1 Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Twenty-Eighth Synod Assembly May 13 - 14, 2016 Pinckney, Michigan Minutes The Twenty-Eighth Synod Assembly of the Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America convened at Shalom Lutheran Church, Pinckney, Michigan at 2:30 PM on Friday May 13, 2016. PLENARY SESSION I - Friday, May 13, 2016 CALL TO ORDER Bishop Donald Kreiss called the Assembly to order for Plenary Session I at 2:36 PM and opened it with The Order for the Opening of an Assembly. The Assembly Musicians led by Pr. Chris Steubing provided the music. He thanked the members and staff of Shalom Lutheran Church in Pinckney for graciously hosting us. The Bishop introduced the host pastor, Kurt Hutchens and Seminarian Vicky Lovell who brought greetings to the Assembly along with a Shalom video. The Bishop welcomed the voting members to the Assembly and made announcements. He thanked the Mission Investment Fund for sponsoring the lanyards and Samaritas for providing support for this evening’s dinner. He noted that the worship offering would go to Salem/Flint for the water crisis. ADOPTION OF STANDING RULES OF THE ASSEMBLY Bishop Kreiss explained the rules under which the Assembly operates. MOVED: It was moved and seconded to adopt the Standing Rules of the Assembly as recommended by the Synod Council. SA16.05.01 ADOPTED: 146 - Yes. 4 - No. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Bishop Kreiss presented the Agenda as proposed by the Synod Council. MOVED: It was moved and seconded to adopt the Agenda as recommended by Synod Council. SA16.05.02 ADOPTED: 151 - Yes. 2 - No. INTRODUCTIONS The Bishop introduced the people on the stage with him: He also introduced the Officers of the Synod and Members of the Synod Council and asked them to stand and be recognized. Mr. Albert Asfour, St. George/Brighton, Vice-President of the Synod Mr. George Watson, St. Martin/Port Huron, Secretary of the Synod LLM Valinda Vincent, Christus Victor/Dearborn, Treasurer of the Synod
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Southeast Michigan Synod of the · May 13 - 14, 2016 Pinckney, Michigan Minutes The Twenty-Eighth Synod Assembly of the Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
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Southeast Michigan Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Twenty-Eighth Synod Assembly
May 13 - 14, 2016
Pinckney, Michigan
Minutes
The Twenty-Eighth Synod Assembly of the Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America convened at Shalom Lutheran Church, Pinckney, Michigan at 2:30
PM on Friday May 13, 2016.
PLENARY SESSION I - Friday, May 13, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
Bishop Donald Kreiss called the Assembly to order for Plenary Session I at 2:36 PM and opened
it with The Order for the Opening of an Assembly. The Assembly Musicians led by Pr. Chris
Steubing provided the music. He thanked the members and staff of Shalom Lutheran Church in
Pinckney for graciously hosting us. The Bishop introduced the host pastor, Kurt Hutchens and
Seminarian Vicky Lovell who brought greetings to the Assembly along with a Shalom video.
The Bishop welcomed the voting members to the Assembly and made announcements. He
thanked the Mission Investment Fund for sponsoring the lanyards and Samaritas for providing
support for this evening’s dinner. He noted that the worship offering would go to Salem/Flint for
the water crisis.
ADOPTION OF STANDING RULES OF THE ASSEMBLY Bishop Kreiss explained the rules under which the Assembly operates.
MOVED: It was moved and seconded to adopt the Standing Rules of the Assembly as
recommended by the Synod Council.
SA16.05.01 ADOPTED: 146 - Yes. 4 - No.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA Bishop Kreiss presented the Agenda as proposed by the Synod Council.
MOVED: It was moved and seconded to adopt the Agenda as recommended by Synod
Council.
SA16.05.02 ADOPTED: 151 - Yes. 2 - No.
INTRODUCTIONS The Bishop introduced the people on the stage with him:
He also introduced the Officers of the Synod and Members of the Synod Council and asked them
to stand and be recognized.
