
2,864.47
Live Streaming, Prep, Equipment (SC-2103-27: $10,000–
$1,435.87 = $8,564.93) (Equipment still needed –
approx. $4,000)
4,564.93
For re-allocation
15,419.12
Bulletin of Reports
27
MSC
SC 2014 -34
That the following new initiatives be allocated funding
from the Mission as Hope New Initiatives Fund:
Beautiful Feet Initiative
Theological Training Events – Feb and April/2015 with
Dirk Lange and Kristine Ruffato
Cameroon Travel for 2 female rostered leaders, and
one non-rostered male in 2015
Young Adult Ministries -2015 Plunge Learner/Observer costs
Lay Academy Set-up and Travel
Every Council Visit Travel Costs
First Call fees for Synod Call to Deb Kerr (LUM) $750 per
year for 3 years
Young Adult Developer/Alternative Community/Internship
3,000
2,500
9,000
1,000
2,000
2,000
2,250
8,000
MSC
SC 2014-35
that the following 2014 year-end actions be taken on the synod’s restricted funds:
Study Conference Fund – transfer year- end balance to general revenue.
2014 Convention – transfer year- end balance to general revenue.
MSC
SC 2014-36
that Synod Executive be authorized to make interim payments of the 2015 Column B
amounts during the 2015 fiscal year, if they are satisfied that the revenues will be
sufficient to support the Column B commitments.
MSC
SC 2014-37
that onBusiness Chartered Accountants Inc. be appointed as the auditor for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 2014.
MSC
SC 2014-39
that the Executive Committee be authorized to take action on the following items
prior to the April 2015 meeting of council:
2014 year-end adjustments of the Synod's restricted funds.
MSC
SC 2014-40
that the Bishop’s compensation for 2014 be approved as presented.
MSC
SC 2014-41
that the 2015-2017 Synod budget be approved with the following amendment:
Examination Committee $1,000 in 2015.
MSC
SC 2015-12
that $2,000 be allocated from the Aboriginal Outreach Fund to the Interchurch
Council on Hydropower.
MSC
SC 2015-15
that up to $1500 be made available from the Multiplying Ministries Fund to support
MNO active rostered members attending the Emotional Intelligence Worship being
offered by Lutheran Theological Seminary and Synod Executive be authorized to
review applications for the said scholarships and select recipients.
MSC
SC 2015-18
that up to $25, 000 be transferred from the Our Saviour’s Winnipeg Fund to the
Internship Fund.
Bulletin of Reports
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MSC
SC 2015-19
that the $12,000 allocation for the Joint Synod Internship Site as per SC 2014-31 be
increased to $45,000.
MSC
SC 2015-27
that Synod Executive be authorized to approve the 2014 Audited Financial
Statements.
MSC
SC 2015-28
that up to $12,000 be transferred from the Christ Winnipeg Fund to The Young Adult
Ministry Fund.
MSC
SC 2015 39
that the 2016 Mission as Hope Appeal package be approved as follows:
Ongoing Initiatives
- Assist LUM to provide short term employment opportunities
- Ten Week Web-based Scripture Study on Sunday texts
- Quarterly Stewardship Conferences through Lutheran Anglican
Network
- Support for Women in Leadership in Cameroon
- Support and enhance youth ministry development outside of
Winnipeg
New Initiatives
- Western Synod’s “Lay Academy” start-up costs
- Campus and Young Adult Ministry “House Gatherings”
- Preparations to commemorate 500th Anniversary of Reformation
- Truth & Reconciliation Commission recommendations follow-up
- Area Leadership Team Training Events
$5,000
$1,000
$2,000
$2,000
$5,000
$5,000
$2,000
$2,000
$3,000
$3,000
MSC
SC 2015 40
that the following adjustments be made to existing allocations under the Mission as
Hope New Initiatives Fund:
Live streaming (SC-2014-33)
$363.92
Beautiful Feet … (SC-2014-34)
1,840 .00
Theological Training … (SC 2014-34)
-312.68
Young Adult Min 2015 Plunge SC 2014-34)
1,000.00
Every Council Visit travel costs (SC 2014-34)
987.57
$3,878.81
MSC
SC 2015 41
that the following new initiatives be allocated funding from the Mission as Hope New
Initiatives Fund:
The Plunge, 2016
$3,000
Bishop’s Discretionary Fund
$2,500
Community Trauma Training Event
$500
MSC
SC 2015 42
that $3,000 be transferred from Youth Ministry Externally Restricted Fund (Christ,
Winnipeg donation) and 1,492.17 ( Faith, Winnipeg donation) to Young Adult
Ministry Externally Restricted fund to cover the expenses of the Young Adult Ministry
program up to the end of 2016.
Bulletin of Reports
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MSC
SC 2015 43
that Synod Executive be authorized to make interim payments of the 2016 Column B
amounts during the 2016 fiscal year, if they are satisfied that the revenues will be
sufficient to support the Column B commitments.
MSC
SC 2015 44
that the following 2015 year-end actions be taken with respect to the synod’s
restricted funds:
- Study Conference Fund: Fund year-end deficit from general revenues.
MSC
SC 2015 45
that the following ministry initiatives have been completed. Therefore their
associated restricted funds be closed, and their 2015 year-end balances transferred
to their closely related ongoing ministries as follows:
a. Youth Stewardship Initiative (Internally restricted): transfer balance to Youth
Ministry Fund (internally restricted)
b. Sofia Fund (externally restricted): transfer balance to Beautiful Feet Initiative
(externally restricted)
c. Multiplying Ministries (externally restricted): transfer balance to Lay Ministry
Workshops (externally restricted).
MSC
SC 2015 46
that OnBusiness Chartered Accountants Inc. be appointed as the auditor for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 2015.
MSC
SC 2015 48
that the Bishop’s compensation for 2016 be approved as presented.
MSC
SC 2015 49
that the 2016-2018 synod budgets be approved as amended (Line 14 changed from
$3,500. to $5,100 for 2016).
MSC
SC 2016-1E
that the following allocations from the CECF Special Projects Fund be approved:
- Faith, Winnipeg Habitat for Humanity Interfaith Housing Build Project ($7,500 for
house; $2,500 for media production)
- Redeemer, Brandon – Samaritan House Winter Shelter Project (matching grant
of $1000/year for a two year period)
- MNO Committee for Mission – Missional Network Project ($25,000/year for two
years)
BUDGET & FINANCE (Synod Executive Motions)
MSC
EX MAY-15-1E
that the 2015 audited financial statements be approved.
Bulletin of Reports
30
CONGREGATIONS & CONFERENCES (Synod Council Motions)
MSC
SC 2015-21
that the constitutional amendments proposed by Immanuel Lutheran Church,
Thunder Bay, to change their quorum be approved.
MSC
SC 2015-22
that the constitutional amendments proposed by Lutheran Church of the Cross,
Winnipeg, be approved.
MSC
SC 2015 36
that the merger of Immanuel Thunder Bay into Our Saviour’s Thunder Bay, be
approved.
MSC
SC 2015 37
that the Lutheran Urban Ministry funding appeal to congregational councils for
November 2015 be approved.
COMMITTEES & BOARDS (Synod Council Motions)
MSC
SC 2014-22E
that the Rev. Jason Zinko be appointed to Synod Council to fill the position vacated
by the Rev. Jennifer Marlor.
MSC
SC 2014-38
that we appoint Ken Patzer, Trinity, Thalberg to the Candidacy Committee for the
term ending 2018.
MSC
SC 2014-42
that the change to LV bylaw Section VI be approved as presented.
MSC
SC 2014-43E
that Darren Strecker be appointed to Luther Village Board of Directors for the term
December 2014 - February 2016 as a replacement for Debbie Ammeter-Sipley.
MSC
SC 2015-1E
that the Reverend David Lowe be appointed to the Board of Lutheran Theological
Seminary to complete the term of Pastor Les Skonnord (2012-2016).
MSC
SC 2015-2E
that Kristel Arnold and Ryan Kroeker be appointed to the Luther Village Board of
Directors for a term to expire February 2018.
MSC
SC 2015-13
that the following terms for Luther Village Board of Directors be approved: Jo-Ann
Welham, Secretary, renewal of term to 2018; Brock Pearce, renewal of term to
2018; Stephen Sauer, Vice-chair/Treasurer, renewal of term to 2017; Dale Clark,
Chair, renewal of term to 2018; and Wes Ammeter, Member at Large, term to 2018.
MSC
SC 2015-14
that the following persons be appointed to the Nominating Committee for a term
ending November 30, 2016: Rev. Matthew Diegel and Teri-Lynn Skakum.
MSC
SC 2015 38
that Jack Nixon be appointed to the board of Luther Village for a term ending
February 2018.
MSC
SC 2015 52
that the Young Adult and Campus Ministry responsibilities be moved from the
Mission Committee to the Youth Committee.
Bulletin of Reports
31
MSC
SC 2015 53
that the Church in Society committee be disbanded.
MSC
SC 2015 54
that synod staff in consultation with the former Church in Society Committee be
directed to create adhoc committees around social justice issues.
COMMITTEES & BOARDS (Synod Executive Motions)
MSC
EX Oct-15-5
that the following persons: Jennifer Jantz, Pastor Nancy Ringham, Melinda Pierce,
Pastor Erik Parker, Carey Buss and Pastor Bart Coleman; be appointed to the “Special
Projects” committee.
MSC
EX Oct-15-6
that Randall Klapratt be appointed to the Nominating Committee.
MSC
EX Feb-16-1
that Mark Koenker replace Bart Coleman on the Special Projects Committee.
MSC
EX Feb-16-2
that the Special Projects Committee be renamed “Acts of the MNO Committee.
MSC
EX Mar 16-3
that Helen Connelly, Ben Nickel and Jason Zinko be appointed to the Grants
Committee.
PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP (Synod Council Motions)
MSC
SC 2014 20 E
that David Saude be granted the status of retired, effective August 31, 2014.
MSC
SC 2014-21E
that a call to special service be issued by Synod Council to Deborah Kerr to serve as
pastor to Lutheran Urban Ministry, Winnipeg.
MSC
SC 2015-3E
that Reverend Terri-Ann Mattiasson be granted the status of retired, effective March
12, 2015.
MSC
SC 2015-10
that Mark Koenker be moved from “Temporarily Without Call” to “On Leave from
Call” effective May 31, 2015.
MSC
SC 2015-11
that Michele Barr be moved from “On Leave from Call” to “Removed from Roster” on
November 30, 2015, unless she receives and accepts a call before November 30,
2015.
MSC
SC 2015-16
that MNO Synod Council extend a Letter of Call to Special Services to Rev. Tyler
Gingrich to serve as Assistant to the Bishop – Youth and Young Adult Ministry for
50% time for a 3 year term beginning August 1, 2015.
MSC
SC 2015-17
that MNO Synod Council extend a Letter of Call to Special Services to Rev. Larry Ulrich
to serve as Assistant to the Bishop of Partnerships for 40 percent time, and Area
Bulletin of Reports
32
Leadership Coordinator for Brokenhead Shared Ministry Council for 40 percent time
for a 2 year term beginning June 1, 2015.
MSC
SC 2015-33
that Deacon Michele Barr be issued a half time call to special services as Chaplain of
Pembina Place Mennonite Personal Care Home, effective November 23, 2015.
MSC
SC 2015-34
that Rev. Claire Speary be granted the status of “Retired” effective December 31,
2015.
MSC
SC 2015 -35
that Rev. Mark Tiefenbach be moved from Temporarily Without Call to On Leave
From Call First Year, effective November 30, 2015
.
MSC
SC 2015 47
that the 2017/2018 Minimum Compensation Guidelines as presented be
recommended to the 2016 Convention for approval.
PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP (Synod Executive Motions)
MSC
EX July-15-2
that Erwin Tippel be moved from active to retired effective July 31st, 2015.
MSC
EX July-15-3
that Glen Krentz be moved from active to retired effective November 24, 2015.
MSC
EX Oct-15-4
that Kolleen Karlowsky-Clark be moved from active to retired effective December
31st, 2015.
CONVENTION (Synod Council Motions)
MSC
SC 2014-30
that the 16th Biennial Convention of the MNO Synod be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran
Church in Steinbach, dates to be determined.
MSC
SC 2015 60
that the dates of the 2016 Synod Convention be April 21-23, 2016.
MSC
SC 2015 61
that the 2016 Synod Convention Agenda be approved as presented.
MSC
SC 2015 62
that the following registration fees and travel reimbursement be set for the 2016
MNO Synod Convention:
$400 – Lay & Rostered Delegates **
$110 – Visitors
$25 – Fee for late registration
** The following delegates may attend at no fee:
- Rostered Ministers:
- Retirees not serving interim appointments
- On Leave from Call & Temporarily Without Call
- Where calling agency does not pay convention fee
- Lutherans serving ACC congregations
- Youth Assembly Delegates.
Bulletin of Reports
33
MSC
SC 2015 63
that the travel reimbursement and hotel policy for the 2016 Synod Convention be as
follows:
- Delegates travelling more than 100 kms. to the convention site shall be entitled to
travel compensation of 20 cents per km. for the driver plus 3 cents per passenger
(who must be a delegate) for kms. driven over 100 kms. each way
- Delegates travelling by air to convention will be entitled to reimbursement of
economy airfare.
- Delegates travelling more than 100 km to the convention site shall be entitled to a
paid convention hotel room (double occupancy).
Bulletin of Reports
34
TREASURER’S REPORT TO THE 2016 MNO SYNOD CONVENTION
This is my final report as Synod Treasurer. Looking back on my two terms, it has been a very active time
for the Synod. We have weathered some storms, and we have accomplished some great things. All in all,
I have great confidence that the church will find a way to thrive, no matter the circumstances. Having
served for two full terms, it is time for you to select another pair of capable hands to accept the
responsibility of helping the Synod advance its mission. Thank you for allowing me to serve the church in
this capacity for these last 8 years.
There are 3 parts to this treasurer’s report:
1. Overview, where I comment on the broad sweep of things since 2008 and into the future. It’s
important to always keep the long view in mind, both forward and back.
2. 2015 Discussion and Analysis, where I comment in detail on the Synod’s 2015 financial results,
comparison to budget, etc. Even if you’re not especially interested in the numbers, I hope you’ll
read through this section of the report, just to get a sense of the broad array of mission
and ministry that the Synod undertakes. The Synod supports a tremendous amount of work,
and the range is both deep and wide. Nearly all of it gets mentioned in the financial statements.
3. 2015 Financial Statements (Audited for the Synod, Reviewed for the Foundation). This is for
the serious number crunchers in the crowd.
OVERVIEW
The Synod lives with the same financial circumstances that affect most congregations: declining financial
resources. Congregational benevolence has declined by over 17% since 2008. For the Synod, that’s
about $103,000 less per year – about the cost of 1 ½ rostered staff. We don’t mope around about it – we
use the resources we’re blessed with to the limits of our ability. We face our reality head on, and the
choices have not been easy: staff reductions, wage freezes, reductions to mission partners, and
programming cuts have all been part of the process over the years.
We have been determined to stay ahead of the decline in revenue, and we have succeeded. In spite of
declining benevolence, we have been able to build up our contingency reserve from a mere $1,000 in
2008 up to nearly $42,000 in 2015. This gives us much needed financial strength to handle the bumps
in the road which undoubtedly lie ahead.
But that is not the real story of the Synod over these past few years. We are not just grimly marching
forward, managing decline. The real story is one of tremendous successes in new mission and ministry
areas, and the support the Synod has been able to give to MNO congregations to allow them to try new
things. Congregations and individuals have donated over $290,000 to the Synod’s Mission as Hope Appeal
since its inception in 2009. This has allowed the Synod to devote nearly $111,000 to the Mission as Hope
New Initiatives Fund. The beauty of this fund is that it allows the Synod to support new ideas and give
them a chance to germinate, even in the face of declining financial resources. It forces us to look beyond
the sterile idea of “funding what we have always funded, but always a little bit less.” Mission as Hope has
Bulletin of Reports
35
fast become a cornerstone of the Synod’s work with and for the congregations of the MNO Synod.
With God’s help, the MNO congregations and the Synod share a bright future together, whether there is
a little or a lot in the offering plate.
2015 DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
If you want to see how much mission work is undertaken through the Synod Office, look at the financial
statements.
That is a phrase I’ll bet you never thought you’d hear. But there is something to it – every single dollar
the Synod receives, spends, gives away, or retains shows up somewhere in the financial statements. We
had expenses and/or distributions of about $918,000 dollars in 2015. That funds a lot of work!
Unfortunately, financial statements are not always the easiest things to read. To help, I’ve written this
Discussion and Analysis, based on figures from the financial statements of the Synod and the MNO Synod
Foundation.
2015 Highlights
•
Congregational Benevolence was $18,255 below budget. That is a miss of about 3.5%, which
doesn’t sound like much, but consider that $18,255 represents about 44% of our contingency
reserve of $41,771. If we were not taking the appropriate steps to match our expenditures to
our revenue, we would be running out of funds in fairly short order. Rest assured that we take
those steps, even when they are difficult to swallow. I have got to learn to stop mixing my
metaphors!
•
Budgeted Expenses were $32,938 below budget, largely due to:
o Reduced staff costs ($14,160)
o Reduced payments to Mission Partners (National Church, LTS, LUM, Luther Village) due to
our failure to reach budgeted congregational benevolence ($11,012)
•
•
o Program Committee underspending ($8,130)
Overall operating surplus of $11,979, compared to our (intentionally) budgeted deficit of ($7,500).
The surplus was allocated as follows:
o To Mission as Hope New Initiatives Fund: $8,968 (approximately 75%)
o To Unrestricted Funds (our contingency reserve): $3,011 (approximately 25%)
Our unrestricted fund balance is now $41,771. (Up from just $1,071 in 2008)
Bulletin of Reports
36
Revenue
The starting point, of course, is revenue. Our 2015 operating budget revenue is as follows:
A
2015
Base
Budget
Line #
1
2
3
4
5
6
RECEIPTS
BENEVOLENCE FROM CONGREGATIONS
MISSION AS HOPE APPEAL
FOUNDATION INCOME GRANT
INTEREST INCOME
TOTAL RECEIPTS
480,000
22,000
15,000
5,000
522,000
B
2015
Additional
Budget
20,000
5,000
25,000
2015
Total
Budget
2015
Total
Actual
500,000
27,000
15,000
5,000
547,000
481,745
28,385
15,000
8,411
533,541
2015
Total
Variance
(-18,255)
1,385
0
3,411
(-13,459)
Congregational Benevolence was $18,255 below budget. That is a miss of about 3.5%, which doesn’t
sound like much, but consider that $18,255 represents about 44% of our contingency reserve of $41,771.
If we were not taking the appropriate steps to match our expenditures to our revenue, we would be
running out of funds in fairly short order. One result of the shortfall is that the Synod’s payments to National
Church were lower than we had budgeted. We forward 26% of congregational benevolence directly to
National Church, so their payment was $4,747 lower than we budgeted for.
Budgeted Spending
Congregational benevolence provides the lion’s share of the funding for our budgeted spending.
Budgeted spending is the meat and potatoes of the Synod’s work in the church. It includes:
•
•
•
•
•
payroll for the Bishop and staff (Assistant to the Bishop, Executive Assistant,
Communications Coordinator)
National Church benevolence (The primary funding mechanism for the National Church
Office is benevolence payments from the Synods)
Direct Mission Support to our partners in mission (e.g. Lutheran Theological Seminary,
Lutheran Urban Ministry, Luther Village, etc.)
Program Committees
Office costs, travel costs, etc.
So how did we spend all that money? We spent $32,938 less than we budgeted for. This was largely due
to:
•
Reduced Staff Costs ($14,160). These savings have arisen from the transition of
Assistants to the Bishop that occurred during the year, as well as some savings from GSI
on the health, dental, and long term disability benefits programs.
Bulletin of Reports
37
•
Program Committee underspending ($8,130). Notable items here are the savings by the
Mission Committee, and the Church and Society committee, who each underspent their
budgets by approximately $3,000.
•
Reduced payments to National Church (4,747). Due to our failure to reach budgeted
congregational benevolence. We pay 26% of congregational benevolence directly to
National Church, so when congregational benevolence came in $18,255 below budget,
our contribution to National Church was reduced by $4,747 accordingly.
•
Reduced Payments to other Mission Partners ($6,265). Because we did not reach our
full “Column B Additional Budget” revenue target, the Column B portion of the budgeted
payments to our Mission Partners (Lutheran Theological Seminary, Lutheran Urban
Ministry, and Luther Village) were all scaled back proportionally.
Here’s a look at the details:
A
2015
Base
Budget
Line #
7
2015
Total
Budget
2015
Total
Actual
2015
Total
Variance
130,000
40,000
20,000
20,000
125,253
37,091
18,322
18,322
(-4,747)
(-2,909)
(-1,678)
(-1,678)
5,000
5,500
1,500
3,700
500
5,000
5,500
1,500
3,700
500
2,032
2,192
1,349
2,481
16
(-2,968)
(-3,308)
(-151)
(-1,219)
(-484)
253,500
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
1,500
253,500
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
1,500
1,000
100
6,850
239,340
33,473
20,857
5,664
4,304
193
1,542
553
544
8,034
(-14,160)
(-2,777)
857
1,064
(-196)
(-1,307)
1,542
(-447)
(-100)
544
1,184
554,500
521,562
(-32,938)
EXPENSES
8
9
10
11
12
DIRECT MISSION SUPPORT
BENEVOLENCE TO NATIONAL CHURCH
LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
LUTHERAN URBAN MINISTRY
LUTHER VILLAGE
13
14
15
16
17
18
PROGRAM COMMITTEES
MISSION
CHURCH AND SOCIETY
CANDIDACY
YOUTH MINISTRY
AD HOC COMMITTEES
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
GENERAL EXPENSES
SALARY COSTS
OFFICE EXPENSES
STAFF TRAVEL
SYNOD COUNCIL
CANADA LUTHERAN, MNO INSERT
DEANS' MEETINGS
STUDY CONFERENCE SUPPLEMENT
EXAMINATIONS COMMITTEE
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
CAR LOAN INTEREST
DEPRECIATION
31
B
2015
Additional
Budget
TOTAL EXPENSES
Bulletin of Reports
124,800
32,250
15,000
15,000
1,000
100
6,850
531,550
5,200
7,750
5,000
5,000
-
22,950
38
Restricted Fund Spending (Deferred Contributions and Internally Restricted Funds)
In addition to our regular budgeted spending, which is funded primarily by annual congregational
benevolence donations, the Synod also maintains a number of restricted funds that have been designated
for specific purposes. We track these funds separately from our general budget, and we show the activity
in the audited financial statements.
Each fund may have an internally restricted component and/or an externally restricted component. If the
use of a particular donation was designated by the donor, then it is called Externally Restricted. These are
shown on the audited financial statements as “Deferred Revenue”. If the use of the funds was
designated by Synod Council, then it is called Internally Restricted. The difference between Internal and
External is that Synod Council can change its mind, and “re‐purpose” Internally Restricted funds.
However, no one, not even the donor, can change the purpose of an Externally Restricted Fund.
Here’s what we did with our restricted funds in 2015:
Church Extension Capital Fund
Opening Balance
Dec 31/2014
$102,269
Our Saviours Winnipeg Closure
$153,821
Restricted Fund
CECF - Acts of the MNO
$0
Money Received in
2015
$63,126
Money Disbursed
in 2015
($34,652)
Closing Balance
Dec 31, 2015
$130,743
($27,664)
$126,157
$100,000
$100,000
Canadian Mission Development
$66,400
$66,400
Internships
$21,784
Youth Ministries
$50,889
Cameroon Appeal
$34,726
First Call Program - Western Synods
$44,934
Student Aid
$21,857
$427
Mission as Hope New Initiatives
$42,652
$8,968
($29,412)
Companion Synod
$8,445
Young Adult Ministries
$2,528
$19,291
($15,413)
Brokenhead Shared Ministry
$0
$27,000
($20,786)
$6,214
St. Johns Snow Lake Closure
$4,196
($415)
$3,781
$17,294
$39,078
($16,380)
$34,509
$7,285
($8,263)
$33,748
$16,500
($33,922)
$27,512
$22,284
$22,208
$8,445
$6,406
Young Adult Ministries - the Plunge
$0
$3,000
$3,000
Lay Ministry
$0
$2,823
$2,823
Bishop's Discretionary
$606
$1,906
$2,512
Beautiful Feet Initiative
$0
$1,320
$1,320
Small and Struggling Congregations
Cameroon Mission - Women in
Leadership, Canada Trip
Compassionate Justice Initiatives
$493
$493
$713
$5,000
$0
$5,449
($5,713)
$0
($5,449)
$0
Multiplying Ministries
$2,713
($2,713)
$0
Aboriginal Outreach
$2,000
($2,000)
$0
Youth Stewardship
$1,832
($1,832)
$0
Faith Winnipeg Mission
$1,492
($1,492)
$0
$511
($511)
$0
($206,617)
$637,633
Sophia Fund
Total
Bulletin of Reports
$564,861
$279,389
39
Some funds that warrant further explanation:
•
Church Extension Capital Fund. This fund is for regional CECF expenditures. Money is
transferred into this fund from the National CECF fund, based on the interest earned by
the National CECF fund. The regional expenditures are administered by the Synod’s
Mission Committee based on program guidelines from the National CECF fund.
•
CECF – Acts of the MNO. In 2015 the ELCIC National Church Council approved a gift of
$200,000 over 2 years to each synod to “imagine a future” in a changed context, living
out God’s will in new ways. These funds are to be used for activities that are
experimental in sprit and genuinely seek to explore what it means to participate in God’s
mission in the world today. You can read more about this initiative in the Staff Report.
•
Mission as Hope New Initiatives Fund. Mission as Hope is the banner under which we
have undertaken much of our new mission work. It began in 2009 with the Mission as
Hope Appeal. This replaced the former “Consolidated Synod Appeal”. It was meant to
provide funding for a combination of new and existing ministries. The Mission as Hope
Appeal has been hugely successful, raising approximately $260,000 since its inception.
This is well ahead of the performance of the old Consolidated Synod Appeal. Clearly, the
“new mission” aspect of the Mission as Hope Appeal has struck a chord with
congregations and members. The success of the Mission as Hope Appeal has allowed
the Synod to create the Mission as Hope New Initiatives Fund. $110,762 has been
designated to this fund since its inception in 2009. $93,638 has already been allocated to
specific new ministries, leaving $17,124 still available to fund new projects. Each year,
we transfer 75% of our operating surplus to the Fund ($8,968 in 2015.)
•
First Call Program. This fund is administered by the MNO Synod on behalf of all of the
Western Synods. It is funded by congregations who have called newly ordained/
consecrated ministers.
•
Our Saviour’s Winnipeg Closure and St. John’s Snow Lake Closure. These funds arise
from the closure of these congregations. The funds are being held in restricted funds
pending a decision by Synod Council on the distribution and use of the funds.
Bulletin of Reports
40
Flow‐Through Donations (Directed Income)
This is where congregations forward us money specifically to be forwarded directly along to other mission
partners. The best known example is probably Canadian Lutheran World Relief, but there are a host of
others. The Synod passes these donations along dollar for dollar:
Mission Partner
Donated in 2015
Donated in 2014
Canadian Lutheran World Relief
100,509
87,669
Lutheran Urban Mission (“the Urban”)
36,561
33,307
World Missions (ELCIC)
14,587
21,211
Lutheran Association of Missionary Pilots (LAMP)
12,551
7,496
Luther Village
7,320
7,018
ELCIC Praise Appeal
4,400
4,691
ELCIC Reformation Challenge
2,244
Lutheran Theological Seminary
1,799
2,115
Other Donations
2,143
3,748
Total
182,114
167,255
It is nice to see a modest increase in these flow through donations year over year. It shows that even in
times of financial stress, congregations rise to the occasion of need.
MNO Synod Foundation
On top of all of the activity described above, we must not forget the MNO Synod Foundation. The purpose
of the Foundation is to receive and manage planned gifts (such as bequests) on behalf of the Synod. These
assets are then used to support the mission and ministry of the Synod.
As of Dec 31, 2015, the Foundation had $410,837 in assets. These assets are allocated as follows:
Foundation Fund
Unrestricted Funds
Youth
Other Liabilities
Total
Dec 31, 2015
337,002
72,089
1,746
410,837
In 2015, the Foundation awarded a Synod Income Grant of $15,000 to the Synod. The purpose of the
Synod Income Grant is to avoid further cuts in mission and/or programming that would otherwise be
required in the face of declining revenues. This grant is funded from the investment income of the
Foundation. The Foundation has committed to extending this annual grant through 2018.
Bulletin of Reports
41
So, what’s our overall financial health like?
We have been making steady progress towards financial health over the past 7 years. We have run small
surpluses each year, representing about 1% of congregational benevolence annually. We have been
intentionally budgeting for modest surpluses as a way of slowly rebuilding our unrestricted fund
balance to a reasonable level. This is becoming more difficult as time passes. In 2015, we budgeted for a
modest deficits, although we finished the year with a modest surplus.
In 2016 through 2018, we continue to budget modest surpluses. But if congregational benevolence
continues to come in at 2015 levels (or worse, if it continues to decline) it will be nearly impossible for the
Synod to maintain balanced budgets without significant cuts to the Synod’s work. The Synod remains
committed to operating in a financially responsible way. We recognize that congregational funding is
under stress, and therefore we will continue to scale our Synod expenditures to match the available
funding.
The “bottom line” measure of our financial health is our unrestricted fund balance. This represents the
contingency reserve we have available should we face unexpected expenses or revenue shortfalls.
However, more is not necessarily better. Too low, and you risk having to renege on previous commitments
if you have an unexpected expense or a revenue shortfall. Too high means that assets are sitting idle
unnecessarily, instead of working.
So what’s the right target size for our unrestricted funds? That’s a judgement call. I think $60,000 is about
right for an organization of our size and scope. As of Dec 31, 2015, we had $41,771. So, while we’re not
quite there yet, it is a big improvement over the mere $1,071 we had as of Dec 31, 2008.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the financial statements, please feel free to contact Allan Francis, MNO
Synod Treasurer. I can be reached on my mobile phone at 204‐981‐5080, or by e‐mail at
[email protected].
Bulletin of Reports
42
MNO SYNOD
For presentation to Synod Convention
Income Statement
April 21, 2016
2015
A
2015
Base
Budget
Line #
7
B
2015
Additional
Budget
2015
Total
Budget
2015
Total
Actual
2015
Total
Variance
130,000
40,000
20,000
20,000
125,253
37,091
18,322
18,322
(-4,747)
(-2,909)
(-1,678)
(-1,678)
5,000
5,500
1,500
3,700
500
5,000
5,500
1,500
3,700
500
2,032
2,192
1,349
2,481
16
(-2,968)
(-3,308)
(-151)
(-1,219)
(-484)
253,500
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
1,500
253,500
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
1,500
1,000
100
6,850
239,340
33,473
20,857
5,664
4,304
193
1,542
553
544
8,034
(-14,160)
(-2,777)
857
1,064
(-196)
(-1,307)
1,542
(-447)
(-100)
544
1,184
554,500
521,562
(-32,938)
EXPENSES
8
9
10
11
12
DIRECT MISSION SUPPORT
LUTHER VILLAGE
13
14
15
16
17
18
PROGRAM COMMITTEES
MISSION
CHURCH AND SOCIETY
CANDIDACY
YOUTH MINISTRY
AD HOC COMMITTEES
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
GENERAL EXPENSES
SALARY COSTS
OFFICE EXPENSES
STAFF TRAVEL
SYNOD COUNCIL
DEANS' MEETINGS
CAR LOAN INTEREST
DEPRECIATION
31
TOTAL EXPENSES
32
OPERATING SURPLUS (DEFICIT)
33
34
35
OPERATING SURPLUS TO BE DIVIDED AS FOLLOWS:
TO MISSION AS HOPE NEW INITIATIVES
TO CONTINENCY RESERVE
124,800
32,250
15,000
15,000
1,000
100
6,850
531,550
(-9,550)
5,200
7,750
5,000
5,000
-
22,950
2,050
(-7,500)
11,979
19,479
75%
25%
0
(-7,500)
8,968
3,011
8,968
10,511
Notes:
Column B payments would be made on a pro-rata basis up to the Total Budget maximums shown.
If congregational benevolence exceeds Total Budget, National Church will recieve 26% of this excess until total National
Church benevolence reaches $150,000. Further National Church benevolence payments would be subject to Synod
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2016 – 2018 Synod Budgets
November, 2015
For Synod Council Approval
November 2, 2015
•
Congregational Benevolence ($500,000) and Mission as Hope Appeal ($27,000) have both remained
steady over the past few years, so we are budgeting the same for 2016 through 2018. This represents a
deterioration in real terms, because of the effect of inflation over the past several years.
•
Flat revenues in the face of increasing costs have forced us to make some structural adjustments to our
expenses. These are described in the table below. The rest of our expense line items remain largely
unchanged (although we can buy less for the same dollars).
•
These changes result in modest budget surpluses in each of the 3 years.
•
The detailed budgets for 2016 – 2018 are attached. Here are some of the key changes:
Idea
Interest Income
We are projecting $2,500 more of interest income, based on our recent results.
Basically, we’ve had a few more dollars earning interest in our accounts, so our actual
interest income has been consistently exceeding our budgets.
We propose to fund LUM’s usual $20,000 from the Our Saviour’s Winnipeg closure
fund for 2016. We will return to funding it directly from the Synod budget in 2017
and beyond. This gives the Synod breathing room to operate until the cost savings
from payroll costs kick in in 2017 and 2018 (see below.)
Interfaith Partnerships/Church in Society Committee
For many years, the Synod has been funding several Interfaith Partnerships through
the Church in Society Committee. We are proposing to fund those partnerships
directly from the Synod budget at the same levels, but to wind up the Church in
Society Committee. This is part of a longer term plan to revamp the Synod’s
committee structure to carry out our mission for effectively.
Payroll Costs
Our payroll costs will be $5,500 higher than 2015, reflecting a 2% salary increase.
Larry will be leaving his part-time position part way through 2017, so there will be a
part-year reduction in payroll costs in 2017, and a full-year reduction in payroll costs
in 2018. We are also budgeting for 2% annual salary increases throughout the
budgeting period.
Deans’ Meetings
We are not budgeting for Dean’s Meetings in 2016 and beyond. Instead, there will be
Area Leadership Team meetings that will use conference call technology rather than
travel.
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Change from
2015 Budget
+$2,500
No reduction
to LUM
-$20,000 to
Synod budget
in 2016
No change to
interfaith
partnership
payments
-$2,000 from
winding up
Church in
Society
Committee
+$5,500 in
2016
-$7,500 in
2017
-$19,500 in
2018
-$1,500
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Idea
Examinations Committee
This committee will only need one member for 2016 and 2017, so the travel expenses
are reduced accordingly.
Nominations Committee
We are dropping this line item from the budget because the Nominations Committee
has been doing its work on line or by telephone, so the budget has not been required.
Car Loan Interest
We have added this line item to the budget to reflect the interest we are paying on
the loan. It was not a budget item in 2015 because the decision to purchase the
vehicle was made after the 2015 budget was approved.
Depreciation
Depreciation is increasing by $950 per year, to reflect the depreciation on some new
computer equipment that has been purchased. This is a non-cash expense, but it is
important to keep track of, because otherwise we could find ourselves with worn out
equipment and insufficient unrestricted funds available to replace it.
•
Change from
2015 Budget
-$1,000 in
2016 and 2017
-100
+$600
+$950
Unfortunately, Allan Francis will not be available to attend the upcoming Council meeting. If anyone has
any questions about the budget, please feel free to contact him at any time, at (204) 981-5080, or at
[email protected].
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MNO SYNOD
SYNOD BUDGET
November 2, 2015
2016 - 2018
2015
Total
Budget
Line #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
RECEIPTS
INTEREST INCOME
OTHER INCOME
TOTAL RECEIPTS
8
EXPENSES
9
10
11
12
13
14
PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT
LUTHER VILLAGE
INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIPS
15
16
17
18
19
20
PROGRAM COMMITTEES
MISSION
CHURCH IN SOCIETY
CANDIDACY
YOUTH MINISTRY
AD HOC COMMITTEES
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
GENERAL EXPENSES
SALARY COSTS
OFFICE EXPENSES
STAFF TRAVEL
SYNOD COUNCIL
DEANS' MEETINGS
CAR LOAN INTEREST
DEPRECIATION
2015
Forecast
Actual
2016
Total
Budget
2017
Total
Budget
2018
Total
Budget
500,000
27,000
15,000
5,000
0
547,000
500,000
27,000
15,000
7,500
(-1,600)
547,900
500,000
27,000
15,000
7,500
0
549,500
500,000
27,000
15,000
7,500
0
549,500
500,000
27,000
15,000
7,500
0
549,500
130,000
40,000
20,000
20,000
130,000
40,000
20,000
20,000
130,000
40,000
0
20,000
3,500
130,000
40,000
20,000
20,000
3,500
130,000
40,000
20,000
20,000
3,500
5,000
5,500
1,500
3,700
500
2,500
3,600
1,600
3,700
250
5,000
0
1,500
3,700
500
5,000
0
1,500
3,700
500
5,000
0
1,500
3,700
500
253,500
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
1,500
0
1,000
100
0
6,850
253,500
35,000
20,000
5,200
4,500
200
0
600
0
600
8,000
258,000
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
0
1,500
1,000
0
600
7,800
246,000
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
0
0
1,000
0
600
7,600
234,000
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
0
0
2,000
0
600
7,400
33
TOTAL EXPENSES
554,500
549,250
538,450
544,750
533,550
34
(-7,500)
(-1,350)
11,050
4,750
15,950
35
36
37
OPERATING SURPLUS TO BE DIVIDED AS FOLLOWS
To Mission as Hope New Initiatives
To Contingency Reserve
(-7,500)
0
(-1,350)
8,288
2,762
3,563
1,187
11,963
3,987
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MNO SYNOD
SYNOD BUDGET
November 2, 2015
2016
A
2016
Base
Budget
Line #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
RECEIPTS
INTEREST INCOME
OTHER INCOME
TOTAL RECEIPTS
8
EXPENSES
9
10
11
12
13
14
PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT
LUTHER VILLAGE
15
16
17
18
19
20
PROGRAM COMMITTEES
MISSION
CHURCH AND SOCIETY
CANDIDACY
YOUTH MINISTRY
AD HOC COMMITTEES
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
GENERAL EXPENSES
SALARY COSTS
OFFICE EXPENSES
STAFF TRAVEL
SYNOD COUNCIL
DEANS' MEETINGS
CAR LOAN INTEREST
DEPRECIATION
33
TOTAL EXPENSES
34
35
36
37
B
2016
Additional
Budget
480,000
22,000
15,000
7,500
20,000
5,000
524,500
25,000
124,800
32,250
15,000
3,500
5,200
7,750
5,000
5,000
1,500
3,700
500
4,000
Comments
500,000 Based on 2015 levels
15,000
549,500
130,000 26% of cong benev, max of 150K
40,000
$20K funded from Our Saviour's fund
20,000
3,500 See list of partnerships below
5,000
1,500
3,700
500
258,000
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
1,500
1,000
600
7,800
520,500
2016
Total
Budget
258,000 2% salary increases
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
1,500 includes $500 carryover from 2013/2014
1,000
600
7,800
17,950
7,050
75%
25%
538,450
11,050
Operating surplus to be divided as follows
8,288 To Mission as Hope New Initiatives
2,762 To Contingency Reserve
Notes:
Church benevolence reaches $150,000. Further National Church benevolence payments would be subject to Synod Council
review and approval.
Interfaith Partnerships: Manitoba Interfaith Council, Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, Jubilee Economic Initiatives,
Initiatives for Just Communities, Interfaith Task Force on Northern Hydro Development.
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MNO SYNOD
SYNOD BUDGET
2017
A
2017
Base
Budget
Line #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
RECEIPTS
INTEREST INCOME
OTHER INCOME
TOTAL RECEIPTS
8
EXPENSES
9
10
11
12
13
14
PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT
LUTHER VILLAGE
15
16
17
18
19
20
PROGRAM COMMITTEES
MISSION
CHURCH AND SOCIETY
CANDIDACY
YOUTH MINISTRY
AD HOC COMMITTEES
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
GENERAL EXPENSES
SALARY COSTS
OFFICE EXPENSES
STAFF TRAVEL
SYNOD COUNCIL
DEANS' MEETINGS
CAR LOAN INTEREST
DEPRECIATION
33
TOTAL EXPENSES
34
35
36
37
November 2, 2015
B
2017
Additional
Budget
480,000
22,000
15,000
7,500
20,000
5,000
524,500
25,000
124,800
32,250
15,000
15,000
3,500
5,200
7,750
5,000
5,000
5,000
1,500
3,700
500
15,000
549,500
40,000
20,000
20,000
246,000 2% salary increase, Assistant .4 position 6 months
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
Occurs every 3 years ($1,000 scheduled for 2019)
1,000
600
7,600
1,000
600
7,600
2,700
Comments
5,000
1,500
3,700
500
246,000
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
-
521,800
2017
Total
Budget
22,950
2,050
75%
25%
544,750
4,750
Notes:
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MNO SYNOD
SYNOD BUDGET
2018
A
2018
Base
Budget
Line #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
RECEIPTS
INTEREST INCOME
OTHER INCOME
TOTAL RECEIPTS
8
EXPENSES
9
10
11
12
13
14
PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT
LUTHER VILLAGE
15
16
17
18
19
20
PROGRAM COMMITTEES
MISSION
CHURCH AND SOCIETY
CANDIDACY
YOUTH MINISTRY
AD HOC COMMITTEES
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
GENERAL EXPENSES
SALARY COSTS
OFFICE EXPENSES
STAFF TRAVEL
SYNOD COUNCIL
DEANS' MEETINGS
CAR LOAN INTEREST
DEPRECIATION
33
TOTAL EXPENSES
34
35
36
37
November 2, 2015
B
2018
Additional
Budget
480,000
22,000
15,000
7,500
20,000
5,000
524,500
25,000
124,800
32,250
15,000
15,000
3,500
5,200
7,750
5,000
5,000
5,000
1,500
3,700
500
15,000
549,500
40,000
20,000
20,000
234,000 2% salary increase No Assistant position
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
Occurs every 3 years ($1,000 scheduled for 2019)
2,000
600
7,400
2,000
600
7,400
13,900
Comments
5,000
1,500
3,700
500
234,000
36,250
20,000
4,600
4,500
-
510,600
2018
Total
Budget
22,950
2,050
75%
25%
533,550
15,950
Notes:
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REPORTS OF THE PROGRAM COMMITTEES
Candidacy Committee
Committee members are:
Bishop Elaine Sauer (advisor)
Cameron Harder (LTS liaison)
Annemarie MacIntosh (chair)
Donna Breyfogle (secretary)
Robert Dojack
Ken Patzer
Trudy Thorarinson
Bev Wahl
2nd term
1st term
1st term
1st term
1st term (not seeking re-appointment)
1st term
The committee normally meets twice a year, Spring and Fall, and occasionally deals with a business item via
email ballot. Once a year, normally in the Spring, we meet personally with candidates. Relators assigned to
each candidate maintain communications in the interim.
Highlights of 2014-2015:
 There are several laypeople in the MNO synod currently taking advantage of courses through
LTS, and other programs. In all, about 10 names were brought forward as potential candidates
for diaconal or ordained ministry. Most were contacted, other contacts are pending. At this time
none have taken the step to register with the Candidacy Committee. Though that’s the case, it is
gratifying, and edifying, to see the yearning and the commitment to attend to one’s spiritual
renewal; and to know that these people are contributing to the sharing of the gospel in their
contexts.
 We currently have three rostered ministry candidates in process: one close to finishing all
requirements and pending endorsement for colloquy; one ongoing in part-time studies; and
one, recently endorsed, anticipating academic programs at LTS this Fall.
 The committee prepared a presentation to the MNO Annual Study Conference about their work
and the importance of everyone’s participation in identifying and encouraging future rostered
leaders.
 There are currently no diaconal ministry candidates in the official stream.
 LTS and the western synods employed (1/2 time) a dedicated recruitment staffer—Pastor Tim
Wray—to assist in coordinating a more intentional process and support system for identifying
and recruiting new candidates.
What God is calling our Committee to plan and work for 2016-2017:
 We are called to help identify, support, evaluate and endorse candidates for rostered ministry
leadership in the ELCIC. Committee members are passionate about their mandate, and their
role to ensure the best outcomes for candidates and for future ministries in which they’ll be
engaged.
 Greater connection with congregations and other means to help identify and recruit candidates
remains a goal.
 We are aware that, as the demographic of pastors in our synod weighs more heavily in the
upper age brackets, 60+, recruitment efforts need to continue. This is not just so we can replace
ourselves, but also so that the potential for sharing of the good news of Jesus Christ is expanded
in our time and place.
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


It is also clear that as the church in the world (including our piece of it) is undergoing change.
New ways of thinking about how congregations and ministries are organized, along with some
new, adaptive ways delivering education for future leaders are needed. This work has begun at
the national level with the Program Committee for Leadership for Ministry (PCLM), and is
ongoing in our synod. It is a time of questioning and searching and seeing what new things are
possible/called for. This work is greater than the mandate of one committee, and involves us all.
Our meetings begin and conclude in the state of prayer. Important decisions are preceded by
prayers for wisdom and guidance. As our work involves the development of rostered ministers
for the church, the connection to enabling and strengthening people for discipleship, through
work on the committee, through endorsing candidates for leadership, is an outcome.
As we identify recruits and accompany the candidates in our care, we become more fully aware
of the variety and abundance of gifts for Christ’s mission in the world. Our hearts grow! Our
thanks and appreciation go to all who are willing to give their time, talents and treasures to this
work, both candidates and committee members.
On behalf of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
Most sincerely,
Annemarie MacIntosh, chair
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Members whose term expired:
David Chell, Carol Bilinski, David Kaminski
Current Members:
Chair: Pastor David Lowe
Secretary: Mara Rozitis,
Caroline Wintoniw,
Pastor Cathy Giroux,
Tom Dojack,
Ethel Mair
Meeting Dates:
April 5, 2014 and October 25, 2014
April 11, 2015 and October 3, 2015
The world around us is changing. Our structures and understanding of ministry are changing. The
church of the future will have a different feel, and different look, and a different way of doing things
than the church of today. Underlying these changes is a clear understanding that God is preparing
us and equipping us to the do the ministry we have been called to undertake.
The role of leadership in our church and our reliance on the current model of ordained ministry is
changing. There will be a stronger understanding of leadership coming out of a baptismal
understanding of the priesthood of all believers. The role of the clergy will be greatly changed and
there will be fewer of them to go around. In the midst of this God of Creation is still calling ministry
into being, and as God proclaimed after each act of creation in Genesis, still proclaims “It is good.”
We are facing interesting times. Interesting times lead to opportunities for ministry and living a life
in the abundance and spirit which God calls us into being. Our Society is much older, those aged 15
years and under are fewer in number than those over 60. Not only are the youth not coming out like
they used to, there aren’t as many of them. Immigration is much more diverse and not from the
European regions which brought Lutherans to our shore. We must find ways that there is
meaningful conversation and reconciliation with our First Nations Brothers and sisters.
The role of the Mission Committee is to support and to help develop ideas that further our purpose,
our mission now and into the future. Over the past few years our synod has identified Four areas of
Focus. This is how the mission committee supported the mission of the synod in the past Biennium.
\
Strengthening all God’s people for discipleship
 Held a “Knock on Wood” Neighbourhood survey in Waverly West May 28 and June 4
 June 8 & 9 – Hosted two presenters on Alan Roxborugh’s work on the missional church and
how it is being implemented in BC and Alta Synods. June 8 was for lay people. It was held at
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. June 9 was held in Pinawa in advance of the Professional
leadership Conference
 Paid for a fourth person to attend Vital Congregations Conference in Niagara Falls. National
church funded 3 delegates, we funded the fourth
Embracing Passionately a call to spiritual renewal through: prayer, study, scripture,
worship, give ,tell service.
 Supported Bishop Ngozo’s visit to our Synod.
 Sent four people to National Consultation on Congregational Health and renewal.
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 Larry to present to synod Council our idea of holding Congregational retreats to move us
from hopelessness to possibility.
Celebrating God’s the abundance of God’s Gifts
 Purchased a motorcycle for a pastor in Cameroon.
 Gave and Honorarium to the Fredericks for travel to Cameroon to assist them in the work
they do in the partner synod.
Nurturing relationships with neighbouring congregations and community at large.
 Reviewed reports of Waverly West Spirit Path
 St Mark’s Coffee House
 First, Winnipeg Summer kids Club
 Brokenhead Shared Ministry
To Build a ministry of presence within the synod
 Support Sherwood Park in a three year project to foster a new model of faith formation that
is collaborative and outside the traditional tracks of Sunday School and confirmation classes.
 Developing a series of retreats to help congregations see mission in a new light
 We are starting each meeting with a visioning session to see how we can work more
collaboratively.
 How we can start building mutual respect through the TRC process
Other Actions and Events.
 Pastor David Lowe elected Chair on April 11, 2015.
R. David Lowe
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Committee for Youth Ministry
Members:
- Carey Buss (Chair) (2008-2016)
- Justine Hesselbart (Secretary) (2012-2016)
- Christian Proulx (2014-2018)
- Byron van Dijk (2014-2018)
- Travis Irvine (2014-2018)
- Deacon Hilde Vickers (2012-2016)
The MNO Synod Youth Committee meets in person at the Synod office, with Deacon Hilde Vickers connecting
with the group either via speaker phone or Skype.
Our work in the last biennium (2014-2015):
- Led 4 youth retreats, two in the winter, (One in partnership with the Saskatchewan Synod, at Metochos
Ministries) and two over Thanksgiving weekend at Luther Village.
- Looked at and experimented with some ways to cater to young adults between their youth and youth
leader years, to keep them involved. Events planned came with mixed results, but the effort was there.
- Sent a few members of the committee to attend “Stronger Together” to help with working towards the
vision of Full Communion with Anglicans, and improving our relationships with our Anglican brothers and
sisters.
- Did some talking around Youth Leader training and whether the resource of “Trailblazing” might be helpful.
It never wound up catching on, but we did give it a try.
- Suggest people for the CLAY bus trip planning committee, which has gone very well. The CLAY 2014 bus trip
to Kamloops is considered a success.
And in the next biennium (2016-2017):
- We have helped appoint a bus trip committee for the CLAY 2016 Gathering to keep with the theme of Not
For Sale.
- We have plans to continue the Thanksgiving Retreats and hopefully the Winter Retreats as well; however
we may consider revamping the frequency of the Winter Retreats. Nonetheless, these events serve as great
bonding opportunities for the youth of our Synod.
- We hope to continue to work with the Saskatchewan Synod every so often to strengthen our relationships
with our neighbours. As well, we hope to find ways to invite our Anglican peers and youth to join us at
retreats and at the Youth and Campus Services.
- We hope to find better and new ways to serve and empower our youth leaders by offering training
opportunities and new resources.
- We also hope to find ways to keep youth connected to each other and our faith community as they
transition from youth to young adults by looking into some more young adult programming.
- We hope to continue to share God’s love with the world through our presence and actions, and to empower
our youth and youth leaders to do the same in their every day lives.
Thanks for reading this report! You are all such a blessing to our church, and we appreciate your time and
efforts.
Much love, and God’s peace,
Carey J. Buss, Youth Committee Chair
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Establishing a
Convention Fee Assessment
Note to Delegates:
Please review the following document carefully. Time has been set aside during Session 7 on Saturday
afternoon for this item. There will be opportunity at that time to ask questions and provide feedback.
Background
At the 2015 ELCIC National Convention held in Edmonton, delegates approved a new set of
administrative bylaws for the national church that will result in significant changes to the way future
national conventions are structured and financed. Furthermore, these changes will come into effect
with the 2017 ELCIC National Convention to be held in Winnipeg next July.
With regard to structure, the convention will be downsized with only 150 voting delegates attending.
This contrasts with the past system where all congregations in the ELCIC were entitled to either a
rostered or lay delegate. The size of a synod’s delegation under the new system will be based on its
share of the total baptized membership of the ELCIC.
With regard to how national conventions are financed, the new system will see each synod assessed a
fee based on the size of its assigned delegation. Under the old system, the home congregation of
delegates was responsible for paying the cost of any delegate it sent.
For the 2017 ELCIC convention, MNO expects to be assigned 23 delegates. At the time this document
was prepared, the exact cost of sending these delegates was not known. Our best estimate at this point
is somewhere in the neighbourhood of $26,000. The question, therefore, is how will the synod pay its
way?
Rationale for a National Convention Fee Assessment
MNO rostered, lay and youth delegates to the 2017 National convention will be elected at the 2016
Synod convention being held in Steinbach. These delegates will then represent the synod as a whole, not
their home congregations as not all congregations will have a delegate elected from their membership.
The math alone insures this as we have over 50 congregations but only 23 delegates.
As we will all be represented by these delegates, it is only fair that we all share in the cost regardless of
whether a congregation does or does not have one of its members elected. Consequently, synod council
is working on a protocol that will assign a convention fee to each congregation within the synod. How
this would be determined is outlined below.
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Towards a Convention Fee Assessment
If all MNO congregations are to share in the cost of sending an MNO delegation to national conventions,
a fair and equitable way to calculate each congregation’s share is for the fee to based on the relative size
of congregations.
Three options for measuring relative size have been investigated: baptized membership, confirmed
membership and average weekly attendance. The latter is thought to be fraught with difficulty in terms
of the lack of consistency in the way attendance is counted and reported. Baptized membership often
inflates the size of a congregation as many of those baptized never become regular participants in the
life of congregations. Confirmed membership, then, is believed to offer the best option. It reflects that a
degree of commitment to the church has been demonstrated. As well, it is in theory, an official statistic
that is kept by congregations and reported annually as part of the parochial report.
In its discussions surrounding a national convention fee, Synod Council also considered the possibility of
establishing a convention fee protocol that would cover both national and synodical conventions.
As you are likely aware, MNO has used a flat registration fee system. Each congregation, regardless of
its size, pays the same registration fee. If we were to combine the fees for national and synodical
conventions into a single assessment, it would make sense to calculate the national and synodical
components of that fee using the same metric.
[The practice of assessing a synodical convention fee based on a per capita measure is currently used by
the Saskatchewan and ABT synods.]
It is anticipated that a combined convention fee assessment will lead to a smaller financial burden for
most if not all congregations. Smaller congregations stand to benefit the most.
In past years, congregations have budgeted for a convention fee each year alternating between synod
and national registration fees. Under the new system, the fees for the two conventions can be spread
over three years. The schedule for future conventions is shown in the table below. Note that the first
non-convention year will occur in 2020. The sequence has been established so that the schedule of
national conventions synchronizes with that of the national conventions of our full communion partner,
the Anglican Church of Canada.
Year
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Convention Held
National
Synod
National
Non-convention year
Synod
National
Non-convention year
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Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Vancouver
Outside the perimeter
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87
Projecting Convention Fee Assessments
Realizing that projections rely heavily on assumptions made about future costs and behaviour, what is
outlined below is our best educated guess as to what a combined convention fee might be over the next
six years.
Assumption 1 – the Cost of Holding a Convention
Year
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Convention Held
National
Synod
National
Non-convention year
Synod
National
Non-convention year
Estimated Cost
$25,875
$30,000
$41,000*
Nil
$31,500**
$30,000
Nil
*
Anticipates higher travel costs to bring delegates to Vancouver as well as higher overall operating
costs in this locale.
**
Assumes an inflation factor of 5% over the previous synod convention
Assumption 2 – Confirmed Membership Statistics
Based on the latest parochial reports available, confirmed membership in the MNO synod stands at
11,724. In making projections, it is assumed that number remains constant. In reality, we may find that
congregations see the convention fee assessment approach as an incentive to review their membership
roll and provide a more up-to-date figure.
Assumption 3 – Everybody Contributes
We are assuming that all congregations of the synod budget for and remit the assessed fee. We also
assume that normal benevolence remittances will not be impacted by the convention fee.
Assumption 4 – Schedule for Spreading Costs over a three-year cycle
Since the switch to a three-year cycle will not begin immediately, the synod is faced with a cash flow
problem. The fee structure program will come into effect for the 2017 calendar year. In that year, we
face a $26,000 cost for sending our delegates to the national convention as well as collecting a portion
of what it will cost to hold the 2018 synod convention.
Hence, it is going to take a few years before the savings from the three-year cycle and the smaller
national convention kick in.
Shown below is how we see the transition to a system where each year, congregations are asked to
budget for a fee that will cover 1/3 of the cost of upcoming synodical and national conventions.
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Year
2017
Convention Held
National
2018
Synod
2019
National
2020
2021
Non-convention
year
Synod
2022
National
*
Synodical Fee Component
50% of the 2018 Synod
Convention Cost
50% of the 2018 Synod
Convention Cost
33.3% of the 2021 Synod
Convention Cost
Convention Cost
Convention Cost
Convention Cost
National Fee Component
100% of 2017 National
Convention Cost*
50% of the 2019 National
Convention Cost
50% of the 2019 National
Convention Cost
33.3% of the 2022 National
Convention Cost
Convention Cost
Convention Cost
Synod Council is exploring ways of lessening the impact of the cost of 2017 National Convention
on MNO congregations. This would entail drawing down reserve funds such as those held in the
MNO Foundation.
The Bottom Line
Based on the above assumptions, the schedule of combined national/synodical convention fee
assessments for the period 2017 to 2022 is as follows:
Year
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
$
$
$
$
$
$
Per Confirmed
Member
3.49
3.03
2.64
1.70
1.70
1.75
Timeline
It is expected that synod council will finalize the convention protocol at its November 2016 meeting.
Congregations would be informed of the fee structure by the end of that same month so that they may
incorporate that it into their budget planning process.
Our Hope
In the past, many of our smaller congregations have not participated in either synod or national
conventions. We suspect this has been due, in large part, to the financial burden such participation
entailed. It is our hope that the adoption of a convention fee assessment system as outlined above will
address that financial concern and that a greater proportion of our membership will be represented at
conventions.
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Motions presented by Synod Council - 2014 MNO Synod Convention
Notes:
In motions pertaining to constitutional amendments, wording to be removed is
indicated by strikethrough text. Wording to be added is indicated by the use of
italicized text. Plain text indicates wording that remains the same as the existing
constitution.
2nd Reading of the Constitutional changes approved by the 2014 convention
requires a two-thirds majority for approval. Any amendments to what was
approved at first reading in 2014 requires unanimous approval.
All other motions require a simple majority.
Individual items can be removed from a consent agenda for individual discussion
and debate by request of a single member of the voting delegates. Items approved
through a consent agenda will be recorded in the minutes as separately numbered
individual motions.
1.
That the following items 1.1 through 1.3 be approved as a consent agenda:
1.1
1.2
1.3
That the convention agenda be approved as presented
That we grant voice to Bishop Don Phillips of the Anglican Church of Canada
That all ballots be destroyed following the completion of elections for each office /
position
2.
That Synod Council be authorized to approve the minutes of the 2016 synod convention.
2nd Reading of Constitution Amendments
3.
That the following items numbered 3.1 through 3.22 be approved as a consent agenda:
3.1
That Article 1, Section 3 of the constitution be amended as follows:
Section 3.
The seal of the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod shall consist
of a ship encircled by the words "Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario
Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada." The bishop shall have
custody of the seal. of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Inc.
shall consist of water, a ship, sails and a cross. The bishop shall have
custody of the seal.
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3.2
That Article 2 title be amended by deleting "Territory" and adding "Geographic
Boundaries"
3.3
That Article 2 of the constitution be amended as follows:
The territory of this synod shall be the Province of Manitoba and that
portion of Ontario west of 86 degrees longitude.
Section 1.
3.4
The geographic boundaries of this synod shall be as described in the
bylaws of this synod.
That Article 3 (Confession of Faith), Section 4 of the constitution be amended as follows:
This synod confesses the following symbols, comprising subscribes to
the documents of the Book of Concord of 1580, which it subscribes
specifically as witnesses to the way in which the Holy Scriptures have
been correctly understood, and explained and confessed for the sake
of the Gospel, namely
3.5
That Article IV (Mission) be amended as follows:
Section 1.
As the regional expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada and in faithfulness to the Lord of the Church, this synod shall
facilitate and advance the mission of this church within its territory.
Guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, it shall carry out this
mission by shepherding its congregations, ordained ministers and lay
diaconal ministers by engaging in other forms of ministry which
proclaim God's Word and serve to bring reconciliation to the world.
Section 1.
The mission of this church, as an expression of the universal Church
and as an instrument of the Holy Spirit, is to share the Gospel of Jesus
Christ with people in Canada and around the world through
proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the Sacraments and
through service in Christ’s name.
Section 2.
In seeking to achieve its mission, this synod shall
a.
Organize, recognize, receive, release and exclude congregations and
approve or disapprove of relocation or merger of congregations;
b.
Ordain, receive, consecrate, nurture, support and discipline rostered
ministers;
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c.
Recruit, approve, supervise and support ministerial candidates for
rostered ministry;
d.
Cooperate with this church to provide for theological education at
Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and elect two
members to its Board of Governors;
e.
Provide for higher education for the members of this church and others
and for ministry to persons engaged in higher education at universities
and colleges on its territory;
f.
Encourage congregational evangelism and works of mercy;
g.
Encourage congregational programs for justice and service;
h.
Maintain and support social and health care service agencies and
institutions in accordance with the standards adopted by the church;
i.
Cooperate with the church and other organizations or groups in activities
that promote justice and reconciliation, meet human need and alleviate
suffering;
Interpret and support the nation-wide and world-wide work of the
church through effective cooperation with the divisions and offices;
j.
Section 2.
k.
Acknowledge the official auxiliaries as partners in carrying out the
mission of the church;
l.
Participate in a provincial council of churches and similar cooperative,
province-wide Christian movements which have been approved by the
church as adhering to sound principles;
m.
Adjudicate appeals from congregational discipline in accord with the
procedure in ARTICLE VI, Section II;
n.
Administer the synod as stipulated in the constitution and bylaws of the
church and this synod;
o.
Carry out such other ministries which may be identified by the synod or
by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
As the regional expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada,
in faithfulness to the Lord of the Church, this synod shall facilitate and
advance the mission of this church within its territory.
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Section 3:
This synod shall faithfully support the common work of this church and its
international and ecumenical partners.
Explanatory Note: Motion 5.6
Currently, Article V has four sections. Sections 1 and 2 are to be deleted and replaced by a new
Section 1. Existing Sections 3 and 4 are renumbered 1 and 2.
3.6
That Article V (Membership) of the constitution be amended as follows:
Section 1.
As provided in the corporate bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Canada, the membership of the synod consists of member
congregations recognized by the synod, as a regional manifestation of
this church; baptized individuals who are members of a congregation
(baptized members) shall exercise their privileges and responsibilities
through participation in the congregation in which they are members.
Section 1.
The membership of this synod consists of congregations and
synodically recognized ministries that are recognized by this synod in
the manner described in the bylaws of this church. Baptized
individuals who are members of a congregation or synodically
recognized ministries shall exercise their privileges and responsibilities
through participation in the congregation or synodically recognized
ministry in which they are members.
Section 2.
The synod at its organizational meeting shall recognize those
congregations on its territory that are recognized by the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Canada and certified to it by the secretary of this
church.
Section 3 2.
Additional Congregations may be recognized by the synod acting on
behalf of this church in the manner described in the constitution and
bylaws of this church.
Section 4 3.
The synod may revoke its recognition of any congregation in the
manner described in the constitution and bylaws of this church.
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Explanatory Note: Motion 3.7
Article VII is a new article. Subsequent articles need to be renumbered accordingly.
3.7
3.8
3.9
That the current Article VII (Ordained Ministers) of the constitution be renumbered as
Article VIII, re-titled to "Rostered Ministers - Ordained" and the text be amended by
deleting existing sections 1 - 10 and adding as follows:
Section 1.
This synod shall maintain a roster of ordained ministers.
Section 2.
The standards of admission and continuance on the roster of ordained
ministers shall be defined in the bylaws of this church.
Section 3.
An ordained minister shall conduct himself/herself in accordance with
the constitution, bylaws and policies of this synod and of this church.
That a new Article VII (Synodically Recognized Ministries) be created with the following
sections:
Section 1.
This synod shall maintain a roster of synodically recognized ministries
as described in the bylaws of this church.
Section 2.
Each synodically recognized ministry is entitled to choose a
representative to conventions of this synod in accordance with
procedures as defined in the bylaws.
That Article IX (previously Article VIII) of the constitution be re-titled "Rostered Ministers
- Diaconal" and that the text be amended as follows:
Section 1.
The synod shall have maintain roster of diaconal ministers.
Section 2.
The standards of acceptance admission and continuance on the roster
of diaconal ministers of this church shall be defined in the
administrative bylaws of this church.
Section 3.
A diaconal minister shall conduct himself/herself in accordance with
the constitution, bylaws and policies of this synod and of this church.
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3.10
That current Article X (The Conferences) be deleted.
3.11
That current Article IX (Full Communion Provisions) be renumbered Article X.
3.12
That current Article XI (Conventions) be renumbered Article XIII and that the text be
amended as follows.
Section 2
3.13
3.14
That a new Article XI (Areas) be created with the following sections:
Section 1.
This synod shall be organized into areas whose number and
boundaries shall be determined by Synod Council, in consultation with
congregations.
Section 2.
The role of the areas shall be defined in the bylaws of this synod.
That current Article XII (Synod Council) be renumbered Article XIV and that the text be
amended as follows.
Section 2.
3.15
Conventions of this synod shall be held according to times, policies,
and procedures as described in the bylaws of this synod. in
accordance with the bylaws and policies of this synod.
Synod Council shall consist of the officers of this synod, and members,
all of whom shall be members in good standing of congregations or
synodically recognized ministries of this synod, elected according to
procedures defined in the bylaws of this synod.
That a new Article XII (Electoral Regions) be created with the following sections:
Section 1.
This synod shall be organized into electoral regions whose number
and boundaries shall be determined by the synod upon
recommendation by the synod council.
Section 2.
The purpose of the electoral regions shall be defined in the bylaws of
this synod.
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Explanatory Notes: Motion 3.16
This motion effectively combines what currently is Article XIII (Officers) and Article XIV (Office of
the Bishop) into a single article thereby removing some redundant clauses. It also creates some
flexibility by setting only a minimum for the number of officers.
3.16
That current Article XIV (Office of the Bishop) be deleted, that current Article XIII
(Officers) be renumbered Article XV with its text amended as follows:
Section 1.
The officers of the synod shall be a bishop, a chair, a secretary and a
treasurer. At least two of these officers shall be lay members of this
synod.
This synod shall have a minimum of three officers, one of whom shall
be the bishop of the synod who shall be its chief pastor and chief
executive officer. At least fifty-percent of the officers shall be lay
members of this synod. All officers shall serve as officers of the synod
council.
3.17
Section 2.
The number of, procedures for electing, length of terms of office and
duties of the officers shall be defined in the bylaws of this synod.
Section 3.
The officers shall be elected by the synod convention for a term of
four years according to procedures established in the bylaws. All
officers shall serve until their successors assume office.
Section 5 3.
The recall or dismissal of an officer of the synod shall follow the
procedure set out in the constitution and bylaws of this church.
Section 4.
The bishop shall be on the roster of ordained ministers of this church
or serving as an ordained minister in this church under the provisions
of a Full Communion agreement.
That current Article XV (Standing Committees) be renumbered and re-titled Article XVI
(Committees) and that the text be amended as follows.
Section 3.
The committees shall be accountable to and report to Synod Council.
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3.18
That current Article XVI (Theological Institutions) be renumbered Article XVII and be
amended as follows.
Section 1.
This synod acknowledges its responsibility to maintain a theological
seminary within the guidelines provided by this church, to strengthen
this seminary spiritually and academically, and to provide for its
financial support. support theological education so that rostered
leadership is formed within the guidelines of this church. It may also
maintain a theological seminary and strengthen it spiritually and
academically and provide for its financial support.
Section 2.
a.
The Board of Governors of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, shall control and manage the seminary and determine
its academic and administrative affairs. The property of the seminary,
both real and personal, shall be held by the Board of Governors in
trust for and under the guidance of the Synods of British Columbia,
Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
b.
The board may propose to the synods an increase in the number of its
members, such increase to include an equal number of rostered
ministers and lay persons. Any proposal for increase in the number of
members of the board must have the approval of the synods.
c.
d.
The term of office for each member of the board shall be four years
except in the following cases:
i.
Where a member is appointed to fill a vacancy, such appointment
shall be by the Synod Council and shall be for the remainder of the
term of the predecessor;
ii.
In the case of the first of any new elections in connection with
increasing the number of the said board, the terms of office shall be
for two or four years, so spaced that one-half of the membership of
the board shall be elected each biennium.
Members of the board shall be eligible to serve for not more than two
consecutive terms.
e.
Financial support for the seminary shall be determined by a process
of consultation between the Board of Governors and the Synod
Council
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f. The board shall make an annual report to the regular convention of the synod.
Section 2.
The Board of Governors of the Lutheran Theological Seminary,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan shall control and manage the seminary and
determine its academic and administrative affairs.
Section 3.
Terms of reference for, and membership on, the Board of Governors of
the Lutheran Theological Seminary shall be defined in the bylaws of
this synod or in a policy manual.
3.19
That current Article XVII (Auxiliaries) be deleted.
3.20
That current Article XVIII (Financial Matters) be deleted.
3.21
That Article XIX (Bylaws) be renumbered as Article XVII
3.22
That current Article XX (Amendments to the Constitution) be renumbered Article XIX
and that that the text be amended as follows:
Section 2.
Amendments to this constitution shall be in writing and may be
proposed by
a.
b.
c.
d.
The National Church Council,
The Synod Council,
A congregation of the synod, if such proposals were first approved at
a duly called and conducted congregational meeting; or
Ten convention delegates.
Section 3.
All proposed amendments must be reported to the convention no
later than the first full day of business. The Synod Council shall make
report and recommendation during that convention on all proposed
amendments. Adoption of an amendment shall require passage at
this and the next regular convention by a two-thirds vote of the
delegates present and voting. Notice of the full text thereof shall be
sent to the pastors and congregations of the synod at least one
month prior to the second reading. Further amendment at the
second reading shall require unanimous consent. Such amendments
shall be effective upon ratification by the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in Canada in convention or by its National Church Council.
Section 3
Full text of all proposed amendments shall be sent to the ordained
ministers and diaconal ministers on the roster, congregations and
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synodically recognized ministries of this synod at least three months
before the opening of the convention at which those amendments will
be given first reading.
Section 4
All proposed amendments must be reported to the convention no
later than the first full day of business. The Synod Council shall make a
report and recommendation during that convention on all proposed
amendments.
Section 5
Adoption of an amendment shall require two separate readings
separated by at least twenty-four hours. Each reading shall require
passage by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting.
Amendments proposed following first reading approval for
consideration at the time second reading must obtain unanimous
consent of the delegates present and voting.
Section 6
Amendments shall be effective upon ratification by the National
Church Council.
Explanatory Note: Motion 4
Please note that some changes here involve renumbering of sections.
Note also that synod council is proposing an amendment to the first reading. The amendment
will moved once Motion 4 is moved and seconded. The amendment is as follows:
“That Article VI Section 7 be amended by replacing “pastor” with “rostered minister”.
4.
That Article VI (Congregations) of the constitution be amended as follows:
Section 1.
Every congregation and synodically recognized ministry which is
recognized by this synod shall have a constitution which, in the
judgment of the Synod Council, is in harmony with the constitution
and bylaws of this church and of the synod.
Section 2.
Every parish not represented by a rostered minister shall elect a lay
delegate to the convention of this church. If a parish has more than
eight hundred baptized members two lay delegates shall be elected,
unless a rostered minister of the parish has been chosen by the
conference, in which case one lay delegate shall be elected.
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Section 2.
Every congregation and synodically recognized ministry shall support
faithfully, with prayer, personal service and offerings, the common
work of this church and of the synod.
Section 3.
Every congregation of the synod shall choose a delegate or delegates
to represent it at conventions of the synod and at meetings of the
conference to which the congregation is assigned. An alternate or
alternates may act in the stead of the delegate or delegates in the
event of their absence. area to which the congregation is assigned in
accordance with procedures as defined in the bylaws of this synod.
Section 4.
The alignment of congregations and synodically recognized ministries
in parishes shall be subject to approval of Synod Council.
Section 4 5
Congregations and synodically recognized ministries shall have the
right to petition this synod, according to procedures set forth in the
bylaws.
Section 8 6.
The alignment of congregations in pastoral charges shall be subject to
approval by the Synod Council.
In case of strife and division in a congregation, the congregational
council shall seek the advice of the bishop of this synod.
Section 7.
The approval of this church or a convention of the synod or of its
council shall be required for the solicitation of funds from
congregations for institutions, agencies and causes of this church.
See note above re a proposed amendment to Section 7
Section 5 7
When a pastor resigns, the Congregational Council shall receive the
resignation, report it to the congregation and notify the bishop of the
synod.
Section 8.
In case of strife and division in a congregation, the Congregational
Council shall seek the advice of the bishop of the synod.
Section 9 8.
A congregation desiring to withdraw from this church shall require a
two-thirds majority vote at any legally called and conducted meeting.
The Bishop shall be notified immediately, in writing, of the results of
the vote. Such decision shall not be effective until at least ninety days
after the bishop has been notified and until the initial action has been
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ratified by a two-thirds majority vote at a subsequent legally called
and conducted meeting held no sooner than ninety days after the
bishop has been notified. must comply with the procedures for
withdrawal set out in the bylaws of this church.
Section 10 9.
A congregation which has ceased to exist or whose membership has
so diminished in numbers as to render it impossible or impractical for
the congregation to function according to its constitution and bylaws
shall, after consultation with any remaining members, be deemed by
the synod of which it was a part to be defunct. The This synod
through the this Synod Council shall appoint trustees, including where
feasible former members of the congregation, who shall take charge
and control of the property of said congregation to hold, manage and
convey the same on behalf of this synod.
Section 11 10.
A lay member of any congregation or synodically recognized ministry,
may appeal to the synod from the disciplinary action of the
congregation. All such appeals must be made in writing to the bishop
within thirty days after the action has been taken. Copies of said
appeal shall be transmitted by the appellant to the pastor and to the
secretary of the congregation. The bishop shall appoint a special
committee to investigate the appeal. The decision of the committee
shall be final and reported to the appropriate parties. who is under
discipline by his/her congregation or synodically recognized ministry,
may appeal to this synod in the manner described in the bylaws of this
synod.
5.
That the 2017-2018 compensation guidelines be approved as presented.
6.
That the 2016-2018 budgets be approved as presented.
7.
That the current MNO Synod Bylaws be repealed and replaced with the administrative
bylaws as presented in the 2016 convention bulletin of reports.
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Nomination for Treasurer of MNO Synod Council
Synod Council is still working on this nomination.
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
Committee on Nomination members:
Rev. Matthew Diegel, Chair
Teri Skakum, Randall Klaprat
The Committee nominates the following persons for positions to be filled by election at the MNO Synod
Convention:
Nominee for MNO SYNOD COUNCIL from AGASSIZ CONFERENCE
One lay person to be elected
Four year term
No Incumbent
NO NOMINATION
Nominee for MNO SYNOD COUNCIL from BROKENHEAD CONFERENCE
Four year term
No Incumbent
NO NOMINATION
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Nominee for MNO SYNOD COUNCIL from INTERLAKE CONFERENCE
Four year term
Mr. Tom Brook (Incumbent)
Congregation:
 Gimli Lutheran, Gimli
Current occupation:
 Community Relations Director, Canadian Lutheran World Relief
Church service positions held:
 National Church Council 2003-2011
 MNO Synod Council – current
 Home congregational council, committees
Community service positions held:
 Lions Club charter member since 1962
 Volunteer in local political organizations since 1973
 Fundraiser for a wide variety of community social service organizations
Nominee for MNO SYNOD COUNCIL from WESTMAN CONFERENCE
Four year term
Ms. Heather Howdle
Congregation:
 Erickson Lutheran Church, Erickson MB
Current occupation:
 Manager, Health Care Department - MPI
 Erickson Lutheran Church Council member, 2006-2009
 Church Council Chair – 2010-2014
 2011 Delegate to Saskatoon National Convention
 Vacation Bible School Outdoor Activity Coordinator 2015
 Lay Ministry 2013-2015, Social Media, Post weekly / Livestreaming (set up and development)
 Volunteer with annual fundraising Holy Names House of Peace and pro bono physiotherapy
treatments, 2010 - current
 Erickson Recreational Association Treasurer, 2008-2010
 Support Annual Christmas concert, Erickson on church facebook, play cello
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Nominees for MNO SYNOD COUNCIL - AT LARGE
ONE rostered minister to be elected
Four year term
Rev. Jason Zinko (Incumbent)
Congregation:
 Sherwood Park Lutheran Church, Winnipeg MB
Current occupation:
 Pastor of Sherwood Park
 MNO Synod Council – Member at Large (Sept 2014 to present)
 Metro Conference Dean (Oct 2014 to present)
 Westman Conference Dean (2011 to present)
 Chairperson, Brandon Community Builders (2012-2014)
 Brandon Bluefins learn-to-swim instructor (2013-2014)
Rev. Erik Parker
Congregation:
 Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Selkirk MB
Current occupation:
 Pastor of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
 Luther Village Board of Trustees (2013 to present)
 Dean of Interlake Conference (2014 to present)
 LTS-Saskatoon Capital Campaign regional captain (Edmonton area) 2012
 Community Pastor Care Volunteer Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority (2013 to present)
 Personal Care Home worship volunteer Selkirk (2013 to present)
 Active blogger and social media person (2011 to present)
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Nominee for Position of MEMBER ON BOARD OF GOVERNORS
LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, SASKATOON
One rostered minister to be elected
Four year term
Rev. R. David Lowe (Incumbent)
Congregation:
 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Winnipeg MB
Current occupation:
 Pastor at Gloria Dei
 LTS Board of Directors: I am the chair of the Presidential Search Committee and a member of the
Governance Committee
 2014-present - I am the current chair of the MNO Synod Mission Committee
 2009-2013 – Call to special services for Intentional Interim Ministry
 2002-2008 – Member of the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg (Chair of Personnel Committee)
 2003-2014 – President of Resource Assistance for Youth (RAY) Winnipeg
 2002-2006 – Member of the Just Income Coalition
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ROSTERED MINISTERS ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION AS DELEGATES TO 2017 ELCIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
REGION 1 – WESTERN / NORTHERN
Rev. Rebecca Graham
Rev. Raymond Knight (ACC)
Rev. Paul Sodtke
Rev. Trudy Thorarinson
Rev. Mark Tiefenbach
Deacon Hilde Vickers
REGION 2 – CENTRAL & EASTERN MANITOBA
Rev. Cam Harder
Rev. Mark Koenker
Rev. Les Skonnord
REGION 3 – SE MANITOBA/ NW ONTARIO
Rev. Melissa Frankland (ACC)
Rev. Brian Keffer
Rev. Jari Lahtinen
REGION 4 - METRO
Rev. Michele Barr
Rev. Chris Bishopp
Rev. Lenise Francis
Rev. Bruce Gelhorn
Rev. Tyler Gingrich
Rev. John Giroux (ACC)
Rev. Lynn Granke
Rev. Carol Janke
Rev. Michael Kurtz
Rev. Paul Johnson
Rev. Deborah Kerr
Rev. Stacy Moroz
Rev. Rick Sauer
Rev. Murry Still (ACC)
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ROSTERED MINISTERS INELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION AS DELEGATES TO 2017 NATIONAL CONVENTION
Region 1 – Western / Northern
Rev. Leslie Poulin
Rev. Laurel Seyfert
Rev. Jim Vickers
attended 2015 Convention
Region 2 – Central & Eastern Manitoba
Rev. Bart Coleman
Rev. Annemarie MacIntosh
Rev. Richard Engel
Rev. Erik Parker
attended 2015 convention
Region 3 – SE Manitoba/NW Ontario
Rev. Matthew Diegel
Rev. Terry Gudmundson
Rev. Nancy Ringham (ACC) attention 2015 Convention
Region 4 – Metro
Bishop Susan Johnson
National Bishop
Bishop Elaine Sauer
MNO Synod Bishop
Rev. Paul Gehrs
National Office Staff
Rev. Lynne Hutchison
Rev. David Lowe
Rev. Courtenay Reedman Parker
Deacon Kris Taylor
Rev. Larry Ulrich
Rev. Jason Zinko
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YOUTH NOMINATED FOR ELECTION AS DELEGATES TO 2017 NATIONAL CONVENTION
Andrew Smith
Devin Vermette
K.T. Werboweski
Faith, Winnipeg
Cross, Morris
First, Winnipeg
Bio FOR EACH NOMINEE FOLLOWS ALPHABETICALLY
Name:
Andrew Smith
Gender: Male
Occupation:
Student & Graphic/Web Dev.
Congregation: Faith, Winnipeg
Nominated by Motion of congregational council or congregational annual meeting
Education, work, church or life experience that might relate to being a delegate to National Convention
I have been active in the Faith Lutheran Church congregation for many years. In particular, I have been an active
member of our Youth group (FLY) and an ongoing volunteer for church audio-visual needs during services and
special events. Additionally, I have worked on a variety of other technical endeavours at the church, including
upgrading and managing our church website.
I always try my best to help out around the church in whatever ways that I possibly can; my family has longrunning connections to Faith Lutheran Church, and I value the connection that we have through Faith.
I am presently a first-year University student at the University of Manitoba.
Concerns and hopes for the future of ELCIC
Right now, my concern with the future of the ELCIC is how will we keep youth engaged and involved in the church.
Youth gatherings are one way to do so, but how might we continue to foster national youth connections the other
23-month time that spans in-between gatherings? It is my hope that as a church we will be able to organize more
programming to keep youth engaged so that they might continue to be involved in the church as they grow older.
Another hope that I have for the future of the ELCIC is that we will continue to keep up with changes in technology.
The Anglican Church of Canada, through their “The Community” website, has developed an online ministry that,
through one central location, provides perspectives on a wide-range of topics through community blogs. It may be
interesting to explore how something similar could be incorporated into ELCIC.
Why are you interested in being a delegate
I enjoy being involved in the church as much as I possibly can, as it enables me to further explore my faith through
service. Serving as a youth delegate at the 2017 ELCIC National Convention would broaden my perspectives on
what we as a church can do (or try to do) to maintain engagement, while having the opportunity to provide the
perspective of a youth member of the church. Further, I am considering pursuing a role in the leadership of our
youth group at Faith within the next few years, and the experience of attending the National Convention would
enable me to better connect to the national church as a whole.
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Name:
Devin Vermette
Gender: Male
Occupation:
High School Student
Congregation: Cross, Morris
I am a Grade 11 student who is very involved with school. I am a part of the Student Council, I have completed my
leadership and community service courses, as well as being an honour roll student. I am a part of all the sports
teams that we have at school, as well as playing soccer in my spare time. During the summers I teach and help out
at a local Vacation Bible School which I attended every year when I was a kid. I also attend Christian sports camp in
the summer. Ever since I was a little kid I have attended Sunday school and other church events such as our local
youth group. I also plan to possibly attend a Christian university after high school
I am concerned that the youth population have become less and less involved with God. I feel like if we don’t do
something about it, it will continue to get worse. I strongly believe that this National Convention will help our
youth to rediscover God and make Him a bigger part of their lives.
I was asked by the pastor of my church because she feels that I am a good leader who works well with others. I
am interested in being a delegate because I believe it would be a great experience for me to meet new people in a
great environment, also to enhance my relationship with God.
Name:
K.T. Werboweski
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Student
Congregation: First, Winnipeg
I was a youth delegate at the MNO Synod Convention in 2010, a delegate at the 2012 MNO Synod Convention
and at a Metro Convention. I am very involved in my congregation and have held the position of Youth
Representative on my church’s council for a year. I help out with our youth group whenever needed and I have
taught Sunday School for nine years. I am a student at the Asper School of Business double majoring in marketing
and finance. I am part of the Asper Students’ Co-operative Education Program and have completed three work
terms within marketing departments at Bison Transport, True North Sports and Entertainment Ltd, and Loewen
Windows. I am involved in many different students groups and am President of the Asper Students’ Co-operative
Association. I am responsible for a large team that provides services to Co-op students. This position requires me
to run team meetings and to attend presidential meetings. I am also part of a fundraising committee for the
Willing Hearts International Society of Canada where I help plan and organize fundraising events.
My biggest concern is the decline in attendance. My hope is that congregations work hard to engage their
members in order to maintain numbers. I hope that they especially focus on retaining youth and young adults as
that is a common age for members to get caught up in their lives and stop prioritizing the church community. My
attendance declined for a while when I was a teenager because I prioritized my part time job over church. I
thankfully found my way back and am so glad to have the church community in my life. Many people however do
not ever find their way back and then when they have a family, their children do not attend church, the cycle does
not continue, and attendance decreases, leading often to many problems (financial and other).
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I am interested in being a delegate because I really enjoy learning and like being involved in the decision making
process. I enjoyed being a youth delegate at the MNO Synod Convention in 2010, as well as a delegate at the 2012
Synod Convention and at a Metro Convention. Last year I increased my involvement in my church by joining our
council. I am the youth representative on council and would love the opportunity to represent the youth from the
MNO synod at the National Convention.
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LAY NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DELEGATES TO 2017 NATIONAL CONVENTION
REGION 1 – WESTERN/NORTHERN
Harry Hobbs
Kathy Maxon
Mary Nichols
Len Schieman
First United, Flin Flon
Redeemer, Brandon
Erickson, Erickson
St. John, Rosenfeld
Maxine Clarke-Johnson
Faye Goranson
Wayne Irwin
Kim Knopf
Neil Miller
Norman Plato
Good Shepherd, Selkirk
Lundar, Lundar
Abundant Life, Bird’s Hill
Redeemer, Whitemouth
Pinawa, Pinawa
Cross, Lac du Bonnet
REGION 3 – SE MANITOBA / NW ONTARIO
Anne Appleby
St. Paul’s, Steinbach
Raymond Jacob Schalla St. Paul’s, Steinbach
Karl Tuomisto
Hilldale, Thunder Bay
REGION 4 – METRO
Norman Coull
Colleen Einarson
Luke Filipowicz
Heidi Gerrard
Jett Isleifson
Eilene Paterson
Faye Schultz
Tracy Shachtay
Russ Skakum
Kelly Speak
Elisabeth Wiens
Messiah, Winnipeg
St. Luke’s Zion, Winnipeg
Grace, Winnipeg
Cross, Winnipeg
Gloria Dei, Winnipeg
Epiphany, Winnipeg
Faith, Winnipeg
Messiah, Winnipeg
First, Winnipeg
Bio for each nominee follows after each Region below
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REGION 1 – WESTERN/NORTHERN
Name:
Harry Hobbs
Gender: Male
Occupation:
Retired
Congregation: First United, Flin Flon
For the past 5 or so years I have been attending First United Lutheran after dissolution of my own church
(Presbyterian). I am a lay leader and preacher doing services once a month. I also represent our church in the
local ministerial and am secretary for this organization.
We are very short of ordained clergy and many smaller churches are struggling without an ordained minister to
lead them. I’m hoping ELCIC can somehow assist with this and provide models for lay leadership. We need to
keep our small churches going.
As noted about, I’m still a fairly new Lutheran and am now active in our church. The more I can learn about what it
means to be a Lutheran, the greater it will assist me.
Name:
Kathy Maxon
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Secretary
Congregation: Redeemer, Brandon
I have a Secretary degree from Assiniboine Community College and have worked in this capacity for 35 years. At
the time the National Convention will be held, I will be retired for approximately five days!
My church life began at Grace Lutheran Church in Brandon, where I attended Sunday School and was confirmed. I
was involved in the Youth Group and enjoyed activities with other youth in our region and Luther Village. I was
granted a friendly excommunication to become a member of Redeemer shortly after our first child was baptized.
At Redeemer, I organized the Nursery during Services, taught Sunday School, and led the Youth Group. I am
actively involved in the weekly services, the choir, and newly elected President of the Council.
During my working career, I have been a delegate to many conferences and conventions as a union activist. 1 have
always found these experiences to be educational as to the direction the organization is heading and the problems
being faced, and highly motivational
A hope is for the spiritual strength and guidance for the Church to learn, to be open, and to follow the Holy Spirit. I
look forward to learning more about the ELCIC's involvement in critical social justice issues at home and in the
world (Truth and Reconciliation, refugees, CLWR, mission work, homelessness, and abuse to name a few). Learning
more about the Church on the both National and Synod level will allow me to better understand how I can help at
the congregational level.
The declining congregational membership leads to less finances to perform the work of the Church. The ELCIC has
worked diligently and faithfully to seek ways to be financially responsible administratively, as well as in the
planning and practicing of ministry. The declining numbers means finding new ways to be 'doing, living, growing'
within the church and the need to change the structure of the National Church, such as this new format for the
National Convention. I am excited by our relationships with other denominations.
With fewer seminary students, resulting in more retired pastors filling the need, how do we encourage members
to follow the call?
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Along with every concern is the hope in Christ; the hope of being a living church, a baptized community of faith,
growing and changing in order to proclaim Christ loving and crucified to our neighbours. Guided by the Word and
the Holy Spirit, we will continue in God's grace.
My faith and my church have always been an integral part of my life. I am rejuvenated every Sunday as I hear of
God's blessing and desires for us during our service to Him. As I enter into my retirement years, I wish to be even
more involved and continue to share my faith with family, friends and acquaintances so that they, too, will know of
His love and promise. I want to learn more about the Diaconal ministry clarification of duties and role within the
church. I believe that being informed is very important when making decisions; thus, being present when
important decisions are debated and decided on is crucial to being better able to explain the rationale for the
direction we are headed.
Name:
Mary Nichols
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Seniors Resource Coordinator
Congregation: Erickson, Erickson
Nominated by ten persons all of whom are members in good standing of a Synod congregation
Education: Graduated 1964 High School
Raised 3 children, have 6 grandchildren
Married 52 years
Employed from 1975 – present.
Confirmed member of church since 1981 – present. Have attended regularly and supported to best of my ability.
During my employment currently have been awarded Certificate of Excellence for Community Service regarding
serving the seniors, church, etc. Also a second Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Seniors
of Manitoba
My concern for the sustaining of ELCIC is heartfelt. I feel we all should be in support of a strong hold of Christian –
Study - Care of our fellow persons and all supports need to be in place for sustenance of churches. My fear is the
diminishing of people and support in our churches.
I am open to learning, supporting, and ministering to all, that I am place before. I am a strong believer of a life of
faith.
Name:
Len Schieman
Gender:
Male
Occupation
Retired
Congregation: St. John, Rosenfeld
- Served as delegate to 2001 and 2011 ELCIC National conventions
- Served as delegate to numerous MNO conventions
- 15 years on church council, currently council chair
- School trustee for 24 years, 17 years as chair
- Served on the executive of Manitoba Association of School Trustees for 8 years
- President of MAST 1998-1999
- Currently Vice-Chair of The Gardens on Tenth board of directors (a senior citizens housing complex
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-
operated by 15 area churches)
Have served on a variety of community boards and committees
I think it is important for Canadian Lutherans to have a strong voice at the National level to lobby Government on
social and humanitarian issues both in Canada and worldwide, i.e. indigenous people issues, Syrian refugee crisis,
etc.
I have a keen interest in the evolving role of the ELCIC in Canadian and international social and humanitarian issues
and look forward to providing my input on those issues.
Name:
Maxine Clarke-Johnson
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Teacher
Congregation: Good Shepherd, Selkirk
Aspects of my life that could relate to being a delegate to National Convention include:
- currently I am beginning a church board member term and prior to that I was a part of a committee
developing a new mission statement and vision for our church;
- past church experience includes: co-director of a teen-mom's mentoring program offered as a part of
church outreach programming; Sunday School teacher; and mission trips to Mexico;
- an education degree and human management resource designation both of which promote a concern for
others well-being; and a commitment to helping others.
My concerns and hopes for the future of ELCIC is that it will continue to strive to be a leader and
relevant presence in a period of change both in terms of helping local churches navigate change and in having a
global presence that demonstrates concern and commitment to the plight of suffering people around the world.
I am interested in being a delegate for several reasons that include:
- being a liaison between my local church and the ELCIC;
- learning more deeply about the ELCIC (operation, initiatives);
- demonstrating commitment to ELCIC initiatives such as Compassionate Justice; the Reformation
Challenge; and, the call to spiritual renewal (there are more, but these three are top-of-mind).
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Name:
Faye Goranson
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Retired
Congregation: Lundar, Lundar
Member of Lundar Lutheran Church since 1960, served many of those years on church council, Sunday School
teacher and superintendent, Bible Study leader, lay worship planner and leader, and in various other capacities.
Currently – Congregational President/Council Chair.
Served on MNO Synod Council, Learning/Educational Ministry Committee, Co-editor – MNO section, Canada
Lutheran magazine, as MNO and Augsburg Fortress learning resource consultant, and on Interlake Conference
Council. Currently – chair of Lundar / St. Mark’s Lutheran pilot partnership in the MNO Beautiful Feet Initiative.
Education/Work – teacher (elementary & adults), journalist/photographer, operated by own publishing business.
Community – Regional Health Authority director (2009-present); Chamber of Commerce Chair; director and chair
of Regional Arts Festival; founding chair of Mental Health Support Centre, Cancer and Brain Tumour Support
Groups; 4-H leader and various other community volunteer activities.
Personal – currently retired from work world, but – happily married, mother of three, grandmother of five. Enjoy
rural life, being part of a community and our church, and travel whenever possible. Love reading and learning.
Having lived through and with a number of serious health challenges, I am sensitive to and encouraging of others
with their own struggles.
My Concerns
- The challenge to determine how to “be the church” in this rapidly changing world – are we on the right
track?
- The shortage of pastors and in light of that, our tardiness in development means for recognizing, training,
and supporting lay leaders for and in widely differing circumstances.
- Rural depopulation and its effects on families and communities, and also on the church-at-large.
My Hopes – that the ELCIC will:
- Develop more compatibility and partnerships with other denominations.
- Strengthen lay ministry through accessible training, accreditation, and on-going support and
encouragement.
- Recognize and respond to identified needs with openness, innovation, courage, and faithfulness
- Find ways to support congregations’ efforts to welcome/relate to indigenous and immigrant
communities/cultures.
- I have considerable experience of participation in church conventions and other programs and events,
and continue to be interested and confident that I have something to offer in the future development of
its ministry and mission.
- As an active member of a rural congregation, I am concerned and convinced that rural voices need to be
heard and involved in decisions and planning, and rural realities need to be recognized by decision
makers.
- I do my best to serve as a liaison to our local congregation and Conference/Area, sharing experiences and
information from such participation in the wider church.
- And underpinning all of the above, is my dedication to our Lord and God’s church. I enjoy these “family
gatherings” for the fellowship and for the opportunities to broaden my and our horizons.
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Name:
Wayne Irwin
Gender: Male
Occupation:
Computer Scientist
Congregation: Abundant Life, Bird’s Hill
Education: Bachelor of Computer Science, University of Manitoba 1983
Work: Great-West Life Infrastructure Specialist since 1990