Mr. Albert Asfour, St. George/Brighton, Vice-President of the Synod
Mr. George Watson, St. Martin/Port Huron, Secretary of the Synod
LLM Valinda Vincent, Christus Victor/Dearborn, Treasurer of the Synod
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Ms Joyce Brooks from Conference 6
Michael Duerksen - Member at large
Pastor Jim Fogle from Conference 8
Ms Collene Fordt – Member at Large
Pastor Rick Hogan from Conference 7
Ms Brittany Horton - Young Adult
Pastor Sharon Janot from Conference 3
Sonja Markwart from Conference 1
Mr. Carl Meyer –Youth
Pastor Dennis Meyette - Member at Large
Pastor Ann Preimesberger from Conference 5
Pastor Jackie Rau from Conference 11
Dr. Margaret Reynolds from Conference 10
Pastor Micah Sievenpiper from Conference 9
Ms Peggy Vuylsteke from Conference 2
The Bishop also recognized those whose terms have expired and have completed terms on Synod
Council: Michael Duerksen, Brittany Horton, Carl Meyer, Ann Preimesberger, and Dr. Margaret
Reynolds.
The Bishop also recognized Ms. Angelique Day – St. Paul/Grosse Pointe Farms President of the
Southeast Michigan Synod Women of the ELCA.
The Bishop introduced LLM Paul Archer - Hope/Dearborn, who is a member of the ELCA
Church Council.
The Assembly acknowledged them with applause.
The Bishop introduced the Synod Staff:
Pr. Jack Eggleston, Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop
Pr. Heather Holland, Assistant to the Bishop for Congregational and Leadership Support
Ms Robin McCants, Assistant to the Bishop for Advocacy and Urban Ministry
Ms Beth Fisher, Executive Administrative Assistant to the Bishop
Ms Tracy Johnson, Bookkeeper and Administrative Assistant
Directors of Synodical Ministry:
Ms Lisa Jeffreys – Director of Youth Ministry
Pr. Lauren Kirsh-Carr – Director of Synod Life
Pr. Jan Marvar – Director for Interim and Transitional Ministry
Pr. Scott McKinney – Director of Licensed Lay Ministry
Pr. Barry Osterbur – Director of Candidacy
The Assembly acknowledged them with applause.
He also introduced the Cluster Deans who serve as adjunct synod staff.
Conference 1 – Pastor Denise Russell
Conference 2 – Pastor Roland Troike Jr.
Conference 3 – Pastor Jonathan Heierman
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Conference 4 - Pastor Bart Beebe
Conference 5 – Pastor George Oberle
Conference 6 – Ms. Robin McCants and Pastor Lindsey Anderson
Conference 7 – Pastor Sean Ewbank
Conference 8 – Pastor Linda Golden
Conference 9 – Pastor Ted Kerr
Conference 10 – Pastor Kathy Tulman
Conference 11 – Pastor Paul Walters
The Assembly acknowledged them with applause.
The Bishop introduced the interns serving in our synod:
1. Dr. Mark Fisher – Transfiguration/Fenton – Gettysburg Seminary
2. Kelly Neiman Anderson – Shalom/Pinckney – Luther Seminary
3. Mary Ann Siefke – St. Paul/Grosse Pointe Farms - Trinity Lutheran Seminary
The Bishop named a new candidate for ministry who will be coming to our Synod.
1. Kathryn Zywicki – Trinity Lutheran Seminary
The Synod acknowledged her with applause.