Life Experience: 2 kids, 2 grand kids, divorced
Concerns: Declining participation
Hopes: Ecumenism, Evangelism
Exposure to broader perspectives
Never been to a National Convention before
Name:
Kim Knopf
Occupation:
Dental Assistant / Handivan driver
Congregation: Redeemer, Whitemouth
At present I am the secretary of our church council and enjoy it and being a part of council. After some major
issues in my life 4 years ago, I became more involved in my church. I receive peace knowing that God is and was
there in my darkest times. Attending provincial and national conventions helps me understand the church and is
very comforting to me.
I don’t have a lot of concerns - just of the decline in our congregation, as the population is aging, and unfortunately
the closure of smaller churches. I am hoping and praying that this does not happen to us.
I attended the National Convention in Ottawa a few years back and found the whole experience very moving and
uplifting. I had never been part of a convention that size – was a beautiful time in my life. Thank you.
Name:
Neil Miller
Gender: Male
Occupation:
Retired Research Technologist
Congregation: Pinawa, Pinawa
Past Council Chair/present Treasurer of the Pinawa Lutheran Church
- Volunteer for the Lutheran World Federation Gathering in Winnipeg, 2003
- Pinawa Lutheran delegate to the ELCIC National Convention, 2005
- Member of the organizing committee for the ELCIC Canadian Lutheran Youth Gathering in Winnipeg,
2006
- Interviewer (MNO Synod) for candidacy for ordained ministry
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- Past school board trustee/chair for Whiteshell School District
- A large part of my working career involved collaborative problem solving
Concerns:
- The aging population of our congregations especially in the rural areas
- The need for trained leadership -- ordained and non-ordained
Hopes:
- Under God's direction, the future ELCIC will address these issues so the ministry of our church can move into the
future ever stronger and more vibrant
Being a delegate will enable me to be more informed on the policies and direction of the ELCIC so I am more able
to share this information with members in my congregation and within the wider area of the MNO Synod. This will
help all of us, with God’s guidance, to make wiser decisions for the future of our ministries.
Name:
Norman Plato
Gender: Male
Occupation:
Retired
Congregation: Cross, Lac du Bonnet
A person’s church life is an asset to being a delegate. I have always been involved with the church. I have been on
Council for at least 20 years and have been on property/maintenance forever.
I have a great 12 education; have managerial experience with a large company, and have been on Municipal
Council for 22 years.
These are my concerns:
1) With a form like this, it will eliminate many delegates.
2) Small churches don’t have many people and most are retired and old who don’t volunteer
3) There is a shortage of pastors.
Is there a program to attract young people to seminary. This is certainly a must for the future of the ELCCIC.
I volunteered because no one wanted to go, and I am interested in what happens to our church.
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REGION 3 – SE MANITOBA / NW ONTARIO
Name:
Anne Appleby
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Congregation: St. Paul’s, Steinbach
I have been involved in Sunday school, adult studies and church council in various capacities and am familiar with
running meetings, bible studies, etc.
My studies at Providence Seminary (M.A. Counseling Psychology) have enabled me to more ably assist with parish
care and counselling – to be a leader where needed.
I feel blessed and privileged to participate in this work of the church.
That the ELCIC continue to reflect the love and grace received through Jesus. That God is glorified through
mission. That the leadership both encourage and enable parishioners to use their gifts to draw others closer to
God.
“We are the Church, the Body of our Lord”. It would seem a way to participate in decisions, to keep each other in
touch with what is happening in the wider church, to offer a voice to continue to grow the Body of Christ.
Name:
Raymond Jacob Schalla
Occupation:
Retired
Congregation: St. Paul’s, Steinbach
Education: Grade 11, and part of Grade 12.
I attended a course on Business Management at the University of Manitoba.
Five Trips to New Orleans to help rebuild.
I worked in the construction trade commercial buildings
1969-1997 - Went from tradesman to part owner of Gypsum Drywall Industries across Western Canada, Winnipeg
Branch
1997-2004 - Vista Park Lodge Personal Care home in charge of maintenance, housekeeping and laundry
2004-2009 - Operated my own building construction company
Adopted twin girls (Metis Heritage) with Asperger Syndrome. This has changed our lives.
My concerns for future of ELCIC is to spend more time and money to help Canada’s Aboriginal people, and creating
training programs for street people and people on welfare.
To support and help struggling rural church’s to set up workshops on starting small business. This would increase
young people staying in small towns and it would increase church membership. Churches need to be involved in
the growth of the small communities.
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Name:
Karl Tuomisto
Gender: Male
Occupation:
Technologist/Business Owner
Congregation: Hilldale, Thunder Bay
I am a Licensed Technologist and a partner in a medium size architectural firm. I work with several people and
groups in my business. Since my first memories I have been in a church. For years I was a youth leader and can
see the challenge of reaching youth. I believe the answer to youth is to give them our time. I am the current
chairperson of Hilldale Lutheran Church and am quite familiar with the opportunities and challenges of our church.
ELCIC has the challenge of guiding its synods and church in the way of God is leading them. As everyone has quick
access to knowledge of the churches current issues, interpretations of the bible (right or wrong), our education
needs to increase in the word, and public perception. The national church is our political face.
I’m interested in hearing firsthand about our challenges and opportunities and how my congregation can assist. If I
am able to be honest about my congregation’s future, the support it will need, and what it can offer.
REGION 4 – METRO
Name:
Norman Coull
Gender: Male
Occupation:
Retired, Part-time copy editor
Congregation: Messiah, Winnipeg
Past member and chair of several congregational councils and Board of Governs of Lutheran Theological Seminary,
Saskatoon, attended as a delegate or volunteer with International, National and Synodical Conventions. Currently
working part time for Canada Lutheran which has influenced my understanding of the church today.
I am concerned about shrinking church membership and resources. The church has weathered some very difficult
times and issues. I have become more optimistic about the future which ultimately rests in God’s hands.
In the secular area my interest lies in the communication and governance of the church which must be tailored to
support “In Mission for Others”, as well as nurturing church membership.
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Name:
Colleen Einarson
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Librarian
Congregation: St. Luke’s Zion, Winnipeg
In my work as a librarian, I daily deal with oral and written information that needs to be evaluated, synthesized and
communicated.
My church positions have included serving as a Sunday school teacher, treasurer and council chair of the former
Zion Lutheran Church (Winnipeg) and St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Church congregations. Involvement in the work of
amalgamating two churches has provided experience with balancing the needs of more than one congregation.
I served two terms on the MNO Synod’s Committee for Theological Education and Leadership (now the Candidacy
Committee). This experience provided greater insight into the worship and pastoral needs of the synod and
national church.
The opportunity to observe the Lutheran church’s mission work in Cameroon and to volunteer with the Lutheran
World Federation convention in Winnipeg has provided me with greater understanding of the value of the
international work of the church.
I have concerns about under-served communities and the financial and membership well-being of ELCIC. I hope
that ELCIC will continue to meet the challenges of social justice issues and strengthen partnerships to support
ELCIC’s statement that we are in a church in Mission for Others.
To obtain a better understanding of the work of the National Church.
Increased knowledge of the workings of the wider church will improve my effectiveness as a church volunteer.
To be able to bring back firsthand information to my congregation regarding the work of the ELCIC and our role in
fulfilling the mission of the national church.
Name:
Luke Filipowicz
Gender: Male
Occupation:
Writer
Congregation: Grace, Winnipeg
Youth Delegate for MNO Synod to National Convention in 2009
Delegate for Grace Lutheran Church Winnipeg, to National Convention in 2011
Very involved in Canadian politics
Has been a member of the National Drama Troupe for CLAY twice
I’m interested in seeing how the church tackles the financial crunch we find ourselves in Canada. Offerings are
low, and attendance is down. We need to find new ways to foster church communities outside of the actual
buildings we occupy.
I enjoy coming together as a church community and discussing the issues that face our church. I believe it’s
important to have healthy and constructive discourse in our church at all times, so anytime we can actually meet
together it’s important
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Name:
Heidi Gerrard
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Church Secretary
Congregation: Cross, Winnipeg
My background is in accounting and food services. However, after adopting my great nephew, needed new career
and at that time started part-time and then 3 years ago here at the Lutheran Church of the Cross, first as secretary
and for past 2 years as data entry as well. I was blessed to be asked to be at Council. Have been part of outreach
committee for 3 years and now at worship committee
Declining attendance / participation is a concern in the church such as ours and many others. To see the way to
grow possibly “outside the box”
I think this convention will have a lot of information to help me at my work, and expand my knowledge of church.
Name:
Jett Isleifson
Gender: Male
Occupation:
Retired
Congregation: Gloria Dei, Winnipeg
Grace XII (LCBI, Outlook SK)
Business Administration (Community College)
Manitoba Hydro: Station Tech. Operator, System Control Centre, Control Operator
Church Council:
Stewardship
Congregational Chairperson
Teacher: Jr. High, Grades VII-VIII, Confirmation
Worship Assistant
Lay Preaching, Service of the Word
Concerns:
Aging Population
Declining Attendance
Mocking presentation of the church in the media
Hopes:
Greater lay participation in sacraments and mission
Changing from traditional congregational structure.
Changing structure of ELCIC
Changing role of lay people
Familiarity with process from past conventions.
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Name:
Eilene Paterson
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Retired Teacher
Congregation: Epiphany, Winnipeg
I have a Masters Degree in Music Education and taught high school band in Toronto and Winnipeg before retiring
in 2000. I was active on the Boards of the Manitoba Band Association and International Music Camp, having been
chair of committees and on the executive of both groups. At Epiphany I served as Secretary on Council, was part of
the transitional group after the split and a member of the funeral and Strategic Planning Committees.
With declining finances, churches closing and lack of volunteers, it has become more difficult to maintain and
support the wider church, but even more essential to do so. Our resources and volunteers are stretched thin and
it has become challenging to maintain interest in ELCIC while sustaining our own local initiatives with a smaller
congregation. My hope is that closer ties will be established in the future.
My interest in attending was encouraged by my sister who has been active in N. Ontario’s Synod for many years.
My hope as a delegate would be to help establish closer contact, more participation and communication with
Epiphany and ELCIC.
Name:
Faye Schultz
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Retired
Congregation: Sherwood Park, Winnipeg
Certified in Management (CIM) degree University of Manitoba
Work:
Accounting and Finance at 3 different companies, computer hardware / software, steel fabricating, pro sports
team then employed at ELCIC National Office, first in finance, then Business Coordinator for Canada Lutheran, then
Executive Assistant to the Office of the Bishop – total years: 13.
Church Life:
Lifelong Lutheran member at Redeemer Lutheran Whitemouth, MB and Sherwood Park. Active in congregation as
a Sunday school teacher, ELW, Church Council and Chairperson & Treasurer. Aware of the ELCIC’s role in the
International scene with its work through the LWF, its partnership Nationally with the Anglican church and
relationship with the United Church of Canada and Mennonite Church.
The ELCIC is a small church internationally but plays an active role and I hope it will continue to do so. I hope the
church will communicate with its members educating them on the work their gifts accomplish.
I am interested in being a part of the future direction of the ELCIC. I would like to continue to be informed in what
is happening in my church.
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Name:
Tracy Shachtay
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Self Employed
Congregation: Faith, Winnipeg
I have been involved in many pieces of Faith Lutheran. I have taught Sunday School, been involved in Confirmation
classes, worked with the liturgical drama group, been a volunteer for and have run the youth programming (8
years total), been a worship assistant (4yrs+), and sat on Church Council as a member at large, vice-chair and sat 2
terms as chair.
I have attended 6 National Youth Gatherings, both as a youth and leader, numerous MNO-lead retreats, events
and services as both a youth and leader, and lead one retreat as well. I was a program leader at Luther Village for
2 summers.
I have travelled twice to Cameroon on behalf of MNO Synod to co-lead a team who worked with and learned from
our companion-synod
I am concerned about staying relevant in our rapidly changing world. I am worried about the median age of our
membership being higher than it maybe should. I’m concerned about our declining volunteer base and declining
number of rostered ministers and declining numbers in congregations and decreased giving..sigh.
I’m hopeful that we have people still wanting to be involved. I’m hopeful that we can make our church relevant. I
hope that the creative people in our church can come up with solutions to our biggest concerns. I hope we can
continue to value our traditions without being too scared to change.
I would like to be a delegate because I’d like to get to know some of the creative people that will come up with
new ideas for our church and who’ll inspire others to come up with ideas of their own, maybe even become one of
those people. I’ve been involved in our church at a congregational level, and at a synodical level, and I would like to
get to know the church better on a national level. I would like to share what I’ve learned about what works for our
congregation and what I’ve seen work elsewhere. I’d also like to learn from others that have more knowledge and
experience than I. I think I have a pretty good grasp on both the views of young people as well as ones from
people a little more seasoned. I think it would be a great experience.
Name:
Russ Skakum
Gender: Male
Occupation
Professional Geek
Congregation: Messiah, Winnipeg
I have a bachelors degree in Computer Science from the University of Manitoba. For the last 18 years I have been
working in the IT industry, with the last 12 as a business analyst focusing on collaborative solutions.
I attend church most every Sunday. I am active in Messiah’s choir, Sunday school and other musical worship
activities. I was a delegate to both the 2014 MNO Synod and 2015 ELCIC National Conventions.
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Based on the last 2 conventions I have attended I am very interested in being present for, and involved in, the
transition from biennial to triennial convention schedule. I am eager to see the effects of the longer terms and
observing the transition as it progresses.
I am not as much interested in being a delegate as I am compelled by an undeniable calling to be a delegate.
Name:
Kelly Speak
Gender: Female
Occupation:
Community Worker
Congregation: First, Winnipeg
- Previous convention experience includes participating in the Synod Youth Delegation in 1996, leading the
Youth Delegation to both Synod and National Conventions, serving as Head Steward at National
Convention and attending Synod and Metro Conference Conventions as a lay delegate.
- I held the position of Youth Coordinator for 5 years with Christ Lutheran Church and then developed a
three congregation shared ministry program as Director of Youth Ministries for 4.5 years with Christ,
Abundant Life and St. Luke’s Zion Lutheran Churches.
- I have served on church council previously at Christ and currently at First Lutheran Churches, as a
committee member and liaison with the MNO Synod Committee for Mission and as a committee member
and now chair of the Companion Synod Sub Committee of the MNO Synod.
- I have traveled to Cameroon 3 times to build on and maintain our synod partnership relationship
including: meeting with church leaders and speaking at their first ever National Youth Gathering in 2009,
leading a delegation of 10 MNO Synod lay and rostered members in 2010 and serving for 4 months in
2012 as a part of our partnership to work on Women in Leadership.
- I currently serve as the ELCIC delegate to the Human Trafficking in Canada Working Group through the
Canadian Council of Churches.
I worked with the former Evangelical Lutheran Women to create and lead a research and display project titled
“Beloved” and focusing on Women’s self image and the relationship between male language in the church.
I have had the opportunity to be a part of several wonderful and life giving ministries carried out in our local, synod
and national context. I am also currently a member at a congregation that has done some long, hard, serious
reflection on their role in the community. Centering our life together around worship and committing to being a
part of and serving the neighbourhood, we now host two food banks, a bi-weekly evening community meal, a biweekly lunch, have been involved in neighbourhood safety walks, have run an annual summer day camp for
children in the community who cannot afford summer programming, and we are regularly approached by
community partners and members for use of our space and support. We were recently approached by a Muslim
and Christian community group to co-sponsor two families who are currently in a refugee camp in South Sudan.
We passed a motion to go forward with not only that sponsorship, but a private sponsorship of a 3 rd family related
to a current member of the congregation.
I talk about all of this because I have recently come from a long time dying and now dead congregation. For years I
was surrounded by and participated in conversations of scarcity carried out by otherwise faithful members of the
church. It was exhausting, daunting, discouraging, dark, lonely and unrelenting. I notice the same feeling in many
congregations and many ministries within our church. I don’t believe it has to be this way.
What I have noticed is that the congregation I am now a member of is a truly welcoming and caring community.
Members know each other, know each other’s families, know what each other do for work or which schools they
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go to, they know of deaths, celebrations, marriage struggles, financial struggles, job changes, hobbies, gifts,
strengths and weaknesses. They know and care about each other beyond a weekly/monthly hello. Many
members stay weekly for coffee after worship to be with each other. Worship is inspired and inspiring. I think
those two things came first and were life giving in such a way that reaching out to the community, serving others,
and sharing gifts was not a burden but a call that is willingly answered. If there is a job to be done, the role is filled
and all members have something to offer. I want also to point out that we are “just like every other congregation”.
We will pass a deficit budget this year, we cannot offer staff the raises we would like to give them and we are
seeing a pattern of decline in average attendance in worship over the last few years. These are serious issues to
consider. But they are not nooses around our necks. They do not determine the entirety of who our congregation
is and whom our congregation serves.
This is my struggle and my hope for the church. That we are able to truly hear that we are both beloved and called
by God. That we can step away from “we need (a) before we can do (b)” and a framework of scarcity. That we can
care about each other in deep and meaningful ways, helping to break down barriers of isolation that are so normal
in our society that we don’t notice it or believe we are worth someone else’s care. But if we are not, how can we
possibly ever care for others? As a relatively academic church, let’s face it, we have no scarcity of education, skills,
gifts, abilities and funds. Moving from fear into faith is an amazing thing. How can we cultivate that in our church
body?
I love conventions!  I think it is important that we are governed and held accountable by each other and that we
can offer mutual support to each other. I think decisions made at convention are meant to serve this purpose and
that they matter for the health and vibrancy of our local congregations.
Name:
Elisabeth Wiens
Occupation:
Retired Teacher
Congregation: Sherwood Park, Winnipeg
- Member of Sherwood Park for 35 years
- Served in several capacities over the years; church council chair; lay minister; many committees including
Altar Care, worship, Stewardship, Congregational Education
- Bachelor of Education degree
- 34 years of teaching; retired 5 years ago
- Continued support and future for our Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
- Continued work together with the Anglican Church in Canada
- To get a global view of our ELCIC
- To represent our congregation, Metro conference, MNO Synod
- To speak on behalf of our members
- To be able to report back to members in an intelligent and informed manner
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PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO MNO
CONSTITUTION – 2nd Reading
Procedural Explanation
First reading approval for a package of constitution changes was given by the 2014 convention.
Constitutional changes require approval be given a second time at the following convention.
This is what is known as “second reading”.
During second reading, an amendment to what was approved in 2014 may be made but in order
to be adopted, must receive unanimous consent of the assembly (see current MNO Constitution
– Article XX – Section 3).
To be approved at second reading, what was agreed to at first reading plus any unanimously
agreed upon amendments to the first reading, must receive a two-thirds majority of votes cast.
The following pages include a summary of the changes given first reading approval. Following
that summary is the full text of the constitution showing the changes proposed.
AMENDMENT TO FIRST READING
Synod Council is proposing the following amendment to what was adopted at first reading.
Approved by council for recommendation to convention – November 2015 (SC 2015 -50)
Article 6 - Congregations
Section 7
When a pastor rostered minister resigns, the Congregational Council shall receive
the resignation, report it to the congregation and notify the bishop of the synod.
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Summary of Changes Adopted at First Reading
ARTICLE 1 Name and Incorporation
A brief description of the MNO seal (water, a ship, sails and a cross) has been added to Section
3.
ARTICLE II Territory
The name of this article is being changed from "Territory" to "Geographic Boundaries".
The boundaries of all the synods of the ELCIC are defined in Part VI of proposed administrative
bylaws of the national church. No change is proposed for the boundaries of the MNO Synod.
However, for the purposes of flexibility, it is proposed that the boundaries also be defined in the
MNO bylaws.
Hence, Section 1 is being amended to delete the precise boundary description and replace it with
a statement that the boundaries shall be defined in the bylaws of the synod.
ARTICLE IV Mission
A general statement of mission is included in the article but all references to how the mission
will be achieved are being removed from the constitution.
The statement of mission will read:
The mission of this church, as an expression of the universal Church and as an
instrument of the Holy Spirit, is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with people in
Canada and around the world through proclamation of the Word and the celebration of
the Sacraments and through service in Christ’s name.
Article V Membership
The article is updated to recognize and accommodate Synodically Recognized Ministries.
Article VI Congregations
Text is being added (new Section 2) to highlight the responsibility of congregations to support
the work of the church. It reads as follows:
"Every congregation and synodically recognized ministry shall support faithfully, with
prayer, personal service and offerings, the common work of this church and of the
synod."
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Details of the procedure a congregation must follow to leave the ELCIC are removed. In their
place, the constitution will stipulate that a congregation wishing to leave must follow
procedures outlined in the bylaws of the National Church. This standardizes the procedure for
withdrawal across the whole church.
Article VII - Synodically Recognized Ministries
A new article that allows for the creation of synodically recognized ministries. It also
establishes that synodically recognized ministries shall have representation at synod
conventions.
Article VIII - Rostered Ministers - Ordained
Title of article is changed to recognize the general category of rostered ministers followed by
the sub-category of Ordained.
This article currently contains much detail about the duties and responsibilities of ordained
rostered ministers. This detail is being deleted from the constitution and will be added to the
MNO bylaws.
Article IX - Rostered Ministers - Diaconal
Similar updating of the article title as was described above for Article VIII.
A new section is being added to state that a diaconal minister will conduct him or herself in
accordance with the bylaws of this church.
Article X Conferences
This article is being deleted as under our new governance / organizational model, conferences
will no longer exist. Conferences will be replaced by areas.
Article X will now include pre-existing full communion provisions.
Article XI Areas
A new article that gives authority to Synod Council to create and define the boundaries of
Areas. Provision is made for consultation with congregations. Detail pertaining to the role of the
areas will be part of the synod bylaws.
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Article XII Electoral Regions
Electoral Regions are being created for the purpose of providing a geographical partitioning of
the synod for the purpose of electing representatives to National conventions and possibly
synod council.
The constitution establishes that the Synod shall determine the number and boundaries of
electoral regions upon recommendation by the Synod Council. More specific details will be
incorporated into the bylaws.
Article XV Officers / Article XVI Office of the Bishop
To remove redundancy that currently exists in these two articles, it is proposed that they be
combined into a single article: "Officers".
Rather than specifying the titles of officers, it is proposed that the constitution stipulate that
there by a minimum of three officers, that one of these officers shall be the bishop of the
synod, and that at least 50% of the officers be lay. Specification of officer titles and roles shall
be defined in the bylaws.
Article XVII Theological Institutions
In Section 1, it is proposed that the statement that the synod maintain a theological seminary
be deleted. In its place, a statement is made that the synod will support theological education.
Details related to governance of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon as those details
relate to the MNO Synod will be transferred to the bylaws of the synod.
Article XVII Auxiliaries
As all are defunct, this article is deleted.
Article XVIII Financial Matters
To be deleted. Content to be covered in bylaws and policy manual
Article XIX Amendments to the Constitution
It is being proposed that constitutional amendments could be approved at a single convention.
In moving to a three-year cycle for conventions, keeping the existing requirement that
constitution amendments be approved at two conventions would mean that it would take at
least six years to institute a change.
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A provision is included to insure that all proposed amendments are circulated well in advance
of a convention (90 days). The time gap between first and second readings must be at least 24
hours.
Amendments introduced at a convention without meeting the pre-notification requirement
could receive first reading approval only.
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Full Text Showing Changes Approved at 2014 Convention
Changes to the existing MNO constitution are shown using strikethroughs to indicate
text that is to be deleted and italics for text that is to be added.
Editorial notes appear inside boxes. These notes will not appear in the actual
constitution.
CONSTITUTION
MANITOBA/NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO SYNOD
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN CANADA
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I
Name and Incorporation
ARTICLE II
Territory Geographic Boundaries
ARTICLE III
Confession of Faith
ARTICLE IV
Mission
ARTICLE V
Membership
ARTICLE VI
Congregations
ARTICLE VII
Synodically Recognized Ministries
ARTICLE VII VIII
Ordained Rostered Ministers - Ordained
ARTICLE VIII IX
Diaconal Rostered Ministers - Diaconal
ARTICLE IX X
Full Communion Provisions
ARTICLE X XI
The Conferences Areas
ARTICLE XII
Electoral Regions
ARTICLE XI XIII
Conventions
ARTICLE XII XIV
Synod Council
ARTICLE XIII XV
Officers
ARTICLE XIV
Office of the Bishop
ARTICLE XV XVI
Standing Committees
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ARTICLE XVI XVII
Theological Institutions
ARTICLE XVII
Auxiliaries
ARTICLE XVIII
Financial Matters
ARTICLE XIX XVIII
Bylaws
ARTICLE XX XIX
Amendments to the Constitution
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ARTICLE I
Section 1.
The name of the synod functioning under this constitution shall be
Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Canada (referred to as “this church”).
Section 2.
The synod shall be incorporated under the laws of Manitoba.
Section 3.
The seal of the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod shall consist of a
ship encircled by the words "Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada." The bishop shall have custody
of the seal. of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Inc. shall
consist of water, a ship, sails and a cross The bishop shall have custody
of the seal.
ARTICLE II
Territory
Geographic Boundaries
ED NOTE:
The boundaries of the synods are defined in Part VI of proposed administrative bylaws of
the national church. No change is proposed for the boundaries of the MNO Synod. For
the purposes of flexibility, it is proposed that the boundaries be defined in the MNO
bylaws.
The territory of this synod shall be the Province of Manitoba and that portion of Ontario
west of 86 degrees longitude.
Section 1.
The geographic boundaries of this synod shall be as described in the
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ARTICLE III
Confession of Faith
Section 1.
This synod confesses the Triune God–Father, Son and Holy Spirit–as the
one true God. It proclaims the Father as Creator and Preserver; His Son,
Jesus Christ, as Redeemer and Lord; and the Holy Spirit as Regenerator
and Sanctifier.
Section 2.
This synod confesses that the Gospel is the revelation of God's saving will
and grace in Jesus Christ, which He imparts through Word and Sacrament.
Through these means of grace the Holy Spirit creates believers and unites
them with their Lord and with one another in the fellowship of the Holy
Christian Church.
Section 3.
This synod confesses the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the
inspired Word of God, through which God still speaks, and as the only
source of the Church's doctrine and the authoritative standard for the faith
and life of the Church.
Section 4.
This synod confesses the following symbols, comprising subscribes to the
documents of the Book of Concord of 1580, which it subscribes specifically
as witnesses to the way in which the Holy Scriptures have been correctly
understood, and explained and confessed for the sake of the Gospel,
namely
a. The Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds as the chief
confessions of the Christian faith.
b. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession as its basic formulation of Christian
doctrine;
c. Luther's Small Catechism as a clear summary of Christian doctrine;
d. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Luther's Large Catechism, the
Smalcald Articles with the Treatise, and the Formula of Concord as
further witnesses to the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.
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ARTICLE IV
Mission
Section 1.
As the regional expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
and in faithfulness to the Lord of the Church, this synod shall facilitate and
advance the mission of this church within its territory. Guided and
empowered by the Holy Spirit, it shall carry out this mission by shepherding
its congregations, ordained ministers and lay diaconal ministers by
engaging in other forms of ministry which proclaim God's Word and serve
to bring reconciliation to the world.
Section 1.
The mission of this church, as an expression of the universal Church and
as an instrument of the Holy Spirit, is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ
with people in Canada and around the world through proclamation of the
Word and the celebration of the Sacraments and through service in
Christ’s name.
Section 2.
a. Organize, recognize, receive, release and exclude congregations and
b. Ordain, receive, consecrate, nurture, support and discipline rostered
ministers;
c. Recruit, approve, supervise and support ministerial candidates for
rostered ministry;
d. Cooperate with this church to provide for theological education at
Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and elect
two members to its Board of Governors;
e. Provide for higher education for the members of this church and others
and for ministry to persons engaged in higher education at universities
and colleges on its territory;
f. Encourage congregational evangelism and works of mercy;
g. Encourage congregational programs for justice and service;
h. Maintain and support social and health care service agencies and
institutions in accordance with the standards adopted by the church;
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i.
j.
Cooperate with the church and other organizations or groups in activities
that promote justice and reconciliation, meet human need and alleviate
suffering;
Interpret and support the nation-wide and world-wide work of the church
through effective cooperation with the divisions and offices;
k. Acknowledge the official auxiliaries as partners in carrying out the
mission of the church;
l.
province-wide Christian movements which have been approved by the
church as adhering to sound principles;
m. Adjudicate appeals from congregational discipline in accord with the
n. Administer the synod as stipulated in the constitution and bylaws of the
o. Carry out such other ministries which may be identified by the synod or
by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
Section 2.
As the regional expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada,
in faithfulness to the Lord of the Church, this synod shall facilitate and
advance the mission of this church within its territory.
Section 3:
This synod shall faithfully support the common work of this church and its
international and ecumenical partners.
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ARTICLE V
Membership
ED. NOTE: Note change in language to include synodically recognized ministries.
Section 1.
As provided in the corporate bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada, the membership of the synod consists of member congregations
recognized by the synod, as a regional manifestation of this church;
baptized individuals who are members of a congregation (baptized
members) shall exercise their privileges and responsibilities through
participation in the congregation in which they are members.
Section 1.
The membership of this synod consists of congregations and synodically
recognized ministries that are recognized by this synod in the manner
described in the bylaws of this church. Baptized individuals who are
members of a congregation or synodically recognized ministries shall
exercise their privileges and responsibilities through participation in the
congregation or synodically recognized ministry in which they are
members.
Section 2.
The synod at its organizational meeting shall recognize those
congregations on its territory that are recognized by the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Canada and certified to it by the secretary of this church.
[Renumber subsequent sections]
Section 2.
Additional Congregations may be recognized by the synod acting on behalf
of this church in the manner described in the constitution and bylaws of this
church.
Section 3.
The synod may revoke its recognition of any congregation in the manner
described in the constitution and bylaws of this church.
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ARTICLE VI
Congregations
Section 1.
Every congregation and synodically recognized ministry which is
recognized by this synod shall have a constitution which, in the judgment of
the Synod Council, is in harmony with the constitution and bylaws of this
church and of the synod.
Section 2.
Every parish not represented by a rostered minister shall elect a lay
delegate to the convention of this church. If a parish has more than eight
hundred baptized members two lay delegates shall be elected, unless a
rostered minister of the parish has been chosen by the conference, in which
case one lay delegate shall be elected.
Section 2.
Every congregation and synodically recognized ministry shall support
faithfully, with prayer, personal service and offerings, the common work of
this church and of the synod.
Section 3.
Every congregation of the synod shall choose a delegate or delegates to
represent it at conventions of the synod and at meetings of the conference
to which the congregation is assigned. An alternate or alternates may act
in the stead of the delegate or delegates in the event of their absence.
area to which the congregation is assigned in accordance with procedures
as defined in the bylaws of this synod.
ED NOTE:
The previous Section 4 becomes Section 5. A new text for Section 4 is
shown below. What was Section 5 now appears in Section 7.
Section 4.
The alignment of congregations and synodically recognized ministries in
parishes shall be subject to approval of Synod Council.
Section 5
Congregations and synodically recognized ministries shall have the right to
petition this synod, according to procedures set forth in the bylaws.
ED NOTE: The new text for Section 6 is the text that was previously numbered as Section
8
Section 6.
The alignment of congregations in pastoral charges shall be subject to
approval by the Synod Council.
In case of strife and division in a congregation, the congregational council
shall seek the advice of the bishop of this synod.
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Section 7.
The approval of this church or a convention of the synod or of its council
shall be required for the solicitation of funds from congregations for
institutions, agencies and causes of this church.
Section 7
When a pastor resigns, the Congregational Council shall receive the
resignation, report it to the congregation and notify the bishop of the synod.
ED NOTE: The above Section 7 was previously Section 5. The text has not
changed, only the numbering.
Section 8.
In case of strife and division in a congregation, the Congregational Council
shall seek the advice of the bishop of the synod.
Section 9 8. A congregation desiring to withdraw from this church shall require a
two-thirds majority vote at any legally called and conducted meeting. The
Bishop shall be notified immediately, in writing, of the results of the vote.
Such decision shall not be effective until at least ninety days after the
bishop has been notified and until the initial action has been ratified by a
two-thirds majority vote at a subsequent legally called and conducted
meeting held no sooner than ninety days after the bishop has been
notified. must comply with the procedures for withdrawal set out in the
Section 10 9. A congregation which has ceased to exist or whose membership has so
diminished in numbers as to render it impossible or impractical for the
congregation to function according to its constitution and bylaws shall, after
consultation with any remaining members, be deemed by the synod of
which it was a part to be defunct. The This synod through the this Synod
Council shall appoint trustees, including where feasible former members of
the congregation, who shall take charge and control of the property of said
congregation to hold, manage and convey the same on behalf of this synod.
Section 11 10.
A lay member of any congregation or synodically recognized ministry, may
appeal to the synod from the disciplinary action of the congregation. All
such appeals must be made in writing to the bishop within thirty days after
the action has been taken. Copies of said appeal shall be transmitted by
the appellant to the pastor and to the secretary of the congregation. The
bishop shall appoint a special committee to investigate the appeal. The
decision of the committee shall be final and reported to the appropriate
parties. who is under discipline by his/her congregation or synodically
recognized ministry, may appeal to this synod in the manner described in
the bylaws of this synod.
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ARTICLE VII
Section 1.
This synod shall maintain a roster of synodically recognized ministries as
described in the bylaws of this church.
Section 2.
Each synodically recognized ministries is entitled to choose a
representative to conventions of this synod in accordance with procedures
as defined in the bylaws.
ARTICLE VII VIII
Ordained Ministers Rostered Ministers - Ordained
ED NOTE: Much of the detail being deleted from this Article will be transferred to the
Bylaws
Section 1.
Ordination of approved candidates shall normally take place in connection
with a convention of the synod. The time and place of all ordinations shall
be designated by the bishop.
Section 1.
This synod shall maintain a roster of ordained ministers.
Section 2.
Every pastor shall preach the Word, administer the Sacraments and
conduct public worship in harmony with the faith and practices of the church;
shall baptize, confirm and marry in accordance with the teaching of the
church and with the laws of the province; shall visit the sick and distressed
and bury the dead; shall inculcate piety in individual and family life and
provide pastoral leadership to all schools and auxiliary organizations of the
congregation; shall install members of the Congregational Council and, with
the council, administer discipline; shall seek out and encourage qualified
persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel and strive to extend the
Kingdom of God in the community, at home and abroad; and shall
encourage the members to be generous in support of the ministry of the
congregation, the synod and the church.
Section 2.
The standards of admission and continuance on the roster of ordained
ministers shall be defined in the bylaws of this church.
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Section 3.
Every pastor shall keep accurate membership records including baptisms,
confirmations, marriages, burials and communicants, and shall submit a
report of such statistics annually to the secretary of the synod on forms
provided by this church. The parish records shall be kept in a separate book
which shall remain the property of the congregation.
Section 3.
An ordained minister shall conduct himself/herself in accordance with the
constitution, bylaws and policies of this synod and of this church.
Section 4.
When members move, the pastor shall commend them to the pastoral care
of the parish in which their new home is located.
Section 5.
Each congregation shall consult the bishop of the synod before taking any
steps leading to the extending of a call to a prospective pastor.
Section 6.
Upon receiving a call to another ministry, the pastor shall consult with the
bishop and the chairperson of the Congregational Council before a decision
is reached. The pastor shall inform the congregation and the bishop of the
decision on the call within thirty days of official notice. When a call has been
accepted, the pastor shall terminate the ministry within two months unless
an extension has been agreed upon by the pastor and the Congregational
Council.
Section 7.
The regular call of a congregation when accepted by a pastor shall
constitute a relationship which shall be terminated only for the following
causes: l) the resignation of the pastor; 2) the attainment by the pastor of
the age of sixty-five years, after which time the pastor may be called for
renewable two-year terms; 3) disqualifications of the pastor through
discipline; 4) division of a pastoral charge; 5) the physical or mental
incapacity of the pastor; 6) continued neglect of ministry; 7) inability to
conduct the pastoral office satisfactorily in that parish in view of local
conditions, without reflection on the moral and spiritual character of the
pastor.
In the last three contingencies, when such difficulties are made known, the
bishop may, following consultation with the conference dean, appoint an
Advisory Committee of two ordained ministers and two lay members to
investigate. Upon the request of the Congregational Council or the receipt
of a petition signed by at least one-third of the voting members of the
congregation, the bishop shall appoint such an Advisory Committee to
investigate.
In case of alleged physical or mental disability, medical testimony shall be
secured. When such incapacity is evident, the bishop, on the advice of the
committee and with the concurrence of the Congregational Council, shall
declare the pastorate vacant. Upon the restoration of such a pastor to
health, the bishop of the synod shall take steps to enable the pastor to
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resume the ministry, either in the congregation last served or in another field
of labour.
In case of alleged neglect of ministry or of local conditions which imperil the
well-being of the congregation, all those concerned shall be heard, after
which the bishop of the synod together with the Advisory Committee shall
counsel with the pastor and the congregation on a proper course of action.
Such counsel shall be offered out of Christian love and is not to be regarded
as an act of discipline. After such counsel, if the problem has not been
resolved, the congregation may terminate the call by majority vote. The
bishop of the synod at any point in the foregoing proceedings, with the
concurrence of the Congregational Council, may suspend the pastor from
the functions of the ministry within the congregation, pending completion of
the formal proceedings.
The foregoing procedure shall never be invoked when questions of doctrine
or morality are involved, all such cases being treated as disciplinary matters.
Section 8.
No ordained minister shall preach or perform any ministerial act within the
parish of another pastor except at the latter's request or consent, or visit or
perform ministerial acts in a time of a pastoral vacancy except by invitation
of its Congregational Council.
Section 9.
During a pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor shall be selected by the
Congregational Council after consultation with the bishop. The interim
pastor shall have the responsibility of a regularly called pastor. All interim
and supply pastors shall refrain from exerting influence in the call process
of the congregation.
Section 10. All ordained ministers serving under call shall attend all conventions of the
synod and the meetings of the conferences to which they belong.
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ARTICLE VIII IX
Diaconal Rostered Ministers - Diaconal
Section 1.
The synod shall have maintain roster of diaconal ministers.
Section 2.
The standards of acceptance admission and continuance on the roster of
diaconal ministers of this church shall be defined in the administrative
Section 3.
A diaconal minister shall conduct himself/herself in accordance with the
constitution, bylaws and policies of this synod and of this church.
ARTICLE IX X
Section 1
Ordered ministers of churches with which this church has a full
communion agreement, who are serving in this church under the
provisions of the full communion agreement, shall have the same rights
and privileges as the equivalent order of the ministry of this church.
ARTICLE X
The Conferences
ED. NOTE: Conferences are being replaced by areas. See new Article XI below.
Section 1.
This synod shall be organized regionally into conferences whose number
and boundaries are to be determined by the synod upon recommendation
of the Synod Council.
Section 2.
The role of the conferences shall be defined in the bylaws of this synod.
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ARTICLE XI
Areas
Section 1.
This synod shall be organized into areas whose number and boundaries
shall be determined by Synod Council, in consultation with congregations.
Section 2.
The role of the areas shall be defined in the bylaws of this synod.
ARTICLE XII
Electoral Regions
Section 1.
This synod shall be organized into electoral regions whose number and
boundaries shall be determined by the synod upon recommendation by
the synod council.
Section 2.
The purpose of the electoral regions shall be defined in the bylaws of this
synod.
ARTICLE XI XIII
Conventions
Section 1.
The convention of the synod shall be its highest legislative authority.
Section 2
Conventions of this synod shall be held according to times, policies, and
procedures as described in the bylaws of this synod. in accordance with
the bylaws and policies of this synod.
ARTICLE XII XIV
Synod Council
Section 1.
Synod Council is the governing body of this synod and shall carry out all
normal functions and responsibilities on behalf of this synod in accordance
with the constitution, the bylaws and resolutions of this synod in
convention.
Section 2.
Synod Council shall consist of the officers of this synod, and members, all
of whom shall be members in good standing of congregations or
synodically recognized ministries of this synod, elected according to
procedures defined in the bylaws of this synod.
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ARTICLE XIII XV
Officers
ED NOTES:
1.
This article now combines previous Article XIII - Officers and Article XIV - Office of
the bishop.
2.
To allow for greater flexibility, it is proposed that the number of and titles of officers
be specified in the bylaws. As the officers form an executive committee of council, it
is thought that a minimum of three be specified in order to satisfy quorum
requirements
Section 1.
The officers of the synod shall be a bishop, a chair, a secretary and a
treasurer. At least two of these officers shall be lay members of this synod.
This synod shall have a minimum of three officers, one of whom shall be
the bishop of the synod who shall be its chief pastor and chief executive
officer. At least fifty-percent of the officers shall be lay members of this
synod. All officers shall serve as officers of the synod council.
Section 2.
The number of, procedures for electing, length of terms of office and duties
of the officers shall be defined in the bylaws of this synod.
Section 3.
The officers shall be elected by the synod convention for a term of four years
according to procedures established in the bylaws. All officers shall serve
until their successors assume office.
Section 5 3. The recall or dismissal of an officer of the synod shall follow the procedure
set out in the constitution and bylaws of this church.
Section 4.
The bishop shall be on the roster of ordained ministers of this church or
serving as an ordained minister in this church under the provisions of a
Full Communion agreement.
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ARTICLE XIV
ED NOTE:
This article is deleted. Parts of it have been incorporated into ARTICLE XV - Officers
(see above)
Section 1.
The bishop, as the chief executive officer of this synod, has full authority,
responsibility and accountability to discharge all duties and obligations of
that office as mandated in the constitution, the bylaws and by resolution of
Synod Council.
Section 2.
The bishop shall provide pastoral leadership and counsel to ordained and
diaconal ministers, congregations, synodically recognized ministries and
conferences areas of this synod.
Section 3.
The bishop shall be the chief executive officer of this synod and an ex
officio member of all committees of this synod.
Section 4.
The authority to elect and call a bishop shall rest with this synod at a
regular convention or a special convention called for this purpose. Synod
Council shall seek the advice and counsel of the National Bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in the call process.
Section 5.
The bishop shall be on the roster of ordained ministers of this church or
serving as an ordained minister in this church under the provisions of a
Full Communion agreement.
Section 6.
The bishop shall be elected by this synod convention for a term of four
years, without limitation, according to procedures established in the
bylaws. The bishop shall serve until his/her successor assumes office.
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ED NOTE:
As Section 1 gives authority to council to create committees, such committees
automatically become accountable to council thereby making Section 3 redundant.
ARTICLE XV XVI
Standing Committees
Section 1.
Synod Council shall have authority to establish such committees deemed
necessary for the mission of this synod.
Section 2.
Terms of reference for, and membership on, any committee shall be
defined in the bylaws of this synod or in a policy manual approved by
Synod Council.
Section 3.
ARTICLE XVI XVII
Section 1.
This synod acknowledges its responsibility to maintain a theological
seminary within the guidelines provided by this church, to strengthen this
seminary spiritually and academically, and to provide for its financial
support. support theological education so that rostered leadership is
formed within the guidelines of this church. It may also maintain a
theological seminary and strengthen it spiritually and academically and
provide for its financial support.
Section 2.
a. The Board of Governors of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, shall control and manage the seminary and determine
its academic and administrative affairs. The property of the seminary,
both real and personal, shall be held by the Board of Governors in trust
for and under the guidance of the Synods of British Columbia, Alberta,
Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
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b. The board may propose to the synods an increase in the number of its
members, such increase to include an equal number of rostered
ministers and lay persons. Any proposal for increase in the number of
members of the board must have the approval of the synods.
c. The term of office for each member of the board shall be four years
except in the following cases:
i. Where a member is appointed to fill a vacancy, such appointment
shall be by the Synod Council and shall be for the remainder of the
term of the predecessor;
ii. In the case of the first of any new elections in connection with
increasing the number of the said board, the terms of office shall be
for two or four years, so spaced that one-half of the membership of
the board shall be elected each biennium.
d. Members of the board shall be eligible to serve for not more than two
consecutive terms.
e. Financial support for the seminary shall be determined by a process of
consultation between the Board of Governors and the Synod Council
f. The board shall make an annual report to the regular convention of the
synod.
Section 2.
The Board of Governors of the Lutheran Theological Seminary,
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan shall control and manage the seminary and
determine its academic and administrative affairs.
Section 3.
Terms of reference for, and membership on, the Board of Governors of
the Lutheran Theological Seminary shall be defined in the bylaws of this
synod or in a policy manual.
ARTICLE XVII
Auxiliaries
There shall be synodical units of the official auxiliaries of this church. Such units shall
report to the Synod Council and convention. The bishop, or an appointee, shall have seat
and voice at synodical unit conventions and board meetings.
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ARTICLE XVIII
Financial Matters
Section 1.
The fiscal year and the budget year of the synod shall be the calendar year.
Section 2.
The annual budget and financial reports of the synod shall reflect the entire
range of its activities. The income listed shall include support from all
sources.
Section 3.
Each budget shall approve an amount for contingency not to exceed 7% of
the budget.
Section 4.
There shall be an operating reserve, determined by the Synod Council, of
no more than l5% of the following year's budget.
Section 5.
Representatives of the Synod Council shall meet with representatives
appointed by the National Church Council to agree upon the synod's
commitment goal for support of the budget of the church during the next
fiscal year. These representatives shall recommend for approval by the
synod and by the National Church Council the amount of support to be
transmitted through the synod to the church.
Section 6.
Special appeals to congregations for the raising of funds shall require the
consent of the convention or the Synod Council.
Section 7.
The financial accounts of the synod shall be submitted annually for audit to
a chartered accountant named by the Synod Council.
ARTICLE XIX XVII
Bylaws
Section 1.
This synod may adopt such bylaws, not in conflict with this constitution, as
may be necessary. Such bylaws may be amended at any convention by a
two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting. At least one day shall
elapse between first presentation and convention action unless unanimous
consent to amend is given.
Section 2.
Bylaws relating to convention procedure may be suspended by a two-thirds
vote of the delegates present and voting.
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ARTICLE XX XIX
Amendments to the Constitution
Section 1.
The Confession of Faith as stated in Article III shall be that of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
Section 2.
Amendments to this constitution shall be in writing and may be proposed by
a. The National Church Council,
b. The Synod Council,
c. A congregation of the synod, if such proposals were first approved at a
duly called and conducted congregational meeting; or
d. Ten convention delegates.
Section 3.
All proposed amendments must be reported to the convention no later than
the first full day of business. The Synod Council shall make report and
recommendation during that convention on all proposed amendments.
Adoption of an amendment shall require passage at this and the next
regular convention by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting.
Notice of the full text thereof shall be sent to the pastors and congregations
of the synod at least one month prior to the second reading. Further
amendment at the second reading shall require unanimous consent. Such
amendments shall be effective upon ratification by the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Canada in convention or by its National Church Council.
Section 3
Full text of all proposed amendments shall be sent to the ordained ministers
and diaconal ministers on the roster, congregations and synodically
recognized ministries of this synod at least three months before the opening
of the convention at which those amendments will be given first reading.
Section 4
All proposed amendments must be reported to the convention no later
than the first full day of business. The Synod Council shall make a report
and recommendation during that convention on all proposed amendments.
Section 5
Adoption of an amendment shall require two separate readings separated
by at least twenty-four hours. Each reading shall require passage by a
two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting. Amendments
proposed following first reading approval for consideration at the time
second reading must obtain unanimous consent of the delegates present
and voting.
Section 6
Amendments shall be effective upon ratification by the National Church
Council.
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MNO SYNOD ADMINISTRATIVE BYLAW CHANGES
Procedural Explanation
Presentation of the following new Administrative Bylaws of the MNO Synod is contingent upon
2nd reading approval of the constitutional changes found elsewhere in this docket.
Given extensive nature of the bylaw changes being proposed, the convention will be asked to
repeal the entire set of existing bylaws and replace them with a new set of bylaws.
The repeal and replacement process will be treated the same as an amendment to the bylaws.
Bylaw amendments are governed by Article XIX – Section 1 of the constitution which reads:
This synod may adopt such bylaws, not in conflict with this constitution, as may be necessary. Such
bylaws may be amended at any convention by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting. At
least one day shall elapse between first presentation and convention action unless unanimous consent to
amend is given.
If adopted, the new bylaws will come into effect at the close of the 2016 convention.
Presented below is a brief summary of the major changes being proposed. Following that is the
full text of the new bylaws. Elsewhere in the docket, you will find the full text of the current
bylaws.
Summary of proposed changes to MNO Synod Administrative Bylaws
Part I

Part II





Geographic Boundaries and Offices
Synod office location will remain in Winnipeg but flexibility is incorporated to allow for
the possibility of deployed staff
Organizational Relationships (*NEW*)
Replaces existing text related to definition and roles of conferences
Allows for the establishment of “synodically recognized ministries”
Defines roles and responsibilities of “Areas” and “Area Leadership Teams”
Creates and defines “Electoral Regions” for the purpose of selecting delegates for
National Conventions and representation on Synod Council
MNO representatives to the LTS Board of Governors will be appointed by synod council
as opposed to being elected by the convention
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Part III / IV

Content of these Parts consists of text being transferred out of the existing constitution
and into the administrative bylaws.
Part V







Conventions
Adoption of a three year convention cycle in place of current two year cycle
Reduction in size of youth delegation from 14 to 12 members. Accommodates both
representation by electoral regions and at-large delegates
Threshold for a congregation being eligible to send two lay delegates to synod convention
is raised to 400 baptized members from current level of 300.
Process for electing a chair of council will become that same as that for election of the
secretary and treasurer (i.e., nomination presented to convention by council with further
nominations accepted from the floor). Current practice for electing a chair is an
ecclesiastical ballot.
Defines process for the submission of petitions by congregations
Sets rules regarding who may speak and for how long and how these provisions can be
set aside.
To move toward restoring a 50/50 balance of rostered and lay voting delegates, the
number of retired rostered voting delegates will be limited to no more than 10 percent
of the number of active rostered delegates. Selection of retired rostered voting delegates
will be done by members of that peer group using a balloting process conducted by the
synod office in the months leading up to a synod convention.
Part VI




Electing Delegates to National Convention (*NEW*)
Creates a process for receiving nominations
Outlines the criteria for establishing eligibility of nominees
Defines the order in which elections for rostered, lay and youth delegates will be held
Defines how replacement delegates will be chosen if an elected delegate is not able to
attend
Part VII




Rostered Ministers – Ordained / Rostered Ministers - Diaconal
Synod Council
Extend eligibility to serve to lay members of synodically recognized ministries
Reduction in the size of synod council from 14 to 11 members. New composition will be
four officers, two rostered at large and five lay members (one from each electoral region
and an additional lay member from the Metro region). Terms of office shall be three
years for all members except the bishop whose term shall be six years.
For all members except the bishop, terms shall begin at the close of the convention at
which they are elected (currently, terms begin three months following the convention).
Charges synod council with the task of developing a system by which the costs of sending
delegates to both synod and national conventions will be shared amongst congregations
of the synod
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Part VIII