The Bishop also introduced clergy received from other Synods:
1. Pastor Dennis Kenney – Northeastern Ohio – Retired
2. Pastor Ronald Strobel – South Central Synod of Wisconsin – Cana/Berkley
3. Pastor Roger Harms – West Virginia-Western Maryland - Retired
4. Pastor Robyn Kistemaker – Indiana Kentucky – St. Luke/Temperance
6. Pr. Sean Motley – East Central Synod of Wisconsin – First English/Grosse Pointe
Woods
6. AiM Helen Harms – West Virginia-Western Maryland - Retired
7. Pastor Alex Steward – Northwest Lower Michigan – Trinity/Richmond
8. Pastor Krister Ulmanis – ELC in Canada to Interim Ministry
9. Pastor Nathan Allen – Arkansas Oklahoma – Holy Spirit/Grand Blanc
10. Pastor Christopher Steubing – Minneapolis Area Synod – Shalom/Pinckney
11. Pastor Christine Thompson – Northeastern Ohio – to Interim Ministry
The Synod acknowledged them with applause.
The Bishop introduced Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA who will be
presenting the Churchwide Report later in the assembly. Bishop Eaton will also be one of the
three Keynote Speakers together with Pr. Wayne Muller and Pr. Michael Ward.
He also introduced Pr. Alex Steward – Trinity/Richmond, who serves as Parliamentarian for the
Assembly.
The Bishop introduced the individuals who will be serving as pages for our assembly.
1. Kathryn Zywicki – Seminarian – First Call Candidate
2. Mark Fisher – Seminarian – Intern – Transfiguration/Fenton
3. Ken Greble – Seminarian - Trinity Lutheran /Seminary/Columbus
4. Lisa Jeffries – Synod Youth Director
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The Assembly acknowledged them with applause.
The bishop introduced the individuals who helped to plan this assembly:
1. Ms. Beth Fisher – Synod Staff
2. Pr. Lauren Kirsh-Carr – Synod Staff
3. George Watson – Synod Secretary
4. Ms. Robin McCants – Synod Staff
5. Ms. Elaine Pearson – St. John/Farmington Hills
6. LLM Marge Sellers – St. John/Farmington Hills
7. Diac. Min. Peggy Vuylsteke – Trinity/Brown City
8. LLM Geraldine Udell – First English/Grosse Pointe Woods
9. Ms. Tracy Johnson – Synod Staff
10. Ms. Brenda Soderlund – Adjunct Synod Staff
11. Ms. Diane Rinehart – St. John/Farmington Hills
12. Shalom Pinckney Staff
The Assembly acknowledged them with applause.
The bishop introduced the individuals who helped to plan the Worship for this assembly:
1. Pr. Jen Kiefer – St. John/Dundee
2. Pr. Chris Steubing – Shalom/Pinckney
3. Mr. Keith Van Goor – Calvary/Clarkston
4. M. Paul Friesen - Carper Trinity/Richmond
5. Bishop Don Kreiss
The Synod acknowledged them with applause.
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE Bishop Kreiss introduced Pastor Robert Zahn – Hope/Farmington Hills and Pastor Greer
Cherney Johnson – Amazing Grace/Warren, Co-Chairs of the Credentials Committee. The report
of the Credentials Committee was as follows: As of 2:00 PM May 13, 2016 a total of 190
persons had registered which included:
VOTING MEMBERS: 168 of which 65 (39 %) were clergy (45 male and 20 female) and
103 (61 %) were lay (44 male and 59 female). There were 2 Associates in Ministry, 0
Deaconesses, 1 Diaconal Minister and 22 visitors of whom 4 were clergy and 18 were
lay. Of the aggregate voting members, 8 were Persons of Color or whose Primary
Language is other than English and 1 was youth.
REPORT OF THE NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE/NOMINATIONS FROM THE
FLOOR The Bishop introduced Pr. Heather Holland, Synod Staff, who presented the Report of the
Nominations Committee. The other members of the committee were: Pr. Jamey Authier –
Faith/Shelby Township, Pr. Christine Thompson – Emmanuel/Ypsilanti, LLM Geraldine Udell –
First English/Grosse Pointe Woods, Pr. Jen Kiefer – St. John/Dundee, Pr. Al LeBlanc –
Hope/Dearborn.