Description of duties is streamlined. Detail to be incorporated into a policy manual
Streamlines existing language with regard to the limits of authority of the executive
committee
Part IX


Committees
Responsibility for appointing synodical representatives to the Western Synods Examining
Committee is transferred to the Bishop from the synod council.
Size of Nominations Committee reduced to three from four members.
Part X / XI

NB
Theological Institutions / Financial Matters
No changes to the text of these parts
Part XII

Officers
Transition (*NEW*)
Outlines the process to be used to transition from a two year to a three convention
cycle
Existing Part IX – Bylaw Amendments will be deleted as the process for amending the
administrative bylaws is set out in the constitution.
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Full Text of Proposed Administrative Bylaws
ADMINISTRATIVE BYLAWS
Approved by Synod Council for recommendation to the 2016 Synod Convention
(SC – 2015 – 51 and SC emeeting)
Table of Contents
PART I
PART II
Organizational Relationships
PART III
Rostered Ministers - Ordained
PART IV
Rostered Ministers - Diaconal
PART V
Conventions
PART VI
Election of Delegates to the National Church Convention
PART VII
Synod Council
PART VIII
Officers
PART IX
Committee
PART X
PART XI
Financial Matters
PART XII
Transition
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PART I
Section 1.
The geographic boundaries of this synod shall be the province of Manitoba and
that portion of Ontario west of 86 degrees longitude. In those cases where
congregations are closer geographically to a neighbouring synod, they may
petition synod council for transfer to that synod.
Section 2
The registered head office of this synod shall be located in Winnipeg.
Section 3
All executive offices shall be located where designated by synod council.
PART II
Organizational Relationships
Section 1.
Congregations
a. This synod shall organize, recognize, receive, release and exclude
congregations, and approve or disapprove of the relocation or the merger of
congregations within its geographical boundaries.
b. Congregations may petition this synod according to the procedures set forth
in these bylaws. (Synod Bylaws Part V, Section 8)
c. During a pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor shall be appointed by the Bishop
after consultation with the congregational council and the Area Leadership
Team.
d. A lay member of a congregation who wishes to appeal discipline imposed by
his/her congregation on that member shall appeal in writing to the Bishop
within thirty (30) days after the disciplinary action has been taken. The
appellant shall send copies of the appeal to the pastor and to the secretary of
the congregation. The Bishop shall appoint a special committee to investigate
the appeal. The decision of the committee shall be reported to the appellant,
the pastor and secretary of the congregation and to the Bishop. The decision
of the committee shall be final.
Section 2.
a. Synodically Recognized Ministries are groups and organizations other than
congregations who promote and implement the mission of this church.
b. This synod may organize, recognize, receive, release and exclude
synodically recognized ministries within its geographical boundaries.
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c. A lay member of a synodically recognized ministry who wishes to appeal
discipline imposed by his/her congregation on that member shall appeal in
writing to the Bishop within thirty (30) days after the disciplinary action has
been taken. The appellant shall send copies of the appeal to the pastor and
to the secretary of the congregation. The Bishop shall appoint a special
committee to investigate the appeal. The decision of the committee shall be
reported to the appellant, the pastor and secretary of the congregation and to
the Bishop. The decision of the committee shall be final.
Section 3.
Areas and Area Leadership Teams
a. This synod shall be organized into areas whose number and boundaries shall
be determined by Synod Council, in consultation with congregations.
b. The role of areas shall be to:
i.
encourage fellowship among rostered ministers and congregations;
ii.
arrange opportunities for the study of the Holy Scriptures and Christian
doctrine;
iii.
assist the synod in planning, promoting and implementing the mission of
this church;
iv.
respond in consultation with the synod to particular needs within its
territory;
c. The Bishop, in consultation with Synod Council and areas, shall appoint area
leadership teams.
d. The role of the area leadership team is to:
i.
Assist congregations and ministries within the area to plan, promote and
implement the mission of this church.
ii.
Consult with the Synod Bishop on matters of congregational and area
mission and leadership.
iii.
Serve as the Bishop’s representative, as requested, at installations of
rostered ministers and throughout the call process.
iv.
Work cooperatively with Synod staff.
v.
Work with congregational leaders to create mission strategies.
vi..
Arrange for continuing education opportunities for all leaders to support
and encourage area mission strategies.
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vii
Encourage networking and mutual support among leaders.
viii.
Provide pastoral support to area rostered leaders as required.
e. Area leadership teams shall report to the Bishop annually and at other times
as requested by the Bishop.
f.
Area leadership team members shall be appointed for a three year term
commencing on January 1 of the year following a synod convention and are
eligible for reappointment. In the event an area leadership team member is
unable or unwilling to serve the full term, the Bishop may appoint a
replacement to complete the term.
g. The appointment of an area leadership team member may be rescinded midterm only upon resolution of Synod Council.
Section 4.
Electoral Regions
a. The purpose of electoral regions is to provide representation on Synod
Council and at National conventions.
b. The synod shall be divided into four electoral regions.
c. The membership of each shall consist of the following congregations:
Electoral Region 1 – Western / Northern MB
Immanuel
Baldur
Redeemer
Brandon
St Paul
Brunkild
Grace St. John's
Carman
Emmanuel
Emerson
Erickson
Erickson
First United
Flin Flon
Zion
Friedensthal
Glenboro
Glenboro
Grace
Langruth
Church Of The Cross
Morris
St John
Rosenfeld
Trinity
Starbuck
Advent
Thompson
Christ
Waldersee
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Electoral Region 2 – Central and Eastern Manitoba
Ardal-Geysir
Grace
Zion
Abundant Life
Gimli
St Paul
Gethsemane
Church Of The Cross
Lundar
Peace
Pinawa
St Paul
Riverton-Hnausa
Church Of The Good Shepherd
Evangelical
St Peter
Trinity
Redeemer
Arborg
Ashern
Beausejour
Bird's Hill
Gimli
Green Bay
Inwood
Lac du Bonnet
Lundar
Moosehorn
Pinawa
River Hills
Riverton
Selkirk
Selkirk
Teulon
Thalberg
Whitemouth
Electoral Region 3 – SE Manitoba / NW Ontario
Trinity
Bergland
Zion
Ft. Frances
Salem
Pass Lake
Hilldale
Thunder Bay
Our Saviour
Thunder Bay
St Paul's
Steinbach
Ostenfeld
Ostenfeld
St John
Lydiatt
Bethesda
Kenora
Electoral Region 4 - Metro
Grace
Epiphany
Faith
First
Messiah
St Mark's
St Luke's Zion
Sherwood Park
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Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
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Gloria Dei
Prince Of Peace
Church Of The Cross
St John's
St Stephen St Bede
Section 5.
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Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
a. This synod shall recognize all organizations recognized by the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Canada.
Section 6.
a. The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon is owned by the synods of
Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Territories,
and British Columbia.
b. Synod council shall appoint members to the Lutheran Theological Seminary
Board of Governors, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, according to the terms
determined by the seminary.
Section 7.
Specialized Ministries
a. This synod may affiliate with specialized ministries such as campus
ministries, camps, Lutheran social services agencies and health care
institutions.
b. On request of an affiliated institution or agency, synod council may call and
install a rostered minister to such affiliated agencies or institutions as per the
synod policy on specialized ministry.
Part III
Rostered Ministers - Ordained
(Constitution ARTICLE VIII)
Section 1.
Ordination of approved candidates shall take place at a time and place
designated by the bishop.
Section 2.
This synod shall have a call process manual approved by synod council. A
congregation wishing to extend a call shall follow the general procedures set out
in the call process manual unless otherwise advised by the bishop due to
unusual circumstances.
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Section 3.
Each ordained minister, except those who are retired, disabled, on leave from
call, or suspended from pastoral ministry, shall be in possession of a proper call
from a congregation, a synod or this church itself. Such a call may be for an
indefinite or a specified length of time. Before issuing the call, the calling agency
shall consult with the bishop of this synod.
Section 4.
A minister shall inform the Chair of the congregational council and the bishop
immediately upon receipt of a call to another ministry, and shall inform the calling
agency and the bishop of any decision made within thirty days unless an
extension is granted by mutual consent of all the parties involved. A minister
shall terminate an existing call within two months of accepting another call,
unless an extension is granted by mutual consent of all the parties involved.
Section 5.
Termination of Call
a. When no term is specified, a regular call accepted by an ordained minister to a
congregation shall constitute a relationship which may be terminated only for
the following causes:
i.
Resignation of the minister;
ii.
Disqualification of the minister as a result of discipline;
iii.
Division, dissolution or realignment of the pastoral charge;
iv.
Incapacity of the minister, either physical or mental;
v.
Continued neglect of ministry by the minister; or
vi.
Inability to conduct the ministerial office satisfactorily in a congregation
in view of local conditions, without reflection on the moral and spiritual
character of the minister.
b. Where the conditions set out in Section 5a – iv, v, vi, are alleged:
i.
The bishop may appoint an advisory committee of two ordained
ministers and two lay members to investigate. Upon the request of the
congregational council or on receipt of a petition signed by at least onethird of the voting members of a congregation, the bishop shall appoint
an advisory committee to investigate.
ii.
With the concurrence of the congregational council, the bishop may
suspend the minister from ministerial duties pending the outcome of the
formal proceedings.
iii.
The advisory committee shall secure medical testimony to confirm or
refute an allegation of physical or mental disability. If incapacity is
confirmed, the bishop may, on the advice of the committee and with the
concurrence of the congregational council, declare the pastorate
vacant. Should the minister be restored to health, the bishop shall take
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steps to enable the minister to resume ministry in the congregation last
served or in another ministry.
iv.
The advisory committee appointed to investigate an allegation of
neglect of ministry or of local conditions that imperil the well-being of a
congregation shall provide an opportunity for all concerned parties to be
heard. At the conclusion of the investigation, the bishop shall bring the
recommendations of the committee to the minister and the congregation
for consideration and action. Such counsel shall be offered in Christian
love and is not to be regarded as a disciplinary measure. If the situation
cannot be resolved amicably, the ordained minister may resign, or the
congregation may terminate the call by a majority vote at a properly
called congregational meeting.
v.
The foregoing procedure shall not be invoked when questions of
doctrine or morality are involved. Such cases shall be treated as
disciplinary matters.
Section 6.
An ordained minister shall preach the Word, administer the Sacraments, and
conduct public worship in harmony with the faith and practices of the church;
shall baptize, confirm and marry in accordance with the teaching of the church
and with the laws of the province; shall visit the sick and distressed and bury the
dead; shall inculcate piety in individual and family life and provide pastoral
leadership to all schools and auxiliary organizations of the congregation; shall
install members of the congregational council and, with the council, administer
discipline; shall seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the
ministry of the Gospel and strive to extend the Kingdom of God in the community,
at home and abroad; and shall encourage the members to be generous in
support of the ministry of the congregation, this synod and the church.
Section 7.
A minister shall not preach or perform any ministerial act within the parish of
another minister except at the latter’s request or consent, or visit or perform
ministerial acts in a time of a ministerial vacancy, except by invitation of the
interim minister or congregational council.
Section 8.
The minister shall ensure that the congregation keeps accurate records of
membership, baptisms, confirmations, marriages, burials and communicants, and
shall report such statistics annually on the forms prescribed by this church.
These records shall be certified as being correct by the congregational secretary
on the same forms. The congregational records shall remain the property of the
congregation.
Section 9.
When members move, the minister shall commend them to the ministerial care of
the parish in which their new home is located.
Section 10.
All ordained ministers serving under call are expected to attend all conventions of
this synod.
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Section 11.
An ordained minister of a church with which the ELCIC has a full communion
agreement serving in this synod under the provisions of the full communion
agreement shall have the same rights and privileges as an ordained minister of
this synod.
Part IV
Rostered Ministers – Diaconal
(Constitution ARTICLE IX)
Section 1.
Consecration of approved candidates shall take place at a time and place
Section 2.
This synod shall have a call process manual approved by synod council. A
congregation wishing to extend a call shall follow the general procedures set out
in the call process manual unless otherwise advised by the bishop due to
unusual circumstances.
Section 3.
Each diaconal minister, except those who are retired, disabled, on leave from
call, or suspended from pastoral ministry, shall be in possession of a proper call
from a congregation, a synod or this church itself. Such a call may be for an
indefinite or a specified length of time. Before issuing the call, the calling agency
shall consult with the bishop of this synod.
Section 4.
A diaconal minister under call shall inform the congregational council and the
bishop immediately upon receipt of a call to another ministry, and shall inform the
calling agency and the bishop of any decision made within thirty days unless an
extension is granted by mutual consent of all the parties involved. A diaconal
minister shall terminate an existing call within two months of accepting another
call, unless an extension is granted by mutual consent of all the parties involved.
Section 5.
Termination of Call
a. When no term is specified, a regular call accepted by a diaconal minister to a
congregation shall constitute a relationship which may be terminated only for
the following causes:
i.
Resignation of the diaconal minister;
ii.
Disqualification of the diaconal minister as a result of discipline;
iii.
Division of the pastoral charge;
iv.
Incapacity of the diaconal minister; either physical or mental
v.
Continued neglect of ministry by the diaconal minister; or
vi.
Inability to conduct the ministerial office satisfactorily in a congregation
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in view of location conditions, without reflection on the moral and
spiritual character of the minister.
b. Where the conditions set out in Section 5a –iv, v, vi are alleged:
Section 6.
i.
The bishop may appoint an advisory committee of two ordained
ministers and two lay members to investigate. Upon the request of the
congregational council or on receipt of a petition signed by at least onethird of the voting members of a congregation, the bishop shall appoint
an advisory committee to investigate.
ii.
With the concurrence of the congregational council, the bishop may
suspend the minister from ministerial duties pending the outcome of the
formal proceedings.
iii.
The advisory committee shall secure medical testimony to confirm or
refute an allegation of physical or mental disability. If incapacity is
confirmed, the bishop may, on the advice of the committee and with the
concurrence of the congregational council, declare the pastorate
vacant. Should the minister be restored to health, the bishop shall take
steps to enable the minister to resume ministry in the congregation last
served or in another ministry.
iv.
The advisory committee appointed to investigate an allegation of
neglect of ministry or of local conditions that imperil the well-being of a
congregation shall provide an opportunity for all concerned parties to be
heard. At the conclusion of the investigation, the bishop shall bring the
recommendations of the committee to the minister and the congregation
for consideration and action. Such counsel shall be offered in Christian
love and is not to be regarded as a disciplinary measure. If the situation
cannot be resolved amicably, the diaconal may resign, or the
congregation may terminate the call by a majority vote at a properly
called congregational meeting.
v.
The foregoing procedure shall not be invoked when questions of
doctrine or morality are involved. Such cases shall be treated as
disciplinary matters.
All diaconal ministers serving under call are expected to attend all conventions of
this synod.
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PART V
Conventions
Section 1.
The regular conventions of this synod shall be held triennially in the year
preceding national conventions.
Section 2.
The secretary shall publish the time and place of each regular convention at least
three months in advance. The secretary shall send out a bulletin of reports to all
voting members at least thirty (30) days before each regular convention.
Section 3.
The voting membership of conventions shall consist of:
a. One lay delegate from each congregation and, from congregations having
more than four hundred (400) baptized members, one lay delegate for each
additional four hundred (400) baptized members. An alternate may act in the
stead of a delegate who is unable to attend provided notice is given to the
secretary five days prior to the commencement of convention.
b. Rostered ministers under call or appointment or on leave from call in this
synod.
c. Retired rostered ministers whose numbers may constitute up to 10 percent of
all rostered voting delegates. Retired rostered ministers will be elected by
their peers through a nomination and balloting procedure to be determined by
the synod council and published in the convention manual.
d. Lay members of synod council; and
d. Twelve youth delegates appointed by synod council in consultation with
areas. Synod council shall make every effort to appoint at least two youth
delegates from each electoral region. If an electoral region is not able to
provide a youth delegate, that delegate position may be reallocated on an atlarge basis.
Section 4.
At least forty days prior to the opening day of the convention:
a. Each congregation shall submit the name(s) and address(es) of its lay
delegates to the synod secretary; and
b. Each rostered minister under call shall register as a delegate to the
convention unless the minister requests and receives an excuse from the
bishop.
Section 5.
One-third of the registered convention delegates shall constitute a quorum.
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Section 6.
Seat and voice at conventions shall be granted to:
a. The Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and such other
official representatives of this church as may be designated by National
Church Council;
b. Representatives chosen by synodically recognized ministries of this synod;
c. Official guests, upon invitation of Synod Council.
Section 7.
All arrangements for worship services or public meetings shall be made in
consultation with the bishop.
Section 8.
Congregations may petition this synod in convention by submitting the petition in
writing to the secretary of this synod for inclusion in the bulletin of reports. If the
petition is too late for inclusion in the bulletin of reports, the secretary shall deliver
the petition to the Reference and Counsel Committee for presentation to the
convention.
Section 9.
Synod council shall approve the convention budget.
Section 10.
During the first sitting of each regular convention, the chairperson shall announce
the appointment of:
a. Committee of reference and counsel, Committee on nominations. Committee
on elections and any other committees that Synod Council may deem
necessary;
b. Duties of all convention committees will be described in a convention
handbook.
Section 11.
Special Conventions
a. Special conventions for specified purposes shall be called by the
Bishop/chairperson of this synod within ninety days of receiving in writing a
request for such a convention from:
i.
Synod council by at least a two-thirds majority vote; or
ii.
One-fifth of the congregations of this synod and one-fifth of the rostered
ministers under call.
b. The secretary shall give written notice of a special convention to each
congregation, each rostered minister under call, and shall publish the same at
least thirty days prior to the opening date of the special convention.
c. The voting members at a special convention shall consist of:
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Section 12.
i.
Lay delegates who were seated in the preceding regular convention
provided that they have not been disqualified by termination of
membership in the congregation they represented. Vacancies in the lay
delegates shall be filled by the congregations affected at a regular or
specially called congregational meeting. Vacancies thus filled shall be
reported to the secretary of the synod not less than five days before the
special convention.
ii.
Lay members of the current synod council;
iii.
Rostered ministers under call in this synod at the time of the special
convention; and
iv.
Youth delegates who were seated in the preceding regular convention.
Vacancies in youth delegates shall be filled by Synod Council.
v.
Retired rostered ministers who were seated in the preceding regular
convention. If an eligible retired rostered minister is not able to attend,
synod council shall appoint a replacement from the retired roster.
Nominations and Elections
a. The convention shall elect a bishop in the following manner:
i.
Nomination for bishop shall be limited to those who are or are eligible to
be on the roster of ordained ministers of this church.
ii.
The election of the bishop shall be by secret ballot without oral
nomination, and shall proceed in the following manner:
1. On the first ballot, three-fourths of the votes cast shall elect. If the
first ballot does not result in an election, it shall be considered a
nominating ballot. Thereafter, voting shall be limited to those
persons named on the first ballot.
2. On the second ballot, two-thirds of the votes cast shall elect. If the
second ballot does not result in an election, voting shall be limited to
the four persons receiving the highest number of votes cast.
3. On the third ballot, a majority of the votes cast shall elect. If the
third ballot does not result in an election, voting shall be limited to
the three persons receiving the highest number of votes cast.
Following the third ballot, those three persons receiving the highest
number of votes cast will be invited to address the convention.
4. On the fourth ballot, a majority of the votes cast shall elect. If the
fourth ballot does not result in an election, voting shall be limited to
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the two persons receiving the highest number of votes cast.
Following the fourth ballot, those two persons receiving the highest
number of votes cast will be invited to respond to questions
submitted in writing from the convention delegates and selected by
Committee of reference and counsel. As each responds, the other
candidate will be sequestered.
5. On the fifth ballot, a majority of the votes cast shall elect.
6. The results of each ballot shall be announced in detail to the
convention.
b. Nominations for elected positions other than bishop and delegates to national
conventions shall be received as follows:
i.
Synod council shall present nominations for officers other than the
bishop.
ii.
The committee on nominations shall nominate at least two persons for
each synod council position and for each board representation position.
iii.
Additional nominations may be made from the floor for all positions with
the prior consent of the person being nominated.
c. Elections for elected positions other than bishop and delegates to national
conventions shall be conducted as follows:
i.
All elections shall be by secret ballot.
ii.
A majority of the votes cast shall elect.
iii.
If an election does not occur on a first ballot for any position, voting on
the second ballot shall be limited to the two persons receiving the
highest number of votes cast on the first ballot.
iv.
The result of each ballot in every election shall be announced in detail
to the convention.
v.
Where only one person is nominated for a position and no additional
nominations come from the floor, the chairperson shall declare an
election by acclamation.
vi.
The terms of all elected persons shall begin immediately following the
close of the convention at which they were elected.
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Section 13.
Convention Procedures
a. Bourinot’s Rules of Order, latest edition, shall be the governing parliamentary
law of this synod, except as otherwise provided in its constitution and bylaws.
b. A resolution of a general character which is not germane to the pending
question or report shall be given to the Committee of Reference and
Counsel by the delegate proposing such resolution. The Committee of
Reference and Counsel shall report all such resolutions to the convention
with its recommendations.
c. All reports published in the Bulletin of Reports or in supplements thereto shall
be received by the convention by virtue of that fact without vote.
d. Any delegate may request the convention to grant any person the privilege of
addressing the convention upon any matter then under consideration. Such
request shall be granted only upon the affirmative vote of at least twothirds of the delegates then present and voting. However, such person shall
not thereby have seat or voice in the convention.
e. Unless otherwise determined by a two-thirds vote of the convention, all
speeches in general discussion shall be limited to three minutes.
f.
When a motion calling for an appropriation of funds comes before the
convention from any source other than the Synod Council, it shall be
referred at once to said council for consideration and report.
PART VI
Election of Delegates to the
National Church Convention
Section 1
Nominations for Lay and Youth Delegates
a. Six months in advance of a synod convention at which delegates to a national
convention will be elected, the secretary of synod council shall call for
nominations for lay and youth delegate positions. Nominations shall close
forty days prior to the opening of the convention at which the elections shall
take place.
b. Nominations will be accepted provided:
i.
ii.
the nomination form is signed by 10 members of good standing of MNO
synod congregations; or
the nominee is endorsed by either a congregational council or a
congregational annual meeting of a member congregation.
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c. Eligible nominees shall be:
i.
ii.
lay members in good standing at a congregation that was not
represented at the previous national convention by a lay delegate
youth between the ages of 16 and 25 inclusive as of opening day of the
next national convention who are members in good standing and who
did not serve as youth delegate to the previous national convention
d. There shall be no restriction on the number of nominees who hold
membership in any given congregation.
e.
Section 2
A list of all nominees shall be published in the convention docket.
Nominations for Active Rostered Delegates
a. Active rostered members shall be nominated provided they did not serve as
an MNO delegate to the previous national convention.
b. All active rostered members who are eligible to serve as a delegate shall be
nominees for rostered delegate positions in their respective electoral regions.
c. Active rostered members shall be assigned to the electoral region based on
where their congregational or synodically recognized ministry membership
resides.
Section 3
Geographical Allocation of Lay and Active Rostered Delegates
a. Each of the synod’s electoral regions (Part II – Section 4) shall be entitled to
one active rostered member and one lay delegate. To address issues of
proportional fairness, the Metro Electoral region shall be allocated one
additional active rostered delegate and one additional lay delegate.
b. Any remaining lay or active rostered delegate positions shall be allocated on
an at-large basis.
c. Congregations may not be represented by more than one non-youth
delegate.
d. Delegate positions that go unfilled at the regional level shall be reassigned
and elected on an at-large basis.
Section 4
Order of Elections
a. The election of delegates shall proceed in the following order:
Active roster delegates – regional representatives
Active roster delegates – at large
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Lay delegates – regional representatives
Lay delegates – at large
Youth delegates
b. The nominee receiving the greatest number of votes on the first ballot shall
be declared elected. Where multiple positions are being filled for any one
delegate category, nominees shall be declared elected on the basis of the
descending order of votes received on the first ballot. If necessary, second
ballots shall be held to break ties.
c. Unsuccessful nominees on regional ballots will be placed on the ballot for atlarge delegate positions.
d. Nominees appearing on any given ballot shall be adjusted to meet the
provisions of Section 3.
Section 5
Replacement of Delegates
a. In cases where elected delegates are unable to attend the national
convention or become ineligible to attend due a change in roster status or
relocation to another synod, Synod Council shall appoint a replacement
according to ELCIC national convention policy. Whenever possible, the
replacement shall be the nominee who received the next greatest number of
votes during the balloting process at the synod convention.
b. In cases where rostered vacancies occur, council may appoint a rostered
member who attended the previous convention provided no other eligible
candidates are available.
c. If a candidate cannot be found to fill an electoral region vacancy, council may
appoint an additional delegate as an at-large delegate.
PART VII
Synod Council
(Constitution ARTICLE XIV)
Section 1
Membership
The membership of synod council shall be the officers of the synod together
with seven additional positions, two of which shall be rostered ministers on
active call and five of which shall be lay persons who are members in good
standing of an MNO congregation or synodically recognized ministry.
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These additional persons shall be elected by the convention to serve for three
years. No elected member other than the officers shall be eligible to serve
more than three consecutive terms. However, a term of less than 18 months
shall not be deemed to be a term of office for this purpose.
b. The five lay positions shall be distributed such that the Metro electoral region
receives two positions and all other electoral regions receive one position.
c. An elected member of the Synod Council shall not be eligible to serve on a
synodical program committee or management committee.
d. The terms of office of all council members shall begin at the close of the
convention at which they were elected to office.
Section 2
The Synod Council shall:
a.
Plan, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the activities of the synod in
carrying out its mission and ministry;
b.
Be the directors of the corporation and trustees for the synod;
c.
Issue Letters of Call to rostered ministers who are officers or staff officials
of the synod, or who are called to special service, as required;
d.
Fill vacated positions on Synod Council and in vacated officer positions
until the next convention except as otherwise provided;
e.
Determine the fact of the incapacity of an officer of the synod according to
the procedures in the bylaws of this church; (ELCIC Bylaws Part XI)
f.
Recommend annual budgets to the regular conventions and revise the
synodical budget as may be required between regular conventions;
g.
Appoint a committee on nominations;
h.
Create its own policies;
i.
Appoint all committees for which there is no other provision;
j.
Carry out duties in good faith with a reasonable degree of diligence, care,
and skill;
k.
Report its actions to the regular conventions;
l.
Approve candidates for call, ordination/consecration and admission to the
roster of rostered ministers;
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Section 4
m.
Perform the additional duties prescribed in the constitution, bylaws and
resolutions of the synod;
n.
Establish a protocol by which congregations of the synod share in the costs
of sending delegates to synodical and national conventions.
a. The synod council shall have at least two regular meetings annually.
b. Notice of each regular meeting shall be given to each member of the council
at least 10 days prior to the time appointed for holding such a meeting. Such
notice shall specify in reasonable detail the matters, other than those of a
routine nature, which are to be considered at the meeting.
Section 5.
a. Special meetings of the synod council may be called by the bishop or
chairperson of this synod when circumstances warrant, or when a request in
writing signed by a majority of council members is received by the secretary
of the synod
b. Notice of each special meeting shall be given to each member of the council
not less than three days prior to the time appointed for holding such a
meeting. Special meetings may be held at any time without formal notice if all
members of council are present or those absent have waived notice or have
signified their consent in writing, either before or after, to the meeting being
held in their absence.
Section 6
Synod council, through enabling motions, may delegate its authority to the
executive committee to act on its behalf between meetings of the council.
Section 7.
A majority of the members of synod council shall constitute a quorum.
Section 8
Regular or special meetings may be conducted by audio conference, videoconference and other acceptable electronic means. Protocol for holding such
meetings shall be outlined in a policy manual.
VIII
Officers
Section 1
The officers of this synod shall be a bishop, chairperson, secretary and treasurer.
Section 2.
The authority to elect and call a bishop shall rest with this synod at a regular
convention or a special convention called for this purpose.
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a. Synod council shall seek the advice and counsel of the National Bishop in the
process.
b. The bishop shall be elected for a term of six years without limitation according
to procedures established in the bylaws. The bishop shall serve full time in
office under call from the synod council. The term of the bishop shall begin no
later than the first day of September following election at a regular
convention, or no later than the first day of the second full month following
election at a special convention and shall serve until his or her successor
assumes office.
c. Should a vacancy occur in the office of bishop the synod council shall follow
procedures established in the bylaws.
Section 3.
The chairperson, secretary and treasurer shall be elected by this synod at a
regular convention.
a. The chairperson, secretary and treasurer shall serve for terms of three years
without limitation according to procedures established in the bylaws. The
terms of the chairperson, secretary and treasurer shall begin at the
conclusion of the convention at which the election occurred and shall serve
until their respective successors assume office.
b. Should a vacancy occur ad interim in the office of chairperson, secretary or
treasurer the synod council is empowered to fill the same until the next
regular convention.
Section 4.
The recall or dismissal of an officer of this synod shall follow the procedure set
out in the bylaws of this church.
Section 5
The officers of this synod shall form an executive committee. The executive
committee shall have no authority except as specifically delegated to it from time
to time by synod council. For the purpose of conducting business delegated to
the executive committee by council, a quorum shall be a majority of members.
Section 6
The Bishop shall
a. Provide pastoral care, spiritual leadership and counsel to this synod, its
conventions and gatherings, and areas;
b. Ordain approved candidates for ministry, consecrate approved candidates for
diaconal ministry and provide for the installation into office;
c. Oversee the call process as outlined in the Call Process Manual;
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d. Attest to all official documents of the synod as may be required;
e. Provide for the maintenance of historical records on behalf of this synod.
f.
Report to synod council and the synod convention all significant matters
affecting the mission and ministry of this synod;
g. Perform other duties as prescribed in the constitutions and bylaws of this
church and the synod, and the synod council governance and policy
manuals.
Section 4
The chairperson of this synod shall:
a. Convene and preside over conventions of this synod, meetings of synod
council and meetings of the executive committee. The chair may appoint any
other member of synod council to preside at a convention or synod council
meeting. The chairperson may appoint the national bishop to preside over a
synod convention when that convention is in the process of electing a
synodical bishop.
b. In the event of the death, resignation or incapacity of the bishop, convene the
Synod Council to provide for the discharge of the bishop's duties pending the
election of a new bishop at a regular or special convention.
c. Perform additional duties as prescribed in the synod council governance and
policy manuals.
Section 5
The secretary shall oversee all secretarial and record keeping duties on behalf of
this synod as prescribed in these bylaws and in the synod council governance
and policy manuals.
Section 6
The treasurer shall:
a. Oversee all financial affairs and accounts of this synod, including deeds,
mortgages, contracts, trust funds, investments, etc.;
b. Be bonded under the fidelity coverage provided by this church.
c. Perform additional duties as prescribed in the synod council governance and
policy manuals.
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PART IX
Committees
Section 1
Program Committees
a. Synod council may establish program committees to assist it in meeting the
missional directions of the synod.
b. Normally, the Nominations Committee will be requested to provide Council with
names of individuals willing to be appointed to program committees.
c. The mechanism for establishing a program committee and its terms of
reference shall be defined in a policy manual approved by Synod Council.
d. In preparing the agenda for the synod convention, the council shall make
allowances for the work of its program committees to be reported to the
convention.
Section 2
Examining Committee
a. The Synod shall have a Synod Examining Committee and shall participate in
the Western Synods Examining Committee. Further terms of reference for,
and procedures of, the Examining Committee shall be defined in the
Candidacy Manual of this church.
b. The Synod Examining Committee shall be a standing committee of this
synod.
i.
The Synod Examining Committee shall be accountable to synod council
and report to synod council through the Office of the Bishop.
ii.
The Synod Examining Committee shall consist of the bishop, a
seminary professor appointed by Lutheran Theological Seminary, two
lay persons and two rostered ministers appointed by synod council.
The committee will be chaired by the Bishop. The committee will name
a secretary.
iii.
The appointed members shall serve for four year terms staggered so
that no more than half are replaced at any one time.
iv.
When the Western Synods Examining Committee is not meeting, it shall
be the duty of the Synod Examining Committee to examine candidates
for ordained and diaconal ministry, for reception from other Lutheran
churches with whom mutual recognition of ministry has not been
established, and for reception from other Christian churches. The
committee shall present its recommendations to synod council.
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v.
The committee shall work in close cooperation with the Candidacy
Committee.
c. The Western Synods Examining Committee shall be the usual body to
examine candidates for ordained and diaconal ministry.
Section 3
i.
The Western Synods Examining Committee shall serve the western
synods.
ii.
The Bishop shall appoint one lay person and one rostered person from
the Synod Examining Committee to the Western Synods Examining
Committee.
iii.
Lutheran Theological Seminary shall annually appoint two faculty
members.
iv.
The synod bishops shall serve ex officio on the Western Synods
Examining Committee.
v.
This committee shall meet annually in Saskatoon in February at a time
determined by the synod bishops and by the arrangement of the
Saskatchewan Synod.
vi.
Each examination shall be conducted by a sub-committee of the
Western Synods Examining Committee comprised of at least one
member from each synod, including one faculty, two lay persons, two
rostered persons, and the bishop of the candidate’s synod. When a
diaconal candidate is being examined, the sub-committee shall include
a diaconal minister.
vii.
It shall be the duty of this committee to examine candidates for ordained
and diaconal ministry and candidates for reception from other Lutheran
churches with whom mutual recognition of ministry has not been
established. The committee shall report its recommendations to the
synod council of the synod where the candidate is registered.
Luther Village Management Committee
a. There shall be a management committee serving as the Board of Directors of
Luther Village working to accomplish the mission of this church through
outdoor ministry.
b. The specific duties and responsibilities of the management committee shall be
set out in Luther Village bylaws established by the management committee
and approved by Synod Council. Additional provisions may be set out in the
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c. The management committee shall make regular reports to the Synod Council
and the Synod Convention.
Section 4
a. At the first meeting following the regular convention of the synod, the Synod
Council shall appoint a Committee on Nominations.
b. The Committee shall have a membership of three.
c. Committee members may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
d. The Committee on Nominations shall invite the Congregational Councils,
ordained ministers and synodical program committees to suggest names for
the vacancies to be filled at each convention and for which the Committee on
Nominations is to propose candidates.
Part X
(Constitution ARTICLE XVIII)
Section 1.
The property of Lutheran Theological Seminary, both real and personal, shall be
held by the board of governors in trust for and under the guidance of the western
synods.
Section 2.
The board of governors shall make a report to the regular convention of this
synod.
Part XI
Financial Matters
Section 1.
Section 2.
The annual budget and financial reports of the synod shall reflect the entire range
of its activities. The income listed shall include support from all sources.
Section 3.
Representatives of synod council shall meet with representatives appointed by
National Church Council to agree upon the synod’s commitment goal for support
of the budget of the church during the next fiscal year. These representatives
shall recommend for approval by synod and National Church Council the amount
of support to be transmitted through this synod to the church.
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Section 4.
consent of synod council.
Section 5.
The financial accounts of this synod shall be submitted annually for audit to a
professionally designated accountant named by synod council.
Part XII
Transition
Section 1.
Where the provisions of Part XII conflict with provisions contained elsewhere in
the administrative bylaws, the provisions of Part XII shall prevail.
Section 2.
The terms of all officers, Synod Council members and Lutheran Theological
Seminary Board members elected at convention in 2016 shall be two years.
Section 3.
The convention of this synod following 2016 shall be in 2018.
Section 4.
The convention of this synod following 2018 shall be in 2021.
Section 5.
Provision in Part VII Section 1 (Synod Council) shall come into effect at the
opening of the 2018 synod convention.
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BOARD REPORTS
Luther Village
Chair
Vice-Chair, Treasurer
Secretary
Member-at-large
Member-at-large
Member-at-large
Member-at-large
Member-at-large
Member-at-large
Member-at-large
Member-at-large
Dale Clark
Stephen Sauer
Kristel Arnold
Brock Pearce
Brenda Robins
Melanie Mathews
Erik Parker
Ryan Kroeker
Darren Strecker
Wes Ammeter
Jack Nixon
2018
2017
2018
2018
2016
2016
2016
2018
2016
2018
2018
Meetings monthly in person or by video call.
Highlights of LV's investment in the future of family in 2015
Luther Village continues to be a special outdoor ministry making a difference in the lives of youth
and families. Luther Village has been and continues to be a real life outdoor experience in a
complex world and we are proud to work to support that.
As of December 2015 we will finish the year financially in the negative despite many greatly
appreciated donations. Unfortunately 2015 was a costly year for many equipment failures,
increasing costs and a reduction in group use of Luther Village.
We ask for your prayer as we look to continue to renew our buildings whose age is showing greatly
in recent years. The board of trustees will be looking closely at opportunities to replace the building
known as the Chalet with a modern build that can accommodate families and youth groups.
Thanks to the many volunteers that came to our rescue in 2015. Volunteers were critical to safely
open and close camp, swiftly replace a staff cabin, complete projects around camp and support the
staff in their delivery of outdoor ministry.
Thanks also to Lutheran Church of the Cross for the office and meeting space Luther Village uses.
We appreciate the space and the people at Cross very much
Luther Village will be looking to achieve goals set out in our strategic plan including expanded use of
our space to both increase activities and revenues.
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Lutheran Urban Ministry Corporation (The Urban)
Board Members, positions and terms of office
Rev. Bob Jacob
Rhonda Gorham
Rhonda Abraham
Brenda Gervais
Jeff Goossen
Monica Bortiluzzi
Janet Thompson
Vicki Catagas
Rev. Deborah Kerr
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Human Resources
Communications
Member at Large
Member at Large
Advisor (non-voting)
Ministry Manager
2014-2016
2015-2016
2015-2017
2014-2016
2015-2017
2014-2016
2015-2017
2015-2017
2014-2016
The board meets monthly in person and as needed electronically, by telephone and face to face meetings.
Highlights of the last biennium – 2014-2015 (Completed by Rev. Deb Kerr, Ministry Manager)
Ministry: The Urban continues to be a loving community providing spiritual and physical food to Winnipeg’s
West End. Our current location in the auditorium at Lutheran Church of the Cross has been a blessing for us.
We have a good working and sharing relationship with them.
Sunday Worship averages about 80 people and we are grateful to our visiting clergy to bring us the Word
and celebrate Holy Communion with us, with about 35 people taking Communion. Musicians are always
welcome to lead the singing.
We have been diligent with our efforts to visit our congregations to thank them personally and to welcome
greater participation in this ministry as well as providing updates and having discussions relative to the 2015
National Convention topics on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Repudiation of the
Doctrine of Discovery, The 60’s Scoop and how those topics along with systemic poverty have affected this
community and how we can make changes.
We have been blessed when congregational youth groups and children volunteer.
Our Ministry Manager, Rev. Deborah Kerr was ordained two years ago and has been actively attending
conferences relative to First Nations topics and Intercultural Ministry, both which are beneficial to
understanding and working with this community.
Pentecost Sunday: We have celebrated Pentecost in the Park twice now. We have had our Worship
Service, including Communion, followed by baseball and other fun games. We have received equipment
free loans from the City of Winnipeg for this. Grace Lutheran, Winnipeg, brought bagged lunches and ice
cream cones for 100 people in 2015.
Meal Teams /Volunteers and Food:
The Meal Teams continue to be a huge part of the ministry and have averaged about 9200 people being
served. This equates to a core of about 60 regulars and many of them are with us three times per week. We
have close to 300 regular volunteers, most of which we see at least once a month, however, we have room
for many more.
We continue partnering with Winnipeg Harvest and utilize excess food for Urban Meals. We have about 22
registered participants every two weeks.
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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Steinbach, has one volunteer who monthly and sometimes more often, brings
us the excess food from Steinbach’s Food Bank, which has helped us considerably. We distribute most to
the community itself and quite often hold back excess to allow us to make meals when we don’t have a meal
team, thereby keeping our food costs down. We also share our excess with Meal teams to keep their costs
down as well.
Cooking classes continue to be very popular especially when we can teach nutritious, inexpensive recipes
with food from the food bank and from all those who have planted gardens and brought us fresh produce.
We teach crock pot cooking classes and roasting classes which are helpful for different ways of cooking
vegetables, especially squash.
Urban Volunteers: Our Urban volunteers for the most part, are people who are on welfare and disability.
They each work 8 shifts per month and are paid $100.00 from Social Services. We totally rely on this
program for our cleaning staff and kitchen crew. Our community also pitches in to carry in shipments of
food from the food bank and helps the meal teams bring in their lunches or dinner.
Emergency Donations: We are grateful for emergency food, clothing, bedding, towels, and dishes and of
course personal hygiene items. These are luxury items for this community and things the rest of us take for
granted.
Fund Raising: We have received donations of Hemp Seeds, beans, lentils and flour which enabled volunteer
work teams assemble our bags of chili-bean soup and hemp-seed bannock for sale and we again, thank
everyone for their support.
Social Justice: We are the recipients of two Hutterite Colonies who sew aprons, towels, clothes, pillow
cases, laundry bags, hygiene bags and cookie mixes. Pastor Deb, our Ministry Manager was able to do
presentations at their schools related to poverty in the inner city.
Guest Speakers and Students: Guest Speakers have been brought in on a variety of topics from Landlord
and Tenants, Mental Health, Canadian Diabetes and Seven Sacred Teachings.
The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Nursing has asked if we will take on some Nursing Students to allow
them experience in the inner city. We also had a psychiatric nursing student in November 2015 who was
doing her practicum.
Mission and Ministry Initiatives in the next biennium – 2016/2017 (Completed by Rev. Courtenay
Reedman Parker, Chair)
In addition to our focus on providing a worshipping community, hot meals and a safe space, the focus of the
board for the coming biennium includes:
Financial Stability: As an outreach ministry of the MNO Synod, we receive financial support from the
Synod both for our regular operating costs as well as through grants such as Mission As Hope to fund
programs and support additional ministry costs. We give thanks to the synod for their continued support of
this ministry. Additionally, we receive support from congregations and individuals from within the synod as
well as outside volunteer groups and financial grants to carry out our mission to feed the hungry and
welcome the stranger in our community.
While the majority of our operating costs remain consistent through the year, and from year to year, we, like
many congregations, have seen a decrease in donations from congregations and individuals over the last
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year. In the short term, this has meant that we have had to use some of our reserve savings to cover our
expenses. Looking at this from a long-term perspective will mean that the board will look at ways to increase
revenues in order to maintain the level of ministry we offer to this community.
Congregational Involvement: One of our focus areas in the coming biennium will be to increase
congregational involvement both encouraging congregations to participate in our ministry through meal
teams, volunteering without outreach programs, or through donations (financial, food, clothing or others).
At the same time, we want to increase our presence in congregations to increase awareness of our ministry
and the needs of the community we serve and have made plans to visit 24 congregations in 2016. Keep your
eyes out for Pastor Deb Kerr, Ministry Manager, or Rhonda Gorham, member of the board of directors in
your congregations this coming year. Of course, we are always happy to be invited to speak about our
ministry, or have groups come to us to learn more about issues of poverty that lead to our ministry being
needed in the first place.
Follow up on Recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Because a large
demographic of The Urban community is First Nations, we see the impact and legacy of Indian Residential
Schools, The 60s Scoop and the systemic injustice against our nation’s Aboriginal communities through the
people we serve, their stories and their struggle. The board is committed to examining the 94
Recommendations put forward by the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), and implement
those recommendations that apply to our community. We will seek the support and involvement of our
community, The Urban staff, outside resources and the wider church to work together towards
reconciliation. We encourage congregations and individuals to read the recommendations of the TRC and
the final report, to seek ways we, as people of faith, might respond to these recommendations and to
continue to pray for right relations, forgiveness of our sins, and for healing for all of God’s people.
We continue to give thanks to God, to the synod, and to every person who participates in this ministry. May
God continue to work in and through all of us connected to The Urban.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rev. Deb Kerr, Ministry Manger
Rev. Courtenay Reedman Parker, Chair of the Board of Directors
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Report of the National Bishop
Liberated by God’s Grace
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
Very soon your synod will come together to meet for its 2016 Synod Convention. I’m really looking forward to being
with you and sharing with you a little more about the mission and ministry of the National expression of our church,
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
The coming two years are especially exciting in the life of our church. Along with 72 million Lutherans around the
world who are part of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), we are in the midst of commemorations leading towards
the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. The theme adopted by the LWF and endorsed by our church is
Liberated by God’s Grace. There are also three sub-themes: Salvation—Not for Sale, Human Beings—Not for Sale, and
Creation—Not for Sale.
You will see this theme and sub-themes at gatherings across our church leading up to the anniversary. I love the way
the theme grounds us in the central aspect of our Lutheran identity—that we are saved by grace through faith alone
and it lifts up the contemporary challenges that beckon us forward as a church that is constantly being reformed.
In the midst of this anniversary commemoration, we continue to implement our strategic plan. The work at the
National Office is formed around the four strategic directions identified by National Church Council (NCC) and
affirmed by our National Convention: Spirited Discipleship, Healthy Church, Compassionate Justice and Effective
Partnership.
The following is a small glimpse of the work at the National Office around the four strategic areas and how we carry
out our call to be a church In Mission for Others.
Spirited Discipleship
By living out our call to be In Mission for Others, we strive to share our faith through our everyday actions.
Whether it’s being involved in one of the ELCIC’s ministries or sharing the good news in our own unique way,
members of the ELCIC are signs of hope and of God’s amazing grace.
Pray, read, worship, study, serve, give, tell. If you have heard me speak at any gathering across our church over the last
few years or read my columns in Canada Lutheran you are hopefully able to say these seven areas of focus from the
Call to Spiritual Renewal along with me! If you and your congregation haven’t done so already, I invite you to join me
and with others across our church, individually and as congregations and specialized ministries, to strive for a deeper
discipleship as we live out our baptismal covenants. If you are already involved with the Call to Spiritual Renewal then
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Report of the National Bishop Liberated by God’s Grace
I encourage you to continue to find ways to further your engagement and consider how you might share this call to
deeper discipleship with your friends, family, congregations and community. At the 2015 ELCIC National Convention
we introduced a new resource: Call for Spiritual Renewal: Ideas for Individuals, Congregations and Communities. Find out
more at elcic.ca/CSR
Many congregations around the ELCIC participated in the 2015 ELCIC Praise Appeal. Thank you for the significant
extra-mile giving to support the work of the wider church. In 2016, we are once again asking for your support of the
ELCIC Praise Appeal and to designate one Sunday, at a time that works best for your local circumstances, to highlight
the appeal. The theme for this year’s ELCIC Praise Appeal is Liberated by God’s Grace, Human Beings—Not for Sale. Lifting up the theme of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation allows us to remember and reflect on the Reformation
and what it means for us now, living as Lutheran people within the whole body.
Healthy Church
Being effective as a church body means articulating a common vision for our church that enables us to:
develop and promote a culture of mutual trust and accountability; improve the financial health of the church;
and align communication efforts with the strategic plan—all while having the courage to face the challenges
of the realities before us.
Delegates to the 2015 ELCIC National Convention passed a motion asking the National Church to look at more cost
effective options for future National Conventions. At the fall 2015 meeting of NCC, council discussed and considered
what this might look like moving forward. With changes to the number of delegates at convention and how often
conventions are held, it presents an opportunity to shape our church conventions in a new way. NCC members
passed a motion recommending for 2017 National Convention planning we consider: a university setting, one less
day, shared cost with National Church, and a celebration component in lieu of banquet.
A Policy Regarding Authorized Lay Ministries was passed at the 2015 National Convention (http://elcic.ca/Documents/
documents/LayMinistriesMotionFINAL.pdf). Work has now begun to look at a study of Diaconal Ministry and Orders
of Ministry. The Faith, Order and Doctrine committee provided an update at the fall NCC meeting and noted this
work is well underway. A church-wide study guide will be prepared for distribution later this year with findings to be
presented in 2017.
Two years ago we initiated the production of the first ELCIC Annual Report. This 28-page report highlights the work
being done across all expressions of the church—congregations, synods, national, global, and how these expressions
work together to fulfill our call to be a church In Mission for Others. This report has again been prepared for this year.
The most recent publication will be shared with you at your Synod Convention (you can also view online: elcic.ca/
about-the/ELCIC/overview.cfm). Additional print copies are available from the National Office. Please consider how
you might share this resource with members of your congregation, your church council, and even new members
looking to find out more about the ministry of the ELCIC.
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Are you on social media? Is your congregation? Share with others across the church what you connects you with
the ELCIC, being Lutheran and your faith by posting your selfies, social media posts and photos using the #myELCIC
hashtag. We LOVE seeing your #myELCIC posts and others across the church do to! Click on the #myELCIC hashtag
(on Facebook, twitter and instagram) and see what others are doing across our church.
Compassionate Justice
The ELCIC, alongside our many partners such as Canadian Lutheran World Relief, KAIROS, and others, strives
to be a church In Mission for Others by being a prophetic and public voice to actively address social, environmental and justice issues locally, nationally and globally.
The ELCIC is committed to working towards Right Relationships with Indigenous peoples. At our 2015 ELCIC National
Convention last July, we were honoured to welcome Truth and Reconciliation Commission Marie Wilson to be our
keynote speaker. Also at this convention we passed a motion a motion to calling on the Canadian government to
convene a public inquiry concerning missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
One of the resources we introduced at last year’s National Convention was an online mapping of ELCIC congregations, First Nations communities, resource agencies and Residential School locations (http://elcic.ca/Reconciliation/).
This resource is intended to be a first step in becoming more aware of the Territory where you live and Indigenous
Peoples across Canada. By locating your congregation on the map, may you begin to identify pathways to growing
and renewing relationships.
At the 2015 ELCIC National Convention, delegates passed a motion calling the National Church to review our current
Resolution on Decisions-at-the-end-of-life. A task force will be working on this and part of the process will involve
conversations across our church regarding the needs of people in times of death and dying. A church wide study
guide will also be prepared for distribution later in 2016.
Effective Partnerships
Our work In Mission for Others is multiplied when we work together with our partners both within the
Lutheran community and ecumenically. The ELCIC strives to be good stewards of the resources we have
been given by working alongside our partners and rejoicing in the gifts we can share together.
One of my main responsibilities as National Bishop is nurturing and maintaining the many partnerships we are so
blessed with through the ELCIC.
-
Our partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) continues to grow and strengthen. Through
this partnership we are able to challenge the causes and respond to the consequences of injustice and
poverty such as helping to support Syrian refugees who have fled communities in Jordan and Iraq. Within
Canada, CLWR provide leadership in refugee resettlement.
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Our partnership with the Anglican Church of Canada also continues to grow and strengthen. Senior staff
from the two churches meet annually to connect on areas of joint work, and planning has begun for a second
joint assembly between our two churches to take place in 2019.
-
The four leaders of the ELCIC, Anglican Church of Canada, The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America have been meeting annually for several years now. This allows us to connect with one
another on areas of common mission and ministry, and look for opportunities to have a united voice on areas
of mutual concern
-
Our partnership with The Lutheran World Federation is so very important in the life of our church. LWF is a
leader in refugee services, including those related to conflicts in Syria and South Sudan. As LWF prepares
for it’s 12th Assembly in 2017 (in Windhoek, Namibia), we look to them as they take the lead in the 500th
anniversary preparations of the Reformation.
I love our church, and I’m proud of the ministry we do. I know that the impact of our ministry together is greater
than the sum of our separate parts. We may have fewer members and financial resources than when our church was
formed back in 1986 but from what I observed at our National convention last summer and from what I have seen
and heard from synods, congregations, and ministries across this church—there is a new and exciting spirit within
our church. We are becoming a mission-focused church. We are becoming more spiritually grounded and vibrant. We
are uniting in common vision and aims. And we are learning how to respect and even rejoice in regional differences
we experience throughout the church.
How else can you explain a church undertaking something as bold and exciting as the ELCIC Reformation Challenge?
I’m so excited for our church to sponsor 500 refugees; raise funds for 500 scholarships in schools of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land; plant 500,000 trees in Canada, Ethiopia and Palestine; and raise
$500,000 for the LWF Endowment Fund (elcic.ca/reformationchallenge)!
As Romans 5:5 reminds us: “…and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.”
Through your faithfulness, witness, creativity and hopefulness, I have learned that hope does not disappoint. We are
liberated by God’s grace. And we are blessed with a hope in Jesus Christ that will not disappoint us.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Susan C. Johnson
National Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
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Report to the MNO Synod Convention
April 2016
On behalf of the Board, staff and volunteers of Canadian Lutheran World Relief, I wish to thank the
leaders, congregations and members of the MNO Synod. We are thankful in the Lord’s name for your
trust and confidence in CLWR. We value your partnership as we seek to fulfill Christ’s mission together.
CLWR is now in its 70th year of service on behalf of Lutherans from coast to coast to coast. Our vision
remains focused on challenging the causes of human suffering and poverty so that people may live in
peace and dignity and are empowered to achieve their universal rights to basic needs and quality of life.
As the executive director of Canadian Lutheran World Relief, it is my pleasure to bring greetings to
people of the Manitoba-Northwestern Ontario Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
CLWR has made an intentional decision to renew its emphasis on the needs of forcibly displaced persons
in the world. This makes sense since as an agency with vast experience in sustainable development,
humanitarian assistance and refugee sponsorship, CLWR understands the full cycle of the refugee
experience and is committed to bring about actions that result in better protection and treatment of
forcibly displaced persons as well as the fulfilment of their human rights.
This includes supporting programing that addresses the longer-term needs of forcibly displaced persons.
To do so, requires a stable and sufficient funding base that transcends the traditional divide between
“development aid” and “emergency assistance” and recognizes that forced displacement is a global
problem that threatens the attainment of all anti-poverty goals.
Inspired by God’s love for humanity, CLWR believes that traditional
“care and maintenance” approaches to emergency relief are
unsustainable and can lead to a culture of dependency. CLWR
believes that assistance in protracted refugee situations should aim
towards resiliency as the ultimate goal. It is imperative that
adequate resources are invested in linking relief and development
work to ensure flexible, relevant assistance that leads to poverty
eradication and empowers affected individuals to be agents of change and transformation.
CLWR is engaged with a number of refugee and internally displaced populations. Chief among them are
Syrians in Jordan. Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, CLWR has programmed nearly $10 million
in humanitarian aid and relief. We will soon launch a bi-lateral program to improve learning
environments in 75 schools by providing renovations, repairs and upgrades to washrooms, classrooms,
hallways, libraries, recreational areas and school kitchens. As well 450 teachers, advisors and school
administrators will be trained by 40 staff trainers in hygiene promotion, environmental awareness and
child protection. Our partners will be the Jordanian Ministry of Education and LWF-Jordan.
In Northern Iraq, CLWR and Lutheran World Federation are working to reduce the vulnerability of conflictaffected people in the Dohuk region by providing structural and sanitation upgrades to 200 homes and
distributing non-food items. The most vulnerable families, including those headed by women are being
targeted for relief.
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There is almost no coverage of the South Sudanese refugee situation. The ongoing conflict and
worsening humanitarian situation inside the world’s youngest nation is fueling a refugee exodus into
Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda at a much higher rate than initially anticipated. CLWR is supporting
humanitarian aid and building resilience for refugees from South Sudan in a variety of settings in those
countries.
The media attention on Syrian refugees and the ELCIC Reformation challenge to sponsor refugees has led
to an explosion of interest in sponsorship by congregations. CLWR is responding to this demand through
its regional offices in Waterloo and New Westminster. In fact the staff of CLWR, in partnership with the
staffs of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and Lutheran Church-Canada are “walking the walk”
and have sponsored a family of four Syrians who are now in Winnipeg.
The renewed emphasis on refugees has not diminished our traditional development, education and
health programming. Hand in hand with partners on the ground, lives are being changed in places like
Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Haiti, West Bank and East Jerusalem, and Nepal to name only a few locations.
Global Encounter 2016 was a huge success. Members of this synod were among the 41 people who
visited CLWR programs in Uganda and Ethiopia. The 2018 Global Encounter will travel to Jordan and the
Holy Land.
God continues to lead us in new directions. CLWR’s public policy focus will be called Education in Action.
It will work to encourage policy changes within government; engage government stakeholders on issues
that affect CLWR; and, educate the Lutheran community.
We celebrate the loving and caring hands that prepare quilts and blankets and fill We Care kits in church
basements and halls in this synod and across Canada. At least four shipments of donated commodities
leave for refugee camps and development programs around the world every year. Very soon the
number of We Care bags ordered will top 100,000.
We are thankful for Lisa Janke’s contribution to our board. Her insight and discernment add great value
to the board’s decisions and governance.
To learn more about what CLWR is doing to make a difference in people’s lives, please visit our website
at www.clwr.org.
We pray God will continue to bless you so that you may be a blessing for others.
God bless
Robert Granke
Executive Director
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REPORT
TO SYNODS
2016
YOUR SEMINARY - GOD'S MISSION
Lutheran Theological Seminary is uniquely situated not only because it is on the University of
Saskatchewan campus but more importantly because of its membership and reputation as a
member of the Saskatoon Theological Union (STU). As a member of the STU it is in relationship
with St. Andrews College - a college of the United Church of Canada, Emmanuel and St. Chad
College - a college of the Anglican Church and Horizon - college of the Pentecostal Church. Its
reputation for openness and acceptance of members of other denominations was affirmed by
the Board of Bethany Mennonite Brethren College who thought of LTS as the first place to
reorganize its education programme. The commitment of LTS to the many and various facets of
diversity means that its future needs to be assured. There may be issues, mainly financial, that
create some anxiety but these are insignificant with respect to the important place LTS has on
the campus and in the Church.
Having served as Acting President of LTS since 15 July 2015 I am increasingly hopeful about the
future of the seminary. I appreciate the ongoing support and commitment of the Board to the
seminary, faculty, staff and to me as Acting President. This commitment to the future of the
seminary is reflected in the hard work being done on the strategic plan. I also want to express
my appreciation to the Bishops who have welcomed me to their synods, set up meetings for me
to address local clergy and provided me with an opportunity to address the Synod Councils.
These opportunities allowed me to correct misinformation and provide a more positive
message about the seminary. Everywhere I have had the opportunity to speak about the
seminary I have been warmly received and I am thankful for this. These welcomes are some of
the positive outcomes of the goal I set for myself of Bridge Building.
In my report to the November Board meeting I offered the umbrella concept of God's Mission
as a bridge that integrated the various aspects of the seminary system. This theme was further
developed in a presentation to the faculty and staff in which I described the whole system,
Synods, Board and seminary, as a series of silos relatively unconnected from one another.
What connects these various silos? I believe that the connection is God's Mission. The purpose
of each Synod is to particularize that Mission in its defined geographic area. It is God's Mission
that defines not just the Synods but the seminary as well. This was recognized by the Board of
Governors of LTS in the new LTS Mission Statement. The seminary does not have its own
mission but rather participates with the Synods as they seek to full God's Mission. What is
unique and important about the seminary is its functional position. Its function is to assist the
Synod's in fulfilling God's Mission.
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Faculty
In a number of ways the faculty have borne the brunt of the Board's actions when it had to deal
with financial difficulties at LTS. Tenured faculty members were laid off leaving the seminary
with only 3 faculty members and the president. This action, however, did not reduce the
administrative duties at the seminary but rather placed the burden of doing them on the few
remaining faculty. We owe the faculty and our thanks and appreciation for their commitment
and dedication.
The staff have been busy. The Development Office has had another successful year in fund
raising. The maintenance staff have worked hard to clean up the grounds and lay sod down in
the old pool areas. We are blessed by having a diligent and dedicated library staff. The finance
office has done great work which is not only appreciated by the Board, but was commented on
by the auditors. The staff function in the background and their contribution to an efficient and
effected system is often overlooked. Our thanks to every one of them.
This year two faculty members will have sabbaticals. From January to July 2016 Prof. Kristine
Ruffatto is on sabbatical. She is teaching in Cameroon. Prof. Gordon Jensen will be on
sabbatical from July 2016 to July 2017. Since Prof. Jensen is also the Registrar, Colleen Rickard
has been hired as Registrar while he is away.
Students
Enrollment at the seminary is slowly increasing and the trend is very encouraging. Registration
has improved as shown by the statistics for 2015-2016.
D.Min
6
M.Div
17
MTS
1
Diaconal
6
Occasional Students 14
Exciting News
The future of the seminary is exciting. A new major in the Master of Theological Studies
programme is the degree in Community Health. This degree is directed particularly to parish
nurses. We are truly fortunate to have Pastor Ali Tote as the lead in this programme. Pastor Ali
Tote has a Ph.D. in community health from the University of Saskatchewan and is bringing his
knowledge and expertise into the service of the church.
Another exciting development is the proposed Lay Academy which will operate under the
auspices of the seminary. The Lay Academy will be offering courses for interested lay people
who wish to learn more about their church, have a deeper understanding of their faith and a
more profound appreciation of the grace of God. Some of these courses will be offered online
while others in local areas.
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The Saskatchewan Synod is moving into the seminary building. Their coming is important for
the seminary since it will no longer be perceived as being isolated from the Church. The Church
will now be in the seminary. This new relationship opens up new and exciting possibilities.
Another new possibility is that Bethany Mennonite College has approached the seminary and is
negotiating to use our residence and a class room. In the Spring of 2015 the college had to shut
its doors and now some of the Board members are examining their options.
Recruitment
Recruitment is essential if the church is going to have pastors and diaconal minister in the
future. The Board and the seminary have been actively investing resources in recruitment but
their efforts alone is not sufficient. It is the responsibility of every pastor and member of the
congregations to encourage their children, family members or friends and members to consider
the ministry as a career.
Finances
It would be remiss not to mention the financial concerns of the seminary. The seminary has a
revenue and not an expenditure problem. Building a solid financial foundation for the seminary
is like putting together Lego blocks. It takes patience and persistence and creativity. One such
block is to increase dramatically the number of people who pledge annually to the seminary.
Have you considered making a pledge to your seminary? We are thankful for those who
already make regular pledges. An important block in rebuilding the financial basis of the
seminary concerns the financial commitment of the Synods. There are other blocks that are
part of the process of moving the seminary to a more secure financial stability. The presence
of the following institutions who are leasing space provide additional income for LTS:
Emmanuel and St. Chad College who has signed a three year lease and the Saskatchewan Synod
who on 23 March 2016 will be moving into the seminary building. Our finance should also
benefit should the negotiations with the Bethany Mennonite College be successful.
Michael J. Nel D.Th.
Acting President
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Bourinot's Rules of Order
Sir John George Bourinot served as Chief Clerk of the Canadian House of Commons from
1880 until his death in 1902. He wrote Bourinot's Rules of Order so that Canadians could
have a better understanding of how their parliament operated. Since the original edition,
revisions have been published to keep the book up-to-date with the Standing Orders of the
House of Commons.
Part V Section 3(e) of the MNO Synod Bylaws specifies that "Bourinot's Rules of Order, latest
edition, shall be the governing parliamentary law of this Synod, except as otherwise
provided in its Constitution and Bylaws."
What follows is a brief summary of some of the more pertinent procedures followed by the
synod.
Standing Rules of Order
1. Any delegate wishing to speak must rise and address the chair, stating name, delegate
status and synod.
2. No motion or amendment is before the convention unless proposed and seconded by a
delegate and submitted in writing to Chair, or proposed by Synod Council or a committee
of Synod Council. Motions coming directly from the floor must apply to the motion
before the house. Motions not pertinent to the matter before the house shall be
submitted to the Reference and Counsel committee.
3. No delegate, other than the mover, shall speak more than once on a motion.
4. An address from the Bishop is in order at any time.
5. Once a motion has been moved and seconded, the mover is given the privilege of
speaking first. The mover and each subsequent speaker is limited to three (3) minutes.
The maker of the motion may speak for an additional three (3) minutes in closing unless
the convention has acted to cease debate.
6. When a question is under consideration, the only other motions that will be considered,
in order of precedence, are:
 To adjourn
 To move the previous question
 To table
 To defer (to a certain time or indefinitely)
 To refer
 To divide (number by number or clause by clause)
 To amend
7. No more than one amendment to a motion can be considered at a time. If one
amendment is defeated, further amendments may be proposed.
8. An amendment to an amendment may be made and must be voted on before the
original amendment can be considered. Further amendments to amendments may be
proposed.
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9. To suspend the Bylaws or Standing Rules of Order shall require a two-thirds (2/3)
majority of the delegates present.
10. Any delegate may request that, at any time in the proceedings, a motion be re-read to
the assembly.
11. No delegate shall interrupt another except to make a point of order.
12. The chair shall decide all questions of order without debate. A ruling of the chair can be
over-ruled by a majority vote of the delegates. A motion challenging the ruling of the
chair requires a second, and is voted upon immediately.
13. When a vote is called, delegates shall remain at their places and shall not retire until the
matter is disposed of. Proxy voting or congregational binding of a delegate’s vote is not
permitted. Bourinot says “Members who are not present when the question is put
cannot vote.” (p. 27, 4th edition)
14. To move the previous question, when adopted, ends debate and requires the convention
to vote immediately on the motion before it. A motion to move the previous question is
debatable. If the motion is defeated, debate continues.
15. Motions to defer or table, whether to a specified time or indefinitely, are admissible and
are debatable.
16. Special Orders shall have precedence over other matters on the agenda.
More about Motions
A motion is a formal proposal brought forward to the convention for its consideration.
Motions require movers and seconders and are decided by vote after a period of debate.
There are various types of motions that may be brought before the convention for
consideration.
Main Motion
When making a main motion from the floor of the convention, the mover cannot precede it
with any remarks. A motion must be moved, seconded and accepted by the chair prior to
discussion. The mover says, “I move that….” If a motion is out of order or beyond the
authority of the convention, the chair can refuse to accept it. If the motion is in order, the
chair then says, “Is there a second?” Another person is recognized by the chair and says, “I
second the motion.” A second is important because that means there are at least two
people who agree the point should be raised. The seconder is not required to agree with the
motion, but only that the content should be considered. If there is no second, the motion
dies. When there is a second, the chair invites discussion.
Once a motion is moved and seconded, it becomes the property of the assembly. A mover
may withdraw a motion only if the seconder and the meeting as a whole agree.
When discussion on the motion is complete, the chair calls the question and, if necessary,
has the motion repeated. The delegates vote by a show of coloured cards or by ballot. A
majority carries the motion; 50% or less will result in a defeat of the motion. The chair
announces the outcome.
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Reconsideration
Once a motion has passed, it cannot be brought up again at the same sitting. If it should be
necessary to rescind a motion that has been passed, notice of intention can be given at one
sitting and dealt with at the next sitting. To rescind a motion requires a 2/3 majority vote.
If a motion is defeated, it may not be reintroduced except in the form of a new proposal
sufficiently varied in its terms to constitute a different question, and the assembly itself may
determine whether or not it does in fact constitute a new question.
Subsidiary Motions
Subsidiary motions provide additional ways to direct a main motion besides simply debating
and voting on it.

Table
A motion to table is the highest-ranking subsidiary motion, temporarily setting aside
the main motion and other subsidiary motions. A motion to table differs from
deferment because the motion can be recovered at any time. In the meantime, the
meeting can proceed to other business. The matter can be brought back to
discussion by a motion that requires a second, can be debated but not amended, and
requires a majority vote to carry.

Defer indefinitely
This procedure defeats the main motion without voting against it. It requires a
second and a majority vote to carry.

Defer (to a specified time)
The time for reconsideration of the motion can occur in the same or in a subsequent
convention. The usual reason for such postponement is to obtain information or
change the sequence of decisions so that the postponed motion can be informed by
a prior action. The motion requires a second and a majority vote to carry.

Refer
Referral sends the main motion to a committee for research, study or in-depth
discussion which is not practicable in a general assembly. If a special committee is to
be created for the referral, the motion should include the number of persons on the
committee, the member selection process, the particular item to be reviewed and a
deadline for reporting back. This motion requires a second and a majority vote to
carry.

Amend
This is the most widely used subsidiary motion. Amendments are ways to correct,
clarify or alter the wording of a motion. Amendments must relate specifically to the
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main motion and cannot negate or reverse its main intent. The wording used is, “I
move to amend the motion by
a) substituting the words…for…;
b) by adding the words…;
c) so that the motion will read….”
After the amendment has been seconded, the chair will restate the main motion to
demonstrate how it will be changed if the amendment passes. If it is apparent to the
chair that the mover, seconder and the entire assembly is in support of the
amendment (sometimes referred to as a "friendly amendment"), the chair may ask if
anyone in the assembly objects. Hearing no objections, the chair declares the main
motion amended by unanimous consent. If objections are heard, the amendment is
open to debate. To carry, a motion to amend requires a majority vote.

Amend an amendment
An amendment may be amended and must be moved and voted on the same way as
a primary amendment. Amendments to amendments should be avoided, if possible,
so as not to tax the energy of the chair and delegates. The chair will attempt to keep
clear how the amendments or sub-amendments alter the original motion.

Limit or extend debate
A motion to limit can be used to set a specific amount of time allowed for debate.
When a matter of urgency is before the convention, a motion to extend time so as to
permit completion of the business at hand may be made. A motion to limit or extend
debate requires a second, may be amended, and requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority
vote to carry.
Motions of Privilege
Motions of privilege rank above subsidiary motions and main motions. They do not relate
directly to a pending question, but deal with issues that require immediate attention. They
are not debatable. The following are listed in rank from lowest to highest.

Order of the day
This term is used to return the convention to the timed appointments on the agenda.
The motion does not require a second or a vote. A variation is to move to proceed to
the next item on the agenda. Motions on the floor at the time cannot be brought
back for reconsideration until the next session.

Personal Privilege
To rise on a point of privilege is to ask the chair for a personal consideration such as
the introduction or congratulation of an important person germane to the discussion,
the accommodation of inability to hear or to tolerate heat or cold, etc. This action
does not require a second or a vote; merely a response from the chair.
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
Recess
A motion to recess for a rest break, meals or the end of the day requires a second
and a majority vote to carry.

Move the previous question
To move the previous question calls for the convention to decide whether to cease
debate and proceed immediately to vote on the motion at hand. This motion
requires a second and a majority vote to carry. It can be debated but cannot be
amended. If the motion to call the previous question passes, the chair must
immediately call for a vote on the main motion. If the motion fails, debate continues.

Adjourn
A motion to adjourn is always in order, but its most frequent use is to close the
business of the convention. It requires a second and a majority vote to carry. Any
discussion or debate after adjournment is off the record. The chair will usually ask
whether there is any remaining business before recognizing a motion to adjourn.
Incidental Motions
Incidental motions deal with procedural matters but do not relate directly to the business
under discussion. The following motions are not ranked, but are adjudicated by the chair.

Point of order
A delegate may rise on a point of order when debate begins before a motion is
seconded or any other departure from the rules of procedure. The chair will correct
the situation before further action is permitted.

Appeal the decision of the chair
Any voting delegate may appeal a decision taken by the chair, but the motion must
be made immediately following the chair’s ruling. This motion requires a second and
a majority vote to carry. No debate or amendment is permitted.