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SYNOD COUNCIL:
Conference 4 - 3 year term (Elect 1)
Thomas Schwartz
Conference 5 - 3 year term (Elect 1)
Ann Preimesberger
Conference 10 - 3 year term (Elect 1) Margaret Reynolds
Christine Blossom
Youth - 2 year term (Elect 1)
Lark Harris
Madeline Grant
Sarah LeFranc
Young Adult – 2 year term (Elect 1)
Bernard Lyons
Nicole Bates
Rebekah M. Smith
The Bishop declared nominations for Synod Council closed.
DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE
Clergy Female – 3 year term (Elect 1)
Bonnie Klos
The Bishop declared nominations for Discipline Committee closed.
CONSULTATION COMMITTEE
Clergy Male – 1 year term (Elect 1)
Dennis Meyette
Sean Motley
The Bishop declared nominations for Consultation Committee closed.
CHURCHWIDE CHURCH COUNCIL
Youth Member Nominee - 3 year term (Elect 1)
Emilie LeBlanc
The Bishop declared nominations for Churchwide Church Council closed.
Bishop Kreiss announced that nominations were complete for all positions.
MOVED: It was moved and seconded to close nominations for all positions.
SA.16.05.03 ADOPTED: 148-Yes. 3-No.
MOVED: It was moved and seconded to declare elected all those persons nominated to
positions in which there were no contests.
SA.16.05.04 ADOPTED: 154-Yes. 3-No.
The Bishop declared the following persons duly elected:
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SYNOD COUNCIL:
Conference 4 - 3 year term (Elect 1)
Thomas Schwartz
Conference 5 - 3 year term (Elect 1)
Ann Preimesberger
DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE
Clergy Female – 3 year term (Elect 1) Bonnie Klos
CHURCHWIDE CHURCH COUNCIL
Youth Member Nominee - 3 year term (Elect 1)
Emilie LeBlanc
GOING FORWARD IN THE WORD
The Bishop invited Mr. Richard Martin, Vice President for Advancement, to come forward and
speak to the Assembly about the work of Samaritas formerly known as Lutheran Social Services
of Michigan
SYNOD COUNCIL ACTION ITEMS
REPORT OF THE AUDITORS
The Bishop asked Ms. Valinda Vincent, Treasurer of the Synod to present the report of the
MOVED: It was moved and seconded to approve the Auditors report.
SA16.05.05 ADOPTED.
2018 BUDGET PRESENTATION
The Bishop invited Ms. Valinda Vincent, Treasurer of the Synod, to present to the Voting
Members an overview of the 2016 year end financials. She also presented the proposed 2018
budgets as recommended by the Synod Council.
REPORT OF THE CHURCHWIDE REPRESENTATIVE - STATE OF THE ELCA Bishop Kreiss introduced the Reverend Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, who gave the report on the State of the ELCA. Her presentation
included a video presentation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Bishop made a number of announcements. He reminded them that we would gather The
First Rotation of Keynote Speakers at 4:45PM and gave direction.
ADJOURNMENT
The Bishop led the Assembly in prayer and recessed Plenary Session I at 4:31PM for a break.
BREAK
The Assembly took a short break for refreshments.
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FIRST ROTATION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
The assembly gathered in three separate groups to hear the First round of Keynote Speeches.
Bishop Elizabeth Eaton spoke on “Called Forward Together in Christ”; Pr. Mike Ward spoke on
“Stewardship”; and Pr. Wayne Muller spoke on “Being, Having and Doing Enough”.
PLENARY SESSION II – May 13, 2016
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Following Dinner, the Bishop called Plenary II to order at 7:31PM and opened with prayer and
announcements following the Song led by the Assembly Musicians.
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE Bishop Kreiss introduced Pastor Robert Zahn – Hope/Farmington Hills and Pastor Greer
Cherney Johnson – Amazing Grace/Warren, Co-Chairs of the Credentials Committee. The report
of the Credentials Committee was as follows: As of 7:00 PM May 13, 2016 a total of 266
persons had registered which included:
VOTING MEMBERS: 238 of which 94 (39 %) were clergy (60 male and 34 female) and
144 (61 %) were lay (59 male and 85 female). There were 3 Associates in Ministry, 0
Deaconesses, 4 Diaconal Ministers and 28 visitors of whom 4 were clergy and 24 were
lay. Of the aggregate voting members, 22 were Persons of Color or whose Primary
Language is other than English and 3 were youth.