Suspend the rules
On rare occasions a business matter can be better expedited by suspending the rules
of procedure provided the action is not in conflict with the constitution or bylaws.
This may be done to accommodate someone who is unable to be present at the
assigned times on the agenda or to add to the agenda a matter not given within the
required advance notice. The motion requires a second, cannot be debated or
amended, and requires a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote to carry.
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SUMMARY OF MOTIONS
MAIN MOTIONS
Second
Debate
Amend
Vote
Req’d
To make a motion: I move that…
(Can be withdrawn only with assent of the
entire convention)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
Amend: I move to amend the motion by….
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
Reconsideration: I move that _____ be
reconsidered.
Yes
Yes
Yes
2/3
Majority
Second
Debate
Amend
Vote
Req’d
Adjourn: I move that this meeting be
adjourned.
Yes
Yes
No
Move the question: I move that we call the
question.
Yes
Yes
No
Majority
Table: I move that this matter be tabled.
Yes
Yes
No
Majority
Deferred: I move that this matter be
deferred indefinitely/until___.
Yes
Yes
No
Majority
Refer: I move that we refer this matter to
_____.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
Divide: I move that we consider this
question clause by clause/item by item/as
follows.
Yes
Yes
Yes
Majority
SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS (In order of priority)
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200
MOTIONS OF PRIVILEGE
Second
Debate
Amend
Vote
Req’d
Order of the day: I move that we proceed to
the Order of the Day.
Yes
No
No
Majority
Personal privilege: I rise on a matter of
personal privilege to ask that…
No
No
No
Chair
Recess: I move that we recess until…
Yes
No
No
Majority
Adjourn: I move that this meeting be
adjourned.
Yes
No
No
Majority
No
No
No
Chair
No
No
No
Chair
Second
Debate
Amend
Vote
Req’d
Point of Order: The rules of order state
that…
No
No
No
Chair
decides
Appeal the ruling of the chair: I appeal the
ruling of the chair. (Must be made
immediately following the chair’s ruling.)
Yes
No
No
Majority
Suspend the rules: I move that we suspend
the following Bylaw or Standing Rule in
order that…
Yes
No
No
2/3
Majority
Exact count: I call for a division of the house.
Clarification: I request clarification on…
INCIDENTAL MOTIONS
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CONSTITUTION
As amended by MNO Synod Conventions 2008 (1st Reading) and 2010 (2nd Reading) and
approved by National Church Council, April 2011.
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I
ARTICLE II
Territory
ARTICLE III
Confession of Faith
ARTICLE IV
Mission
ARTICLE V
Membership
ARTICLE VI
Congregations
ARTICLE VII
Ordained Ministers
ARTICLE VIII
Diaconal Ministers
ARTICLE IX
ARTICLE X
The Conferences
ARTICLE XI
Conventions
ARTICLE XII
Synod Council
ARTICLE XIII
Officers
ARTICLE XIV
ARTICLE XV
Standing Committees
ARTICLE XVI
ARTICLE XVII
Auxiliaries
ARTICLE XVIII
Financial Matters
ARTICLE XIX
Bylaws
ARTICLE XX
Amendments
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ARTICLE I
Section 1.
The name of the synod functioning under this constitution shall be
Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada.
Section 2.
The synod shall be incorporated under the laws of Manitoba.
Section 3.
The seal of the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod shall consist of a ship
encircled by the words "Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Canada." The bishop shall have custody of the seal.
ARTICLE II
Territory
The territory of this synod shall be the Province of Manitoba and that portion of Ontario west of
86 degrees longitude.
ARTICLE III
Confession of Faith
Section 1.
This synod confesses the Triune God --Father, Son and Holy Spirit-- as the one
true God. It proclaims the Father as Creator and Preserver; His Son, Jesus
Christ, as Redeemer and Lord; and the Holy Spirit as Regenerator and Sanctifier.
Section 2.
This synod confesses that the Gospel is the revelation of God's saving will and
grace in Jesus Christ, which He imparts through Word and Sacrament. Through
these means of grace the Holy Spirit creates believers and unites them with their
Lord and with one another in the fellowship of the Holy Christian Church.
Section 3.
This synod confesses the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the
inspired Word of God, through which God still speaks, and as the only source of
the Church's doctrine and the authoritative standard for the faith and life of the
Church.
Section 4.
This synod confesses the following symbols, comprising the Book of Concord of
1580, which it subscribes specifically as witnesses to the way in which the Holy
Scriptures have been correctly understood and explained and confessed for the
sake of the Gospel, namely
a. The Apostles', the Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds as the chief
confessions of the Christian faith;
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b. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession as its basic formulation of Christian
doctrine;
c. Luther's Small Catechism as a clear summary of Christian doctrine;
d. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Luther's Large Catechism, the
Smalcald Articles with the Treatise, and the Formula of Concord as further
witnesses to the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.
ARTICLE IV
Mission
Section 1.
As the regional expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and in
faithfulness to the Lord of the Church, this synod shall facilitate and advance the
mission of this church within its territory. Guided and empowered by the Holy
Spirit, it shall carry out this mission by shepherding its congregations and
rostered ministers by engaging in other forms of ministry which proclaim God's
Word and serve to bring reconciliation to the world.
Section 2.
a. Organize, recognize, receive, release and exclude congregations and
b. Ordain, receive, consecrate, nurture, support and discipline rostered
ministers;
c. Recruit, approve, supervise and support ministerial candidates for rostered
ministry;
d. Cooperate with this church to provide for theological education at Lutheran
Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and elect two members to
its Board of Governors;
e. Provide for higher education for the members of this church and others and
for ministry to persons engaged in higher education at universities and
colleges on its territory;
f.
Encourage congregational evangelism and works of mercy;
g. Encourage congregational programs for justice and service;
h. Maintain and support social and health care service agencies and institutions
in accordance with the standards adopted by the church;
i.
Cooperate with the church and other organizations or groups in activities that
promote justice and reconciliation, meet human need and alleviate suffering;
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j.
Interpret and support the nation-wide and world-wide work of the church
through effective cooperation with the divisions and offices;
k. Acknowledge the official auxiliaries as partners in carrying out the mission of
the church;
l.
province-wide Christian movements which have been approved by the church
as adhering to sound principles;
m. Adjudicate appeals from congregational discipline in accord with the
n. Administer the synod as stipulated in the constitution and bylaws of the
o. Carry out such other ministries which may be identified by the synod or by the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
ARTICLE V
Membership
Section 1.
As provided in the corporate bylaws of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada, the membership of the synod consists of member congregations
recognized by the synod, as a regional manifestation of this church; baptized
individuals who are members of a congregation (baptized members) shall
exercise their privileges and responsibilities through participation in the
congregation in which they are members.
Section 2.
The synod at its organizational meeting shall recognize those congregations on
its territory that are recognized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
and certified to it by the secretary of this church.
Section 3.
Additional congregations may be recognized by the synod acting on behalf of this
church in the manner described in the constitution and bylaws of this church.
Section 4.
The synod may revoke its recognition of any congregation in the manner
described in the constitution and bylaws of this church.
ARTICLE VI
Congregations
Section 1.
Every congregation which is recognized by this synod shall have a constitution
which, in the judgment of the Synod Council, is in harmony with the constitution
and bylaws of this church and of the synod.
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Section 2.
Every parish not represented by a rostered minister shall elect a lay delegate to
the convention of this church. If a parish has more than eight hundred baptized
members two lay delegates shall be elected, unless a rostered minister of the
parish has been chosen by the conference, in which case one lay delegate shall
be elected.
Section 3.
Every congregation of the synod shall choose a delegate or delegates to
represent it at conventions of the synod and at meetings of the conference to
which the congregation is assigned. An alternate or alternates may act in the
stead of the delegate or delegates in the event of their absence.
Section 4.
Congregations shall have the right to petition this synod, according to procedures
set forth in the bylaws.
Section 5.
When a pastor resigns, the Congregational Council shall receive the resignation,
report it to the congregation and notify the bishop of the synod.
Section 6.
The alignment of congregations in pastoral charges shall be subject to approval
by the Synod Council.
Section 7.
The approval of this church or a convention of the synod or of its council shall be
required for the solicitation of funds from congregations for institutions, agencies
and causes of this church.
Section 8.
In case of strife and division in a congregation, the Congregational Council shall
seek the advice of the bishop of the synod.
Section 9.
A congregation desiring to withdraw from this church shall require a two-thirds
majority vote at any legally called and conducted meeting. The Bishop shall be
notified immediately, in writing, of the results of the vote. Such decision shall not
be effective until at least ninety days after the bishop has been notified and until
the initial action has been ratified by a two-thirds majority vote at a subsequent
legally called and conducted meeting held no sooner than ninety days after the
bishop has been notified.
Section 10.
A congregation which has ceased to exist or whose membership has so
diminished in numbers as to render it impossible or impractical for the
congregation to function according to its constitution and bylaws shall, after
consultation with any remaining members, be deemed by the synod of which it
was a part to be defunct. The synod through the Synod Council shall appoint
trustees, including where feasible former members of the congregation, who shall
take charge and control of the property of said congregation to hold, manage and
convey the same on behalf of this synod.
Section 11.
A lay member of any congregation may appeal to the synod from the disciplinary
action of the congregation. All such appeals must be made in writing to the
bishop within thirty days after the action has been taken. Copies of said appeal
shall be transmitted by the appellant to the pastor and to the secretary of the
congregation. The bishop shall appoint a special committee to investigate the
appeal. The decision of the committee shall be final and reported to the
appropriate parties.
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ARTICLE VII
Ordained Ministers
Section 1.
Ordination of approved candidates shall normally take place in connection with a
convention of the synod. The time and place of all ordinations shall be
Section 2.
Every pastor shall preach the Word, administer the Sacraments and conduct
public worship in harmony with the faith and practices of the church; shall
baptize, confirm and marry in accordance with the teaching of the church and
with the laws of the province; shall visit the sick and distressed and bury the
dead; shall inculcate piety in individual and family life and provide pastoral
leadership to all schools and auxiliary organizations of the congregation; shall
install members of the Congregational Council and, with the council, administer
discipline; shall seek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the
ministry of the Gospel and strive to extend the Kingdom of God in the community,
at home and abroad; and shall encourage the members to be generous in
support of the ministry of the congregation, the synod and the church.
Section 3.
Every pastor shall keep accurate membership records including baptisms,
confirmations, marriages, burials and communicants, and shall submit a report of
such statistics annually to the secretary of the synod on forms provided by this
church. The parish records shall be kept in a separate book which shall remain
the property of the congregation.
Section 4.
When members move, the pastor shall commend them to the pastoral care of the
parish in which their new home is located.
Section 5.
Each congregation shall consult the bishop of the synod before taking any steps
leading to the extending of a call to a prospective pastor.
Section 6.
Upon receiving a call to another ministry, the pastor shall consult with the bishop
and the chairperson of the Congregational Council before a decision is reached.
The pastor shall inform the congregation and the bishop of the decision on the
call within thirty days of official notice. When a call has been accepted, the
pastor shall terminate the ministry within two months unless an extension has
been agreed upon by the pastor and the Congregational Council.
Section 7.
The regular call of a congregation when accepted by a pastor shall constitute a
relationship which shall be terminated only for the following causes:
1) the resignation of the pastor;
2) the attainment by the pastor of the age of sixty-five years, after which
time the pastor may be called for renewable two-year terms;
3) disqualifications of the pastor through discipline;
4) division of a pastoral charge;
5) the physical or mental incapacity of the pastor;
6) continued neglect of ministry;
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7)
inability to conduct the pastoral office satisfactorily in that parish in view
of local conditions, without reflection on the moral and spiritual
character of the pastor.
In the last three contingencies, when such difficulties are made known, the
bishop may, following consultation with the conference dean, appoint an Advisory
Committee of two ordained ministers and two lay members to investigate. Upon
the request of the Congregational Council or the receipt of a petition signed by at
least one-third of the voting members of the congregation, the bishop shall
appoint such an Advisory Committee to investigate.
In case of alleged physical or mental disability, medical testimony shall be
secured. When such incapacity is evident, the bishop, on the advice of the
committee and with the concurrence of the Congregational Council, shall declare
the pastorate vacant. Upon the restoration of such a pastor to health, the bishop
of the synod shall take steps to enable the pastor to resume the ministry, either in
the congregation last served or in another field of labour.
In case of alleged neglect of ministry or of local conditions which imperil the
well-being of the congregation, all those concerned shall be heard, after which
the bishop of the synod together with the Advisory Committee shall counsel with
the pastor and the congregation on a proper course of action. Such counsel
shall be offered out of Christian love and is not to be regarded as an act of
discipline. After such counsel, if the problem has not been resolved, the
congregation may terminate the call by majority vote. The bishop of the synod at
any point in the foregoing proceedings, with the concurrence of the
Congregational Council, may suspend the pastor from the functions of the
ministry within the congregation, pending completion of the formal proceedings.
The foregoing procedure shall never be invoked when questions of doctrine or
morality are involved, all such cases being treated as disciplinary matters.
Section 8.
No ordained minister shall preach or perform any ministerial act within the parish
of another pastor except at the latter's request or consent, or visit or perform
ministerial acts in a time of a pastoral vacancy except by invitation of its
Congregational Council.
Section 9.
During a pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor shall be selected by the
Congregational Council after consultation with the bishop. The interim pastor
shall have the responsibility of a regularly called pastor. All interim and supply
pastors shall refrain from exerting influence in the call process of the
congregation.
Section 10.
All ordained ministers serving under call shall attend all conventions of the synod
and the meetings of the conferences to which they belong.
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ARTICLE VIII
Diaconal Ministers
Section 1.
The synod shall have a roster of diaconal ministers.
Section 2.
The standards of acceptance and continuance on the roster of diaconal ministers
of this church shall be defined in the administrative bylaws of this church.
ARTICLE IX
Section 1
Ordered ministers of churches with which this church has a full communion
agreement, who are serving in this church under the provisions of the full
communion agreement, shall have the same rights and privileges as the
equivalent order of the ministry of this church.
ARTICLE X
The Conferences
Section 1.
This synod shall be organized regionally into conferences whose number and
boundaries are to be determined by the synod upon recommendation of the
Synod Council.
Section 2.
The role of the conferences shall be defined in the bylaws of this synod.
ARTICLE XI
Conventions
Section 1.
The convention of the synod shall be its highest legislative authority.
Section 2
Conventions of this synod shall be held according to times, policies, and
procedures as described in the bylaws of this synod.
ARTICLE XII
Synod Council
Section 1.
Synod Council is the governing body of this synod and shall carry out all normal
functions and responsibilities on behalf of this synod in accordance with the
constitution, the bylaws and resolutions of this synod in convention.
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Section 2.
Synod Council shall consist of the officers of this synod, and members, all of
whom shall be members in good standing of congregations of this synod, elected
according to procedures defined in the bylaws of this synod.
ARTICLE XIII
Officers
Section 1.
The officers of the synod shall be a bishop, a chair, a secretary and a treasurer.
At least two of these officers shall be lay members of this synod.
Section 2.
The duties of the officers shall be defined in the bylaws of this synod.
Section 3.
The officers shall be elected by the synod convention for a term of four years
according to procedures established in the bylaws. All officers shall serve until
their successors assume office.
Section 4.
Should a vacancy occur ad interim in any of the offices with the exception of the
office of bishop, the Synod Council is empowered to fill the same until the next
regular convention.
Section 5.
The recall or dismissal of an officer of the synod shall follow the procedure set
out in the constitution and bylaws of this church.
ARTICLE XIV
Section 1.
The bishop, as the chief executive officer of this synod, has full authority,
responsibility and accountability to discharge all duties and obligations of that
office as mandated in the constitution, the bylaws and by resolution of Synod
Council.
Section 2.
The bishop shall provide pastoral leadership and counsel to ordained and
diaconal ministers, congregations and conferences of this synod.
Section 3.
The bishop shall be the chief executive officer of this synod and an ex officio
member of all committees of this synod.
Section 4.
The authority to elect and call a bishop shall rest with this synod at a regular
convention or a special convention called for this purpose. Synod Council shall
seek the advice and counsel of the National Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Canada in the call process.
Section 5.
The bishop shall be on the roster of ordained ministers of this church or serving
as an ordained minister in this church under the provisions of a Full Communion
agreement.
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Section 6.
The bishop shall be elected by this synod convention for a term of four years,
without limitation, according to procedures established in the bylaws. The bishop
shall serve until his/her successor assumes office.
ARTICLE XV
Standing Committees
Section 1.
Synod Council shall have authority to establish such committees deemed
necessary for the mission of this synod.
Section 2.
Terms of reference for, and membership on, any committee shall be defined in a
policy manual approved by Synod Council.
Section 3.
ARTICLE XVI
Section 1.
This synod acknowledges its responsibility to maintain a theological seminary
within the guidelines provided by this church, to strengthen this seminary
spiritually and academically, and to provide for its financial support.
Section 2.
a. The Board of Governors of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, shall control and manage the seminary and determine its
academic and administrative affairs. The property of the seminary, both real
and personal, shall be held by the Board of Governors in trust for and under
the guidance of the Synods of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and
Manitoba.
b. The board may propose to the synods an increase in the number of its
members, such increase to include an equal number of rostered ministers
and lay persons. Any proposal for increase in the number of members of the
board must have the approval of the synods.
c. The term of office for each member of the board shall be four years except in
the following cases:
i. Where a member is appointed to fill a vacancy, such appointment shall
be by the Synod Council and shall be for the remainder of the term of
the predecessor;
ii. In the case of the first of any new elections in connection with
increasing the number of the said board, the terms of office shall be for
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two or four years, so spaced that one-half of the membership of the
board shall be elected each biennium.
d. Members of the board shall be eligible to serve for not more than two
consecutive terms.
e. Financial support for the seminary shall be determined by a process of
consultation between the Board of Governors and the Synod Council.
f. The board shall make an annual report to the regular convention of the synod.
ARTICLE XVII
Auxiliaries
There shall be synodical units of the official auxiliaries of this church. Such units shall report to
the Synod Council and convention. The bishop, or an appointee, shall have seat and voice at
synodical unit conventions and board meetings.
ARTICLE XVIII
Financial Matters
Section 1.
Section 2.
The annual budget and financial reports of the synod shall reflect the entire range
of its activities. The income listed shall include support from all sources.
Section 3.
Each budget shall approve an amount for contingency not to exceed 7% of the
budget.
Section 4.
There shall be an operating reserve, determined by the Synod Council, of no
more than l5% of the following year's budget.
Section 5.
Representatives of the Synod Council shall meet with representatives appointed
by the National Church Council to agree upon the synod's commitment goal for
support of the budget of the church during the next fiscal year. These
representatives shall recommend for approval by the synod and by the National
Church Council the amount of support to be transmitted through the synod to the
church.
Section 6.
consent of the convention or the Synod Council.
Section 7.
The financial accounts of the synod shall be submitted annually for audit to a
chartered accountant named by the Synod Council.
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ARTICLE XIX
Bylaws
Section 1.
This synod may adopt such bylaws, not in conflict with this constitution, as may
be necessary. Such bylaws may be amended at any convention by a two-thirds
vote of the delegates present and voting. At least one day shall elapse between
first presentation and convention action unless unanimous consent to amend is
given.
Section 2.
Bylaws relating to convention procedure may be suspended by a two-thirds vote
of the delegates present and voting.
ARTICLE XX
Amendments
Section 1.
The Confession of Faith as stated in Article III shall be that of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Canada.
Section 2.
Amendments to this constitution shall be in writing and may be proposed by
a.
b.
c.
d.
Section 3.
The National Church Council,
The Synod Council,
A congregation of the synod,
Ten delegates.
All proposed amendments must be reported to the convention no later than the
first full day of business. The Synod Council shall make report and
recommendation during that convention on all proposed amendments. Adoption
of an amendment shall require passage at this and the next regular convention
by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present and voting. Notice of the full text
thereof shall be sent to the pastors and congregations of the synod at least one
month prior to the second reading. Further amendment at the second reading
shall require unanimous consent. Such amendments shall be effective upon
ratification by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in convention or by its
National Church Council.
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BYLAWS
(AS AMENDED BY MNO SYNOD CONVENTION, APRIL 2010 – MOTION MNO 13-10-17
AND APPROVED BY NATIONAL CHURCH COUNCIL, APRIL 2011 )
Table of Contents
PART I
Headquarters
PART II
Conferences
PART III
Conventions
PART IV
PART V
PART VI
Synod Council
PART VII
Committees
Part VIII
Duties of Officers
Part IX
Bylaw Amendments
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PART I
Headquarters
Section 1
The headquarters of this synod shall be located in Winnipeg.
Section 2
All executive offices shall be located at the headquarters. Exceptions
may be made by action of the convention upon recommendation of the
Synod Council.
PART II
Conferences
Section 1
The synod shall be divided into seven conferences as follows: Agassiz,
Aurora, Brokenhead, Cambrian, Interlake, Metro, Westman.
Section 2
All members of congregations are encouraged to attend conference
meetings. The voting membership shall be all rostered ministers on the
territory of the Conference and two lay delegates from each congregation.
Congregations having more than 300 baptized members shall be entitled
to an additional lay member for each additional 300 baptized members or
major fraction thereof.
Section 3
The bishop of the synod or the bishop's appointee shall attend the
conference meetings.
Section 4
The role of the conferences shall be to
a. encourage fellowship among rostered ministers and congregations;
b. arrange opportunities for the study of the Holy Scriptures and
Christian doctrine;
c. assist the synod in planning, promoting and implementing the mission
of the church;
d. respond in consultation with the synod to particular needs within its
territory;
e. elect the required number of rostered ministers as delegates to the
conventions of this church.
Section 5
A conference may adopt for itself any rules and regulations not in conflict
with the constitution and bylaws of the synod.
Section 6
Each conference shall meet at least once a year at a time and place set
by the conference. Conferences shall designate their own quorums.
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Section 7
Each conference shall have the right to petition the synod according to
procedures set forth in the bylaws.
Section 8
Each conference shall elect from its membership a dean, a secretary and
at least two other persons who shall constitute a Conference Council.
Election shall be for a two-year term. The dean, who shall serve as
chairperson, shall be a rostered minister.
Section 9
The Conference Council shall fill any vacancies in its membership until
the next meeting of the conference.
Section 10
The dean of each conference shall make a written report to the synod
through the bishop's report.
Section 11
The deans of the conferences and the bishop shall meet at least once a
year for spiritual renewal and the discussion of programs, plans and
problems affecting conferences and the synod. Except where otherwise
provided in this constitution and its bylaws, the function of such a meeting
shall be consultative and advisory.
PART III
Conventions
Section 1
Convening
a. The regular convention shall be held biennially in those years when
the regular National Convention is not held. Special conventions for
specified purposes may be called by the bishop to be held within
ninety days of receiving a request in writing from two-thirds of the
members of the Synod Council and shall be called by the bishop at
the request of the Synod Council or one-fifth of the synod's
congregations and one-fifth of those on its roster of ordained ministers
under call.
b. Arrangements for the conventions of the synod shall be made by the
officers or by a committee named for that purpose by the Synod
Council, acting in conjunction with a local committee.
c. Notice of the time and place of the convention shall be given by the
secretary to each rostered minister and the secretary of each
congregation of the synod at least four months before the opening day
of the convention. The secretary shall give written notice of a special
convention to each congregation and rostered minister, and shall
publish the same at least thirty days prior to the opening date of the
convention.
d. The Synod Council shall determine the amount of the registration for
delegates to cover convention expenses.
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e. Each congregation or employing agency shall pay the registration fee
of its delegate(s). In the case of a rostered minister serving a
multiple-congregation parish, such expenses shall be borne by the
congregations pro rata on the basis of baptized membership. In the
case of retired rostered ministers of the synod, such expenses,
including travel on the territory of Synod, shall be borne by the Synod.
Those rostered ministers serving under a call issued by the Synod
Council, and serving in agencies which do not allow funding of Synod
convention costs, shall apply to the Synod Council for permission to
attend at Synod expense.
f.
The secretary shall send out a bulletin of reports to all voting
members at least thirty days before each regular convention.
g. The Synod Council shall prepare the proposed agenda.
Section 2
Representation
a. One-third of the eligible voting members shall constitute a quorum.
b. The eligible voting membership of conventions shall consist of
i.
One lay delegate from each congregation and, from
congregations having more than 300 baptized members, one
lay delegate for each additional 300 baptized members or
major fraction thereof;
ii.
Rostered ministers of this synod.
iii.
Lay members of the Synod Council.
iv.
Members of the Synod Youth Assembly.
c. The voting membership at a special convention shall be those who
were seated in the preceding regular convention provided that they
have not been disqualified by termination of membership in the
congregation they represented. Vacancies in this voting membership
shall be filled according to the constitution or bylaws of the synod.
d. The bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and such
other official representatives of this church as may be designated by
the National Church Council shall have seat and voice in the
conventions of the synod. In connection with their reports, like
privileges shall be accorded to the chairpersons of synodical
committees, to representatives of institutions and agencies related to
or officially recognized by the synod, and to the presidents of the
synodical units of the official auxiliaries of this church.
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e. Each congregation shall submit the name(s) and address(es) of its
delegate(s) to the synod secretary at least sixty days prior to the
opening day of the convention.
f.
Delegates to the synod convention shall be paid travel costs at a rate
to be determined by the Synod Council. This information shall be sent
with the convention notice.
g. The youth assembly shall consist of fourteen youth from the seven
conferences. Each conference is eligible to appoint two youth as their
representative.
h. Youth shall be baptized members between the ages of 15 and 21 on
the first full day of the convention.
Section 3
Procedure
a. During the first sitting of each regular convention, the bishop shall
announce the appointment of the convention committees as follows:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Committee of Reference and Counsel,
Committee on Nominations,
Committee on Minutes,
Committee on Registration and Attendance,
Committee on Elections.
b. Petitions from congregations and conferences shall be submitted to
the secretary of the synod prior to the convention for referral to the
Committee of Reference and Counsel.
c. The Committee of Reference and Counsel shall
i.
Receive and study petitions submitted to the secretary by
congregations and conferences, as well as those referred to it by
the convention or a delegate, and report to the convention its
recommendations together with the original petitions;
ii.
Recommend special orders for the hearing of representatives;
iii.
Grant or deny permission to distribute printed matter not issuing
from the office of the secretary; and
iv.
Give such assistance to the bishop or his/her designate as this
officer may desire in the course of the convention.
d. All reports published in the bulletin of reports shall be received by the
convention by virtue of that fact without vote.
e. Bourinot's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall be the governing
parliamentary law of this Synod, except as otherwise provided in its
Constitution and Bylaws.
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f.
All arrangements for worship services or public meetings shall be
made in consultation with the bishop.
PART IV
Section l
The Committee on Nominations shall nominate two persons for each
position to be filled by election except for the officers of the synod and the
three governors of the seminary nominated by this church. Additional
nominations may be made from the floor for all elections for which the
nominations are made by the Committee on Nominations.
Section 2
All elections shall be by ballot. In all elections, except for the officers of
the synod, a majority of the votes cast on any ballot shall elect.
Section 3
The election of bishop and chair of this synod shall proceed in this order
without oral nominations. If the first ballot does not result in election, it
shall be considered a nominating ballot.
Section 4
The nomination of the secretary and treasurer shall be made by the
Synod Council. Additional nominations may be made from the floor
Section 5
On the first ballot for an officer, three-fourths of the votes cast shall be
required for election. Thereafter only such votes as are cast for persons
who have received votes on the first or nominating ballot shall be valid.
On the second ballot, two-thirds of the votes cast shall be required for
election. On the third ballot, the voting shall be limited to the four persons
receiving the highest vote on the second ballot, and a majority of the
votes cast shall elect. On the fourth ballot the voting shall be limited to
the three persons receiving the highest vote on the third ballot, and a
majority of the votes cast shall elect. On the fifth ballot the voting shall be
limited to the two persons receiving the highest vote on the fourth ballot,
and a majority of the votes cast shall elect.
Section 6
In all other elections the names of the persons receiving the highest
number of votes but not elected on a preceding ballot shall be entered on
the next ballot to the number of two for each vacancy unfilled.
Section 7
The result of each ballot in every election shall be announced in detail to
the convention.
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PART V
Section l
The synod secretary shall inform each of the conferences of the number
of rostered ministers to be elected to the National Church Convention.
Section 2
Each member parish shall be entitled to be represented by at least one
delegate at each Convention. Such delegates shall be elected as follows:
a. 200 rostered ministers shall be elected not earlier than eighteen
months and not later than seven months before a Convention by the
Conferences as allocated by the National Church Council on the basis
of baptized membership:
b. a delegate who is a lay person shall be elected not earlier than 12
months and not later that 4 months before a Convention by each
member congregation which is not represented by a delegate who is a
rostered minister elected by a Conference;
c. an additional delegate who is a lay person shall be elected within the
time specified in clause(b) above by each member congregation with
more than 800 baptized members; and
d. an alternate delegate who is a lay person may be elected within the
time specified in clause (b) above by each member congregation, to
be available to represent the congregation in the event that a delegate
position specified in clause (a), (b) or (c) above becomes vacant less
than 4 months before a Convention.
A member congregation with a membership of less than 800 baptized
members which has been represented by a rostered minister elected
by a Conference for two consecutive biennial Conventions shall not
be represented by a rostered minister at the following biennial
Convention.
The secretary of the Synod shall advise the secretary of the names
and addresses of the delegates elected by the Conferences and the
delegates and alternate delegates elected by the member
congregations of that Synod within 15 days following each such
election.
No changes may be made to the list of rostered delegates after
November 30. Should a rostered delegate on this final list be unable
to attend, the position may be filled by a lay delegate or alternate lay
delegate elected as specified in clauses (b) and (d) above. If any
delegate position becomes vacant less than 4 months before a
Convention and the member congregation has not elected an
alternate lay delegate as provided in clause (d) above, the position
shall remain vacant.
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PART VI
Synod Council
Section 1
Membership
a. The membership of the synod council shall be the officers of the
synod together with 10 additional members elected by the convention
to serve for four years in such manner that the terms of one-half of the
elected members shall expire each biennium. Each conference shall
be represented by an elected lay person. The remaining positions
shall be filled by rostered ministers of the synod elected At Large. No
elected member shall be eligible for more than two consecutive terms.
b. An elected member of the Synod Council shall not be eligible to serve
on a synodical program committee or management committee.
c. The terms of office of all council members shall begin the first day of
the third month following their election.
Section 2
The Synod Council shall:
a. Plan, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the activities of the synod in
carrying out its mission and ministry;
b. Be the directors of the corporation and trustees for the synod;
c. Represent the synod and attend to its business between conventions;
d. Issue Letters of Call to rostered ministers who are full-time officers or
staff officials of the synod, or who are called to special service;
e. Provide for an annual review of the roster of rostered ministers and
congregations;
f.
Determine the time and place for each convention and prepare its
proposed agenda and programs;
g. Recommend annual budgets to the regular conventions and revise
the synodical budget as may be required between regular
conventions.
h. Establish personnel policies for the synod and set the salaries of the
bishop and staff of the synod.
i.
Elect the representatives to the governing bodies of inter-church
agencies to which the synod is related;
j.
Fill vacancies until the next convention except as otherwise provided,
and determine the fact of the incapacity of an officer of the synod
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according to the procedures in the constitution and bylaws of this
church;
k. Report its actions to the regular conventions;
l.
Approve candidates for call, ordination, consecration and admission to
the roster of rostered ministers;
m. Perform the additional duties prescribed in the constitution, bylaws
and resolutions of the synod.
Section 3
The officers of the synod shall be the officers of the synod council.
Section 4
a. The synod council shall have at least two regular meetings annually.
Special meetings may be called by the chair of the synod or the
bishop or when a request in writing signed by a majority of council
members is received by the secretary of the synod. A majority of the
members of the synod council shall constitute a quorum for any
regular or special meeting of the council.
b. Notice of each regular meeting shall be given to each member of the
council at least 10 days prior to the time appointed for holding such a
meeting. Such notice shall specify in reasonable detail the matters,
other than those of a routine nature, which are to be considered at the
meeting.
c. Notice of each special meeting shall be given to each member of the
council not less than three days prior to the time appointed for holding
such a meeting. Special meetings may be held at any time without
formal notice if all members of council are present or those absent
have waived notice or have signified their consent in writing, either
before or after, to the meeting being held in their absence.
d. Regular or special meetings may be conducted by audio conference,
video-conference and other acceptable electronic means. Protocol for
holding such meetings shall be outlined in a policy manual.
Section 5
Synod council shall appoint an ordained minister to assume the duties
and responsibilities of the bishop in the event of the resignation,
incapacity, or death of the bishop, pending the election of a new bishop at
the next regular or specially called synod convention.
Section 6
Synod council, through enabling motions, may delegate its authority to
the executive committee to act on its behalf between meetings of the
council.
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PART VII
Committees
Section 1
Program Committees
a. Synod council may establish program committees to assist it in
meeting the missional directions of the synod.
b. Normally, the Nominations Committee will be requested to provide
Council with names of individuals willing to be appointed to program
committees.
c. The mechanism for establishing a program committee and its terms of
reference shall be defined in a policy manual approved by Synod
Council.
d. In preparing the agenda for the synod convention, the council shall
make allowances for the work of its program committees to be
reported to the convention.
Section 2
Examining Committee
a. The Synod shall have a Synod Examining Committee and shall
participate in the Western Synods Examining Committee. Further
terms of reference for, and procedures of, the Examining Committee
shall be defined in the Candidacy Manual of this church.
b. The Synod Examining Committee shall be a standing committee of
this synod.
i.
The Synod Examining Committee shall be accountable to synod
council and report to synod council through the Office of the
Bishop.
ii.
The Synod Examining Committee shall consist of the bishop, a
seminary professor appointed by Lutheran Theological
Seminary, two lay persons and two rostered ministers appointed
by synod council. The committee will be chaired by the Bishop.
The committee will name a secretary.
iii.
The appointed members shall serve for four year terms
staggered so that no more than half are replaced at any one
time.
iv.
When the Western Synods Examining Committee is not
meeting, it shall be the duty of the Synod Examining Committee
to examine candidates for ordained and diaconal ministry, for
reception from other Lutheran churches with whom mutual
recognition of ministry has not been established, and for
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reception from other Christian churches. The committee shall
present its recommendations to synod council.
v.
The committee shall work in close cooperation with the
Candidacy Committee.
c. The Western Synods Examining Committee shall be the usual body to
examine candidates for ordained and diaconal ministry.
Section 3
i.
The Western Synods Examining Committee shall serve the
Synods of British Columbia, Alberta and the Territories,
Saskatchewan and Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario.
ii.
Annually, at the fall meeting, the Synod Council shall appoint
one lay person and one rostered person from the Synod
Examining Committee to the Western Synods Examining
Committee, making a total of eight persons appointed from the
four participating synods. Of the four rostered persons
appointed, at least one rostered person shall be a diaconal
minister, with that position assigned to one of the synods by
agreement of the synod bishops.
iii.
Lutheran Theological Seminary shall annually appoint two
faculty members.
iv.
The synod bishops shall serve ex officio on the Western Synods
Examining Committee.
v.
This committee shall meet annually in Saskatoon in February at
a time determined by the synod bishops and by the arrangement
of the Saskatchewan Synod.
vi.
Each examination shall be conducted by a sub-committee of the
Western Synods Examining Committee comprised of at least
one member from each synod, including one faculty, two lay
persons, two rostered persons, and the bishop of the
candidate’s synod. When a diaconal candidate is being
examined, the sub-committee shall include a diaconal minister.
vii.
It shall be the duty of this committee to examine candidates for
ordained and diaconal ministry and candidates for reception
from other Lutheran churches with whom mutual recognition of
ministry has not been established. The committee shall report its
recommendations to the synod council of the synod where the
candidate is registered.
Luther Village Management Committee
a. There shall be a management committee serving as the Board of
Directors of Luther Village working to accomplish the mission of this
church through outdoor ministry.
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b. The specific duties and responsibilities of the management committee
shall be set out in Luther Village bylaws established by the
management committee and approved by Synod Council. Additional
provisions may be set out in the bylaws of this synod.
c. The management committee shall make regular reports to the Synod
Council and the Synod Convention.
Section 4
a. At the first meeting following the regular convention of the synod, the
Synod Council shall appoint a Committee on Nominations.
b. The Committee shall have a membership of four. In making these
appointments, synod council shall make every effort to achieve a
gender balance in the membership of this committee consisting of four
members--two men and two women.
c. Committee members may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
d. The Committee on Nominations shall invite the Congregational
Councils, ordained ministers and synodical program committees to
suggest names for the vacancies to be filled at each convention and
for which the Committee on Nominations is to propose candidates.
Part VIII
Duties of Officers
Section 1
The terms of office of all officers shall begin on the first day of third month
following election.
Section 2
Executive Committee
a. The officers of the synod shall form an executive committee.
b. The executive committee shall have no authority except as specifically
delegated to it from time to time by synod council.
c. For the purpose of conducting business delegated to the executive
committee by council, a quorum shall be a majority of members.
Section 3
The Bishop shall
a. Serve as spiritual leader and counselor to the congregations, rostered
ministers and conferences of the synod;
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b. Ordain approved candidates for ministry, consecrate approved
candidates for diaconal ministry and provide for the installation into
office;
c. Oversee the call process as outlined in the Call Process Manual;
d. Attest to all official documents of the synod as may be required;
e. Ensure that the constitution and bylaws of the synod are observed
and that its resolutions are implemented;
f.
Visit the congregations and rostered ministers of the synod and confer
with them concerning their spiritual and temporal welfare;
g. Discipline staff and program committee members in keeping with
Biblical principles and the policies of this synod;
h. Install, or provide for the installation of, the rostered ministers of all
congregations of the synod and other rostered ministers called to
service within the synod; induct into office the other officers of the
synod;
i.
Be ex officio member of all committees of the synod, its chief
representative on the boards of directors or trustees of all institutions
in which the synod is entitled to representation;
j.
Be the custodian of the seal of the synod and attest all documents as
required;
k. Appoint the synod archivist;
l.
Report and make observations and recommendations to each regular
convention of the synod concerning its mission and ministry together
with observations and recommendations.
m. Have the authority to hire staff, if and when such positions are created
by synod in convention. Such staff persons are ineligible for
membership on synod council or any committee of synod council.
n. Shall be responsible for all synod staff and staff committees.
o. May delegate responsibilities to synod staff and staff committees.
p. Perform other duties as prescribed in the constitutions and bylaws of
this church and the synod, and the synod council governance and
policy manuals.
Section 4
The Chair of this synod shall:
a. Convene and preside over conventions of this synod, meetings of
synod council and meetings of the executive committee. The chair
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may appoint any other member of synod council to preside at a
convention or synod council meeting. The Chair may appoint the
national bishop to preside over a synod convention when that
convention is in the process of electing a synodical bishop.
b. In consultation with the bishop and other officers, set the agenda for
synod council meetings.
c. Convene and preside over meetings of the executive committee. In
his / her absence, the Chair may delegate another member of the
executive committee to preside over an executive committee meeting.
d. Perform additional duties as prescribed in the synod council
governance and policy manuals.
Section 5
The secretary shall:
a. Keep the minutes of all conventions of the synod, be responsible for
the printing and distribution of such minutes and perform such other
duties as the synod may from time to time direct;
b. Keep a roster of the rostered ministers and of the congregations of the
synod;
c. Report to the secretary of this church additions to and subtractions
from the synodical roster, issue certificates of transfer for rostered
ministers who are moving to other synods and enter on the roster of
the synod the names of all rostered ministers for whom such
certificates of transfer have been received;
d. Be authorized, in the name of the synod, to attest all documents as
required;
e. Deposit all papers and documents of historical value with the synod
archivist;
f.
Serve as statistician of the synod, secure the parochial reports of the
congregations, collate the same for annual report to the synod and
make the composite figures available to the secretary of this church;
g. Serve as the Necrologist of the synod.
h. Perform additional duties as prescribed in the synod council
Section 6
The treasurer shall:
a. Have charge of all the monies and accounts of the synod, its deeds,
mortgages, contracts, evidences of claims and revenues, and trust
funds, holding the same at all times subject to the order of the synod;
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b. Manage the investment of funds owned or held in trust by the synod,
as authorized by the synod council;
c. Receive, record and acknowledge all offerings, contributions and
legacies made to the synod, collect all interest and income from its
investment funds, and disburse funds as approved and directed by
the synod council;
d. Transmit each month to the treasurer of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Canada the funds received by the synod for the general
work of the church;
e. Inform each congregation, at least quarterly, of its record of giving to
the synod;
f.
Keep an account for the conferences of the synod and disburse to
them such funds as are budgeted or otherwise appropriated for their
use;
g. Present to each convention a detailed and audited report of all
receipts and disbursements for the preceding fiscal year;
h. Be bonded under the fidelity coverage provided by this church.
i.
Perform additional duties as prescribed in the synod council
Part IX
Bylaw Amendments
Section 1
The bylaws of this synod may be amended in accordance with provisions
described in Article XIX of the Constitution.
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SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES OF
ORDINATION & CONSECRETION
The MNO Synod celebrates with, and gives thanks to God for the ministry of
the following members of the MNO Synod roster, who are celebrating special anniversaries
of their ordination or consecration during 2015 and 2016.
Special recognition will be given to the honourees following the opening worship service of convention on
Thursday, April 21 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Steinbach. Everyone is invited to attend the dessert
reception following the service.
In lieu of a gift, and to honour the milestone anniversaries, the MNO Synod has made a $100 donation to a
ministry of the choice of each honouree, as noted below their bio.
60th Anniversary
Bishop Lee Luetkehoelter
50th Anniversary
Bishop Richard Smith
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Kuhn
40th Anniversary
Rev. David Saude
25th Anniversary
Rev. Arleen Berg
Rev. Paul Gehrs
Rev. David Lowe
Rev. Deborah Moroz
The Rev. Canon Dr. Murray Still
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60th Anniversary
Bishop Lee Luetkehoelter
Preparation For, and Ministries Served
I was graduated by the Lutheran College and Seminary with a B.A. degree on July 4, 1955. The ordination
service, led by President Julius Bergbusch, took place at Trinity Lutheran Church, Saskatoon.
During my 39 years of active ministry I served the following parishes:
Markinch, Wheatwyn, Cupar, Saskatchewan, 1955-1957
St. Mark’s, Regina SK, 1957-1961
Erloeser Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, PA, 1961-1963
Faith, Burnaby BC, 1963-1969
Trinity, Edmonton AB, 1969-1975
In 1975 I was elected President of the Central Canada Synod and served as follows:
President, Central Canada Synod, LCA, 1975-1980
Bishop, Central Canada Synod, LCA, 1980-1985
Bishop, Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod, ELCIC, 1986-1994
During my retirement I served as
Schmieder Resident, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, 1994-1995
Sessional Lecturer and Supervisor of Internships, Lutheran Theological Seminary, 1995-1996
Lecturer in Homiletics, University of Winnipeg, 1996-1997
Reflections on my ministry
It has been a challenge and privilege to serve as a pastor.
I am grateful for the congregational members who welcomed my family and myself
into their midst and supported us by their encouragement, hospitality, dedication,
leadership, and financial support. It is my conviction that a pastor has the power to
shrink a congregation, but if a congregation is to grow, it requires the commitment and
effort of every member. One of my essential tasks was to strengthen, as far as I was
able, this fellowship of believers.
Secondly, as the people of God gathered each Sunday for worship it was my
responsibility to proclaim the Good News. This was one of the pastoral acts that took
one hour in the pulpit and at least eight hours in the study. I always saw it as the key
source of energy for the life of the parish because at worship the Word is proclaimed,
the sacraments administered, and prayers said for the welfare of the parish, church,
country and world. I tried to give preparation for this hour the highest priorities
among my pastoral responsibilities, second only to visiting the sick and dying.
Each Sunday it was my duty and privilege to mount the pulpit, not as the entertainer,
but to be the prompter for the drama that needed to happen, namely that the
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worshippers left the church to step out on to the stage of life and there act out being
disciples of Jesus. (I owe Soren Kierkegaard thanks for this insight.)
My Family and My Ministry
Betty was an awesome helpmate. She was a high school teacher and then associate
secretary for Education of the United Lutheran Church Women before we were married
on July 25, 1959. In every parish she taught Sunday School and gave leadership to the
women’s group. When I prepared an article she proof read it and made sure it was
grammatical and sensible. Having and open house for members happened almost
every year unless she was pregnant. She did practice hospitality with enthusiasm, but
warned me, after I arrived at suppertime with a guest for the second time, that she
needed two hours notice if there were going to be guests at our table.
My sons, David and Jonathan, participated in the life of the congregations and were a
great help to me. They were my chief and very candid critics. On those Sundays when
the sermon was sub par they said, on the way home, “That was boring.” They also felt
that brief sermons and meetings were the best. However, through all the years they
were and still are my best friends.
A Word of Encouragement
I confess that from where I sit, ministry seems to be more challenging than when I was
ordained. Many congregations have become smaller and struggle to find teachers,
leaders, choir members, council members, etc. and lack funds to support the ministry
and maintain their property. At the same time, secularism is replacing faith in God.
Pastors need to be evangelists and to recruit evangelists, and to be theologians whose
faith in God is transparent and who are able to share their convictions in friendly and
compelling ways. I’ve found that narrative sermons are helpful and when visiting with
members, listening is more important than speaking. However, I know that there are
no easy fixes, but I do see very gifted bishops, pastors, deacons and lay leaders among
us and am confident that the Spirit of God will nudge those we need to do what’s
needed so that the Church can continue to be a blessing to them as it has been for me.
Charity: Lutheran Urban Ministry
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50th Anniversary
Bishop Richard Smith
Graduation from Seminary
May 1966
Ordination:
June 12, 1966
Bethesda Lutheran Church, Kenora, Ontario
Ministries Served:
Christ, Tisdale, Saskatchewan, 1966-1969
Immanuel / St. Mark’s, Thunder Bay, Ontario, 1969-1977
St. Mark’s, Winnipeg, Manitoba, 1977-1994
Bishop, Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod, 1994-2006
As I reflect on my ministry I give thanks to God for …