INTRODUCTIONS
The Bishop introduced all those individuals who would be on the first ballot and asked them to
stand.
FIRST BALLOT The Bishop gave balloting instructions. Voting then took place. The nominees were:
SYNOD COUNCIL:
Conference #10 - 3 year term (Elect 1)
Christine Blossom
Margaret Reynolds
Youth – 2 year term (Elect 1) Madeline Grant
Sarah LeFranc
Lark Harris
Young Adult – 2 year term (Elect 1)
Nicole Bates
Bernard Lyons
Rebekah M. Smith
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CONSULTATION COMMITTEE
Clergy Male – 1 year term (Elect 1)
Dennis Meyette
Sean Motley
The Bishop declared the First Ballot closed.
GOING FORWARD IN THE WORD
The Bishop invited Ms. Lisa Jeffreys, who served and the Service Learning Coordinator for the
2015 Youth Gathering to come forward and speak to the Assembly about the Gathering that was
held in Detroit this past summer. She also shared a video with the Assembly.
REPORT OF THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE ON FIRST BALLOT The Report of the Elections Committee was given by Mr. Charles Lindquist – Holy
Cross/Livonia. Other members of the Committee were Marge Sellers – St. John/Farmington Hills
and Dave Farber.
The results of the First Ballot were as follows:
SYNOD COUNCIL
Conference #10 - 3 year term (Elect 1)
(197 votes cast; 99 needed for election)
Christine Blossom - 84
Margaret Reynolds - 113
Elected: Margaret Reynolds
Youth - 2 year term (Elect 1)
(195 votes cast; 98 needed for election)
Madeline Grant - 32
Sarah LeFranc - 53
Lark Harris - 110
Elected: Lark Paris
Young Adult - 2 year term (Elect 1)
(201 votes cast; 101 needed for election)
Nicole Bates - 69
Bernard Lyons - 70
Rebekah M. Smith - 62
Elected: None 0
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CONSULTATION COMMITTEE
Clergy Male – 3 year term (Elect 1)
(197 votes cast; 99 needed for election)
Dennis Meyette - 120
Sean Motley - 77
Elected: Dennis Meyette
RESOLUTIONS The Bishop introduced Pr. Al Nelson – Retired, Chair of the Resolutions Committee. Other
members of the committee were: Ms Pat Alsup – Revelation/Detroit, Pr. Sara Freudenburg-
Puricelli – Trinity/Ann Arbor; George Watson – St. Martin/Port Huron, and Pr. Jack Eggleston –
Synod Staff. Pr. Nelson then presented the report of the Resolutions Committee.
MOVED: It was moved and seconded to suspend the rules for the purpose of avoiding the
reading of the Resolutions.
SA.16.05.06 ADOPTED
The report of the Committee on Resolution 2016-01 was as follows:
RESOLUTION 2016-01
Flint, Michigan, Water Crisis
Rationale:
The Flint, Michigan, Water Crisis began shortly after April 2014 when the State of Michigan appointed
Emergency Manager of Flint, population of nearly 100,000, implemented drawing water from the Flint River
for the public water system instead of buying water from the City of Detroit, Michigan. Soon after the switch
to Flint River water, many of the residents of the city began to notice clouded water, smells and tastes that
indicated to them that the water was not safe. Concerns raised by the citizens and by some experts were
dismissed compounding the problem that was the result of water not properly tested and treated, which
allowed lead to leach from the water pipes and into the water. The water remains unsafe for drinking and in
some cases, for cleaning and doing dishes.