The privilege of being called to serve the church in three unique and
inspiring parishes.

The privilege of being called to serve as leader of our synod for 12
wonderful years

The support and encouragement along the way to proclaim the message
of grace to God’s faithful people
My family shared in my ministry service by …
My wife, Agnes, and our children provided me with constant support and
encouragement throughout my ministry service. I also benefitted from their
understanding when I was too often away or unavailable in their lives.
I offer these words of encouragement for rostered ministers today …
Learn to love the people you have been called to serve. Go to them and discover how
you can nurture their faith and receive the spiritual wisdom they have to share with
you. Apart from all the administrative detail we need to attend to, we are all still
hungry for the gifts of grace which sustain us day in and day out.
The charity I have chosen is Luther Village
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The Rev. Dr. Kenneth C. Kuhn
Home congregation: Faith, North Burnaby, B. C. (Augustana Synod)
Current membership: First, Winnipeg
Education: University of British Columbia BA 1961; Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (Maywood) MDiv
1965; Calgary Inter-Faith Counselling Centre, Pastor Counselling 1966-68; University of Alberta MA 1975, PhD
(Sociology) 1989; University of Winnipeg (Headingly Institution) CPE 1995
Ordained: Lutheran Church in America, Western Canada Synod convention, May 26, 1965, Trinity, Edmonton
Parish Ministry: Internship, First, Calgary 1963-64; Pastor, Messiah Calgary 1965-1968; Redeemer, Vancouver
1981-1990; Interim Pastor, Ashern-Lundar Parish 1994-95; Interim Pastor Christ, Winnipeg 2008-2009;
Regular Supply, St. John’s, Winnipeg 2011-Present
Special Ministries: Internship Campus Ministry, University of Calgary 1963-64; Campus Pastor, University of
Alberta, Edmonton 1968-1977; Executive Director, ELCIC Division for Church and Society 1990-1994; Prison
Chaplain, Correctional Service of Canada, Stony Mountain Institution 1995-2002; Director, ELCIC Millennium
Study of Pastoral Leadership Needs, 2002-2005.
Advocacy and Research: Article on 25th anniversary of Lutheran Campus Ministry, Consensus, 1979; Policies
on social witness; social statements on health care and abortion 1990-1994; Research on Growing
Congregations in the ELCIC, 1995; Research on Community Chaplaincies, Corrections Canada, 2001;
Consultant, ELCA Division for Church in Society on a social policy regarding gaming casinos on American
Indian Reservations, 2007-2008; Team Leader, ELCIC Social policy resolution on the Canadian Criminal Justice
and Correctional Systems, 2015.
Teaching: Sessional Lecturer in Sociology, Concordia Lutheran College, Edmonton and the Department of
Sociology, University of Alberta, 1977-1981; Sessional lecturer in Sociology, University of Winnipeg and
Canadian Nazarene College, 1994-1995.
Committees: Vice-President Augustana International Luther League, 1956-1958; Editor, Lutheran Student
Association magazines, Nimbus, 1960-1961; frontiers, 1962-1963; Canadian Missions Committee, Western
Canada Synod, 1968-1981; Lutheran Social Planning Council of Alberta, 1977-1981; B.C. Synod Church in
Society committee, 1984-1990; ELCIC Division for Church and Society, 1988-1990; Committee for Theological
Education and Leadership, MNO Synod, 1998-2004; Justice and Corrections Committee, Manitoba Multi-Faith
Council, 2010-Present; Church Council on Justice and Corrections, 2015-Present.
As I reflect on my ministry, I give thanks to God for those who have been significant
mentors: Paul H. Olson, Julia Finden, Wilton Bergstrand, Don Voigts, Dr. Lyle E. Larson,
Clifton Monk, Bishops Don Sjoberg and Tom Collings and Sister Carol Peloquin, snjm,
and for the opportunity to serve Christ in the church by connecting faith and life issues.
My family has shared in my ministry service as my wife Marie was active for many
years in Christian Education leadership and she and our three children endured
periodic moves from city to city.
I offer these words of encouragement for rostered ministers: In your challenging roles,
remember to care for the people under your call in your community and to take time
for self and family.
Charity: Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon and Lutheran Urban Ministry, Winnipeg.
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40th Anniversary
Rev. David Saude
Graduate of Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1975, M.Div.
and St. Stephen’s College, University of Alberta, D. Min, 1994
Ordained at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hopkins, Minnesota, June 6, 1975
Served Hodgeville Lutheran Parish, (Zion -Flowing Well, Salem-Hodgeville, Trinity-St. Boswells) 1975-1979
Hope, Edmonton, 1979-1989
Messiah, Camrose, 1989-2002
Good Shepherd, Selkirk, 2002-2007
Faith, Winnipeg, 2007-2014
Retired, 2014 – The beginning of the most exciting call yet!
I give thanks that Dr. Lloyd Svendsbye, President of Luther Seminary,
encouraged Helen and me to come to Canada and become part of the ELCC. I
give thanks for the many, many opportunities to serve Christ in this church in
wonderful congregations, and excellent opportunities at all levels of the
church. It has been a rich and varied ministry.
I give thanks for the support of Helen, in whom I regularly see the beauty,
mystery, grace, forgiveness and encouragement of God. She has been open to
“the adventure” encouraging “Trust God and the process,” and has asked again
and again, “What’s the lesson we’re supposed to be learning from this?” I am
very proud of our children and their own accomplishments and for their
blessings along the way to “go for it.” They have expanded our worlds. I look
forward to new ways of being dad and grandpa.
Encouragement for all our ministers, rostered – or not: Love deeply. Try
courageously. Ask for permission occasionally; forgiveness, often. Forgive
more often. Laugh heartily. Cry compassionately. And discover the deepest
prayer is resting profoundly in the presence of your loving God.
I request that my gift be presented to the ELCIC Reformation Challenge - Refugee Sponsorship Fund.
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25th Anniversary
Rev. Arleen Berg Leishman
May 1990 I graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary. It was a calling that went right way back to my
Confirmation at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, ON. At that time, women were not ordained; so instead,
I pursued a Nursing career at the Port Arthur General Hospital School of Nursing. I graduated in 1969; and had the
privilege of working in my different places and areas of nursing. I believed that many of the skills I learned in
Nursing prepared me for ministry.
In Sept 1986, I began my studies at LTS at the suggestion of both my husband, Howard Berg, and my Pastor. They
both felt it would be a good fit to serve the Church as a Chaplain. And that was my goal. However, that never
happened.
As I reflect on my ministry, I realize that God has a great sense of humour. Sept. 20, 1991, I was
called and ordained at Ascension Lutheran Church, Edmonton, AB. My husband, Howard, had
been transferred to Edmonton from Saskatoon with the Federal Government. It was an amazing
congregation who gently assisted and challenged me as a newly ordained Pastor.
I entered the MNO Synod the Spring of 1997 as my husband, Howard, was transferred to
Winnipeg, with the Federal Government. November 1996, I accepted a call to serve the
Beausejour Rural Parish.
Once again, I saw God’s great sense of humour. I was a city girl called to a rural ministry. It was a
wonderful time for both Howard and I. Howard was very active in the parish, especially the
Choir. He was my support. I valued his wisdom, humour, and insight. Howard first started doing
visioning workshops with the Parish. His great sense of humour and candid opinion were well
respected by the Parish.
In 2002, Howard retired from the Federal Government and we retired in Thunder Bay where I
served Zion Lutheran Church and Salem Pass Lake. We were the primary care givers for 3 of our
aging parents; so it was necessary to return to Thunder Bay. After the closure of Zion Lutheran
Church, I was called to Hilldale Lutheran Church in 2006. June 15, 2011, my husband, Howard,
died in the Lord, following a courageous battle with Cancer. He was such a vital part of my
ministry, that I found it difficult to serve the Congregation following his long illness and death.
Three years later, once again, I saw God’s sense of humor surfacing as I started to date a
member of Hilldale. Sept. 12, 2015, I married Tom Leishman who was and is the Lay Eucharistic
Minister at Hilldale Lutheran Church. Tom’s first Sunday preparing Communion was my first
official Sunday at Hilldale. Throughout my time at Hilldale and following, I have always
appreciated his wonderful support and candor. My adult children and grandchildren are also a
great support. Our dinner conversations can be very lively and interesting.
After 22 years of working as a Registered Nurse; and 22 years of Ordained Ministry I retired in
August 2013. I continue to supply preach in and around Thunder Bay.
My model for ministry has always been based on the Emmaus Road Experience (Luke 24). My 25
years have taught me to be open to God’s call and nudging. I have also learned what an amazing
privilege it is to journey with people through these challenging days. Thanks be to God.
In honour of my ordination, please direct my $100 to CLWR re: Syrian refugees.
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Rev. Paul Gehrs
Ordination Anniversary Rev. Paul Gehrs
Graduation from Seminary: April, 1991, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, Waterloo, ON, on Six Nations Territory
Ordination: November 2, 1991, Trinity Lutheran Church, Delta, BC, on Tsawwassen First Nation Territory
Ministries served:
 Nov. 991 to Jan. 1998: Pastor, St. John’s, Lydiatt, MB and Ostenfeld, Ostenfeld, MB on Treaty One
Territory
 Feb. 1998 to July 2006: Associate Pastor, Grace, Winnipeg on Treaty One Territory
 Aug. 2006 to present: Assistant to the Bishop, ELCIC National Office on Treaty One Territory and
across Turtle Island.
As I reflect on my ministry, I give thanks to God for:
 being part of a church In Mission for Others
 the privilege of meaningful work
 the gifts that all the baptized have for bearing witness to the
grace of Jesus Christ
 how the people of St. John’s, Ostenfeld and Grace inspire my
spirit
 for everything that Indigenous leaders have taught me about
sharing voice, honouring the land, and respect for “all my
relations”
My family shares in my ministry service by challenging me to be a
better person every day. Melanie, Emma and Andrew, each in their
own way, promote human rights, music, storytelling and humour.
I offer these words of encouragement for rostered ministers today:
Compassionate justice is an essential element of how every disciple
participates in God’s mission. And, many more people have gifts for
leadership than ever volunteer, so keep an eye out for talent and offer
timely invitations.
Donation Designation: KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
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Rev. R. David Lowe
Graduated from Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, October 28, 1990.
Ordained at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, Kitchener Ontario on June 13, 1991.
I served:
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Linwood, Ontario 1991-2001
First English Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, MB 2001-2005
Lutheran Urban Mission/ Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church Winnipeg 2005-2007
Call to Special Service MNO Synod, Intentional Interim Ministry 2009-2013.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 2014 to Present (Called as Pastor April 2015)
As I reflect on my ministry, I give thanks to God for congregations who
cared enough to argue with me when I was wrong, who loved me
enough to sustain me when I had a difficult pastoral duty to perform,
and who accepted me for who I was warts and all.
My family has shared in my ministry service by overlooking the times
when demands of the parish did not leave enough time for them. My
family continues to share in my ministry by opening my eyes to the
things we have in common with other faiths and traditions, and hugs
me when I need it.
I offer these words of encouragement for rostered ministers today:
relax, you are not alone. Find strength in the consultation of your
peers, and know that in the end it is God who is doing the work. Our
task as pastors is to get out of God’s way.
I would like to acknowledge the Role ROOF played in my spiritual formation, in the shaping of my pastoral
identity and how the support of the homeless kids in Kitchener got me through seminary.
I would like my donation to go to OneROOF Youth Service. I co-founded this agency with a woman named
Kate Millar while I was on Internship at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in 1987-88. ROOF and its community
have played a strong role and voice in my pastoral formation.
Rev. Deborah Moroz
I would like the 100.00 gift to be given to The Urban to help them carry on their important ministry.
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The Rev. Canon Dr. Murray Still+
I graduated from the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad in Saskatoon in 1989. I received my Doctor
of Ministry degree from Vancouver School of Theology in 2010. I was ordained deacon May, 1989 at the
cathedral in the Diocese of Brandon and priest on the Big Eddy Reserve at The Pas July, 1990. I served the
Metis and First Nation community of Grand Rapids from 1989 to 1993. From there, I traveled to the
communities of Craik, Davidson and Kenaston in Saskatchewan in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle. Our family left
there to live in Winnipeg in 1998, where I served as rector of Christ Church Anglican until 2006. After the
closure of Christ Church, I became the Aboriginal Mission Developer and Executive Director of Rupert’s Land
Wechetowin Inc. in the Diocese of Rupert’s Land until 2009, when I became the rector of St. James Anglican
Church.
I continue today as the half time rector of St. James but in 2013 took on half time leadership as the
Pastor of St. Stephen and St. Bede in Winnipeg in the Diocese of Rupert’s Land and Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Canada MNO Synod. I am now in the second year of my three year contract at St. Stephen and St.
Bede.
As I reflect on my ministry, I give thanks to God for my family, who have
supported me, the bishops I have served under and the many in parish and
urban life that I have served with in ministry. I am especially grateful to God
for leading me in my faith journey especially as I discovered my Indigenous
heritage. In response, I have given much of my life to the ministry of healing
and reconciliation, especially between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
My family shares in my ministry through faithful attendance in worship,
through loving support in the ups and downs of ministry and through the
giving of their own gifts of music and communication. I offer these words of
encouragement for rostered ministers today….. It is indeed a privilege to serve
God and to know you are never alone, especially through the challenging times
of ministry. Through prayer and nurturing of your life of faith you will be
blessed in ways you may not even think. Thank you for your continued
ministry to God’s people.
In lieu of a gift, I would be pleased if the Synod could make a donation to Rupert’s Land Wechetowin
Inc., a secular Indigenous movement that continues to offer healing and pastoral care to Indigenous people
who travel to Winnipeg for hospital care or who wind up in our jails. This organization continues the ministry
of reconciliation, education through its two year diploma and Restorative Justice measures.
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Seminary Graduation Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon May , 1991
Ordination Christ Lutheran Regina, SK, August , 1991
Saskatchewan Synod
Zion, Jansen, Christ, LeRoy, SK
September 1991 – August 1993
Trinity, Leader, St Paul, Burstall, SK
September 1993 – January 1999
Development Officer, Luther College, Regina, SK January 2000 – September 2003
Manitoba/ Northwestern Ontario Synod
Erickson Lutheran, Onanole United,
September 2004 – December 2008
Brandon Diocese, Anglican Church of Canada
South Parkland Parish,
September 2010 – July 2015
As I reflect on my ministry, I give thanks to God for all the people I have known
and how God has worked through them to carry out God’s mission of salvation
in the world.
Please send my donation to LTS Saskatoon to be added to the principal of the Rev Arnold J. Tiefenbach
Scholarship and Bursary.
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ROSTERED MINISTERS NEW TO MNO SYNOD
This past biennium, we welcomed the following eight rostered ministers to the MNO Synod.
Rev. Michael Bergman
Rev. Chris Bishopp
Rev. Melissa Frankland
Rev. Daren Gallivan
Rev. Deborah Kerr
Rev. Raymond Knight
Rev. Deborah Moroz
Rev. Nancy Ringham
Introductions will be made after the opening worship service of convention on Thursday, April 21, at St. Paul
Lutheran Church in Steinbach. Please join us in greeting them at the dessert reception following worship.
Graduated from Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota on May 28, 1979
Ordained at Zion Lutheran Church, Duluth, Minnesota, July 15, 1979
Ministries served:
1979-1983 Armena Lutheran Parish, Armena, Alberta
1983-1988 Christ Lutheran, Terrace, BC
1988-1993 Erickson Lutheran Parish, Erickson, MB
1993-1996 Bethany Lutheran, Dickson, AB
1996-2011 Peace Parkland Lutheran Parish, Langenburg, SK
As I reflect on my ministry in the MNO Synod, I give thanks to God for
the opportunity as a retired pastor to exercise my call through
involvement at Luther Village and preaching at the local UCC
congregation.
Rev. Chris Bishopp
I graduated from Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon in the spring of 2005, and I was ordained on
July 8, 2005 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Saskatoon.
I served as the pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Biggar, SK, which became the P.A.L.s (PresbyterianAnglican-Lutheran) Shared Ministry, from 2005-2010. From 2010-2015 I served as the Chaplain and member
of a two-person Leadership Team at LCBI High School in Outlook, SK. Since leaving LCBI I have served as the
pastor in the Faith Parish, a rural parish in the Outlook area.
As I reflect on my ministry in the MNO Synod, I give thanks to God for the
new sisters and brothers in Christ who I will meet and the new “family” at
Faith Lutheran Church in Winnipeg with whom I will serve.
Bulletin of Reports
242
Rev. Melissa Frankland
Theological School: The Atlantic School of Theology, May 2nd, 2009 in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Ordination:
To the Deaconate on The Feast of St Barnabas, June 11th, 2009
To the Priesthood on The Feast of St Francis Xavier, December 3rd, 2009
Ministries Served:
May 2009-February 2013 Rector of the Anglican Parish of Liscomb & Port Bickerton, NS. Anglican Diocese of
Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
March 2013-August 2014 Priest in Charge of the Parish of Port Dufferin and the Parish of Ecum Secum, NS.
Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
As I reflect on my ministry in the MNO Synod, I give thanks to God for
calling me to serve Him in a congregation that is committed to daring
Discipleship, standing up for Biblical Truth that does not sway when
challenged by the ways of the world.
Rev. Daren Gallivan
I finished the seminary on May 1, 1992. I was ordained to the Priesthood on August 26, 1992, at St. Georges
Cathederal in Lviv, Ukraine
I served at Holy Ghost in Sydney Nova Scotia in 1992
St. John's in North Hampton Pa, USA 1992
St. Nicholas Kenora 1992
Holy Protection , Red Lake 1992
Holy Dormition , Rainy River 1992
Bethesda Lutheran Kenora 2013.
As I reflect on my ministry in the MNO Synod, I give thanks to God for the
Grace filled servants of God who have befriended and guided me.
Rev. Deborah Kerr
Graduated from: Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, May 2011
Ordained: Lutheran Church of the Cross, Winnipeg, MB on May 24th, 2014 and installed at The Urban
Ministries Served: Lutheran Urban Ministry since April 2013 in downtown Winnipeg, MB
As I reflect on my ministry in the MNO Synod, I give thanks to God for….
the privilege of walking with and working with Winnipeg’s poor and
marginalized people on behalf of the congregations and friends in the MNO
Synod. This is a vital ministry where we have the ability to reach out to and
provide a safe place of comfort if only for a few hours each week, to people
who are desperate for respite from their daily lives. We are a worshipping
community and average 80 people per worship with at least 35 sharing Holy
Communion, every Sunday. Worship is very important as are prayers for the
community. I thank those who participate with us and I encourage those who
haven’t yet, to become involved.
Bulletin of Reports
243
The. Reverend Raymond Knight
Graduation The Anglican Church Army Training College May 3, 1980
Served as a Church Army Captain for almost 17 years, Ordained deacon on February 2nd, 1997 and priested
February 23rd 1997 in the Diocese of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
I have had the privilege of serving in the church, doing studies and serving for over 35 years. Striving to seek
first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Having Christ within, in order to be more Christ like. Working
with young people, adults and senior citizens.
As I reflect on my years of ministry, I am amazed at how Good God is. I give
thanks to Him for His faithfulness and the privilege I now have to serve in both
the MNO and The Anglican Church of Canada. I am also very thankful for the
warm welcome I have received at The First United Lutheran Church and the
MNO Synod. I look forward to learning and sharing in ministry together.
Rev. Nancy Ringham
Graduation for Seminary is still a work in progress. I am working on a BTh, Bachelor of Theology out of
Thorneloe University, an Anglican College associated with Laurentian University in Sudbury.
I was ordained Deacon at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Thunder Bay on October 4, 2003. My ordination to the
priesthood took place at St. Luke’s Anglican Cathedral, Sault Ste. Marie on June 16, 2004, by Rt. Rev. Ronald
Ferris, Bishop of Algoma
I have served at the following churches:
October 2003-September 2005
Deacon Associate (Oct 2003-June 2004) and Priest Associate
June 2003–Sept 2005
St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, Thunder Bay, ON
September 2005-May 2014
Parish Priest St. James, Murillo & St. Mark’s Rosslyn, Anglican
Parish of West Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay, ON
June 2014- present
Associate Pastor, Hilldale Lutheran Church
As I reflect on my ministry in the MNO Synod, I give thanks to God, for
the Full Communion shared by ELCIC and ACC, and for ultimately
calling me to a new church, surrounded by a new culture. I am
learning constantly about Finnish, Lutheran and Hilldale customs, and
seeing signs of the Spirit at work in ways that defy boundaries!
Bulletin of Reports
244
MNO SYNOD LISTING
Officers
Bishop:
Chair:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Bishop Elaine Sauer
Mr. Brian Lorch
Rev. Carol Janke
Mr. Allan Francis
2006-2018
2004-2016
2006-2018
2008-2016
Synod Council
Agassiz Conference Rep:
Aurora Conference Rep:
Brokenhead Conference Rep:
Cambrian Conference Rep:
Interlake Conference Rep:
Metro Conference Rep:
Westman Conference Rep:
At Large:
At Large:
At Large:
Mr. Ben Nickel
Ms. Linda Hettrick
Vacant
Mr. Haakon Dagsvik
Mr. Tom Brook
Mr. Jim Mair
Ms. Lorelie Mitchell
Rev. Bart Coleman
Rev. Matthew Diegel
Rev. Jason Zinko (filling vacancy)
2009-2016
2014-2018
-2016
2010-2018
2010-2016
2010-2018
2012-2016
2010-2018
2010-2018
2014-2016
Committees of MNO Synod Council
Candidacy Committee
Chair:
Advisor:
Chair:
Advisor:
Bulletin of Reports
Mr. Ken Patzer
Ms. Donna Breyfogle
Mr. Rob Dojack
Ms. Bev Wahl
Bishop Elaine Sauer
2007-2018
2014-2018
2014-2018
2012-2016
2013-2016
2012-2016
Rev. David Lowe
Ms. Ethel Mair
Mr. Tom Dojack
Ms. Caroline Wintoniw
Rev. Catherine Giroux
Ms. Mara Rozitis
Rev. Larry Ulrich, Assistant to the Bishop
2014-2018
2014-2018
2014-2018
2012-2016
2012-2016
2012-2016
245
Committee for Youth Ministry
Chair:
Advisor:
Mr. Carey Buss
Mr. Christian Proulx (youth)
Mr. Byron Van Dijk (youth)
Mr. Travis Irvine (youth)
Deacon Hildegard Vickers
Ms. Justine Hesselbart
Rev. Tyler Gingrich, Assistant to the Bishop
2008-2016
2014-2018
2014-2018
2014-2018
2012-2016
2012-2016
Other Committees and Boards
MNO Synod Reps on Western Examining Committee
Bishop:
Bishop Elaine Sauer
Mr. Duane Kelln
Mr. Glen Fuhl
Mutual Ministry Committee
Chair:
Mr. Norm Coull
Ms. Sharon Thomas
Ms. Erin Kangas
Rev. Kolleen Karlowsky-Clark
Ms. Pamela Ring
advocate for Bishop Elaine Sauer
advocate for Mr. Rick Scherger
advocate for Rev. Larry Ulrich
advocate for Mrs. Debbie Beyer
advocate for Rev. Tyler Gingrich
Board of Directors, MNO Synod Foundation for Mission & Ministry Inc.
President
Mr. Jim Zinko
Secretary-Treasurer
Mr. Allan Francis
Vice-President
Rev. Larry Ulrich
2007-2017
2008-2016
2009-2015
Luther Village
Chair
Vice-Chair, Treasurer
Secretary
Member at large
Member at large
Member at large
Member at large
term ending 2018
term ending 2017
term ending 2018
term ending 2018
term ending 2018
term ending 2018
term ending 2018
Bulletin of Reports
Mr. Dale Clark
Mr. Stephen Sauer
Mrs. Kristel Arnold
Mr. Brock Pearce
Mr. Ryan Kroeker
Mr. Wes Ammeter
Mr. Jack Nixon
246
Support Staff
Assistant to the Bishop, for Partnerships and Area Leadership
Coordinator for Brokenhead Shared Ministry Council
Rev. Larry Ulrich
Assistant to the Bishop, Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Executive Assistant
Communications Coordinator
Sacramental Ministry Coordinator
Strengthening Ministry Coordinator
Rev. Tyler Gingrich
Ms. Debbie Beyer
Mr. Rick Scherger
Rev. David Saude
Ms. Cathy Morris
Rostered Ministers
Rostered Ministers Serving Congregations
Rev. Laurel Seyfert
Deacon Hilde Vickers, Rev. Jim Vickers
Rev. Raymond Knight (ACC)
Rev. Leslie Poulin
Rev. Leslie Poulin
Rev. Ron Vert (retired), Interim
Deacon Hilde Vickers, Rev. Jim Vickers
Rev. Bart Coleman
Rev. Les Skonnord
Bulletin of Reports
Region 1 – Western/Northern MB
Immanuel
Baldur
Redeemer
Brandon
St. Paul
Brunkild
Grace St. John’s
Carman
Emmanuel
Emerson
Erickson
Erickson
First United
Flin Flon
Zion
Friedensthal
Glenboro
Glenboro
Grace
Langruth
Cross
Morris
St. John
Rosenfeld
Trinity
Starbuck
Advent
Thompson
Christ
Waldersee
Region 2 – Central & Eastern Manitoba
Ardal-Geysir
Arborg
Grace
Ashern
Zion
Beausejour
Abundant Life
Bird’s Hill
Gimli
Gimli
St. Paul
Green Bay
Gethsemane
Inwood
Cross
Lac du Bonnet
Lundar
Lundar
247
Rev. Richard Engel
Rev. Erik Parker
Rev. Richard Engel
Rev. Brian Keffer
Rev. Nancy Ringham (ACC), Rev. Jari Lahtinen
Rev. Matthew Diegel
Rev. Terry Gudmundson, Rev. Melissa Frankland (ACC)
Rev. Daren Gallivan
Rev. Bruce Gelhorn, Rev. Courtenay Reedman Parker
Deacon Kris Taylor, Rev. Chris Bishopp
Rev. Michael Kurtz
Rev. Carol Janke
Rev. Rick Sauer
Rev. Jason Zinko
Rev. David Lowe
Rev. John Giroux (ACC)
Rev. Murray Still (ACC)
Bulletin of Reports
Peace
Pinawa
St. Paul
Riverton-Hnausa
Good Shepherd
Evangelical
St. Peter
Trinity
Redeemer
Moosehorn
Pinawa
River Hills
Riverton
Selkirk
Selkirk
Teulon
Thalberg
Whitemouth
Region 3 – SE Manitoba/ NW Ontario
Trinity
Bergland
Zion
Ft. Frances
Salem
Pass Lake
Hilldale
Thunder Bay
Our Saviour’s
Thunder Bay
St. Paul
Steinbach
Ostenfeld
Ostenfeld
St. John
Lydiatt
Bethesda
Kenora
Region 4 – Metro
Grace
Epiphany
Faith
First
Messiah
St. Mark’s
St. Luke Zion
Sherwood Park
Gloria Dei
Prince of Peace
Cross
St. John’s
St. Stephen & St. Bede
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg
248
Rostered Ministers on Call to Special Service
Deacon Michele Barr
Pembina Place Mennonite Personal Care Home
Rev. Paul Gehrs
ELCIC, Assistant to the Bishop
Rev. Tyler Gingrich
MNO Synod, Assistant to the Bishop
Rev. Lynn Granke
Chaplain, Victoria Hospital
Rev. Cam Harder
Bishop Susan Johnson
ELCIC Bishop
Rev. Deborah Kerr
Bishop Elaine Sauer
MNO Synod Bishop
Rev. Paul Sodtke
The Henry Budd College
Rev. Larry Ulrich
MNO Synod, Assistant to the Bishop
Rostered Ministers Temporarily Without
Call, or On Leave from Call
Rev. Mark Koenker
OLC
Rev. Stacy Moroz
TWC
Rev. Mark Tiefenbach OLC
Retired Rostered Ministers
Rev. Barry Bence
Rev. Arleen Berg Leishman
Rev. Dale Berg
Rev. Katharine Bergbusch
Rev. Lee Berry
Rev. Theodore Chell
Rev. Niels-Otto Christensen
Rev. Michael Cone
Rev. Donald Engel
Rev. Jack Frederick
Rev. John Fullmer
Rev. Leon Gilbertson
Rev. Cathy Giroux
Rev. Egil Grislis
Bulletin of Reports
Rostered Ministers Serving ACC congregations
Rev. Lenise Francis
St. Mary’s, Winnipeg
Rev. Rebecca Graham
Christ, The Pas
Rev. Paul Johnson
St. John’s Cathedral, Winnipeg
Rev. Ronald Grout
Rev. Gordon Hendrickson
Rev. Robert Jacob
Rev. Theodore Jannuska
Rev. George Johnson
Rev. Kolleen Karlowsky-Clark
Rev. David Knudson
Rev. Lanny Knutson
Rev. Glen Krentz
Rev. Kenneth Kuhn
Rev. Johann Kunkel
Rev. Ronald Long
Rev. Edwin Long
Bishop G.W. Luetkehoelter
Rev. Albert Maier
Rev. Donald Miller
Rev. Deborah Moroz
Rev. Norris Nordin
Rev. Donald Reimer
Rev. Stanton Richards
Deacon Val Sander
Rev. David Saude
Rev. Donna Smalley
Bishop Richard M. Smith
Rev. Rev. Claire Speary
Rev. Terry Throndson
Rev. Erwin Tippel
Rev. Nancy Walker
Rev. Kenneth Ward
249

bulletin of reports

Transcription

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