ELCA World Hunger, Poverty and Justice Staff have offered support and the ELCA Washington Office is
supporting Advocacy Efforts on Capitol Hill to provide resources to fix the broken water system. With
support from congregations and people in the Southeast Michigan Synod and around the ELCA, Salem
Lutheran Church in Flint has been able to provide information, nutrition and safe water for people in its
neighborhood. Tens of thousands bottles of water have been offered as residents wait for the day when the
water will again be safe. Generous financial gifts from individuals around the synod and ELCA have
strengthened and extended this work.
Just beginning their second century, Salem Lutheran Church is preparing to offer expanded ministries for
people who were already vulnerable from high levels of poverty and unemployment due to the departure of
tens of thousands of jobs over the last few decades. These ministries will include safe water and filters,
expanded visitation, communication with the media, strengthening of relevant and ongoing local
partnerships, and distribution of lead mitigating foods, establishing support groups and empowering people
through appropriate community organizing activities.
Lead harms the blood and cumulates in the body. No one can tell citizens in Flint when their water will again
be safe. We are church. We are church together. We are Lutheran. We are church for the sake of the world.
We live into being all of that as we offer support and as we stand in solidarity with Salem Lutheran Church
and the people in the City of Flint.
Resolved, that the 2016 Synod Assembly expresses its gratitude to the congregations and individuals who
have responded to this crisis, and requests that continued prayer, financial support, water and volunteer
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resources be offered to Salem Lutheran Church and its “Flint Water Crisis Task Force” as it serves the people
in the City of Flint;
Resolved, that the 2016 Assembly encourages Voting Members of the Assembly to sign up for ELCA
Advocacy Alerts that support resources from the U.S. government to fix the water system, support vulnerable
people who have been impacted by this crisis; and,
Resolved, that the 2016 Synod Assembly encourages congregations to study and address root causes of
poverty and racial disparity, in order to strengthen congregations and the members of these congregations to
proclaim good news to the poor in the example of Jesus.
Respectfully submitted,
Pr. Nathan Allen, Holy Spirit, Grand Blanc
Dr. Mark Fisher, Transfiguration, Fenton
Pr. Diane Greble, St. John’s Fowlerville
Pr. Sharon Huff, St. George, Brighton
Pr. Sue Lidums, Our Risen Lord, Burton
Pr. Denise Russell, All Saints, Hartland
Pr. Monica Villarreal, Salem, Flint
The Assembly then voted on the motion to adopt Resolution 2016-1
SA16.05.07 ADOPTED UNAMIOUSLY
The Bishop then called upon Pr. Al Nelson who introduced Resolution 2016 – 2
RESOLUTION 2016-02
Resolution Urging Action Regarding the Thrivent Choice Neutrality Policy
Rationale:
Many congregations within the Southeast Michigan Synod have had cooperative and engaging participatory
relationships with Thrivent. Thrivent has been generous in its support of non-profit community organizations
and compassionate projects within the Southeast Michigan Synod. This joint partnership has furthered many
congregations’ outreach of benevolence and compassion in serving and loving the neighbor, especially those
who are disadvantaged and marginalized.
The new Thrivent Choice Neutrality policy states: Under this policy, certain organizations are not eligible
to receive outreach support or funding. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations with a primary
purpose of providing services for or advocating positions either supporting or opposing certain social,
politically partisan, or health and human services causes and issues, such as abortion, sexual orientation, or
guns; and … . (See: https://service.Thrivent.com/forms/Thriventchoice/response.html) This Neutrality
Policy is not supportive of our ELCA mission and values of support, advocacy, corporate social
responsibility, and justice for “the least of these….”; and (See: http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Publicly-
Engaged-Church/Corporate-Social-Responsibility)
The Southeast Michigan Synod and the ELCA have been attentive and engaged in addressing the complexity
and importance of such issues in Messages and Social Statements which encourage inclusion, critical
deliberation, compassion, justice and support for our neighbor (See: http://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-
Society), which Thrivent formerly supported through Thrivent choice.
Resolved, that the Southeast Michigan Synod meeting in Assembly request Bishop Kreiss to contact Thrivent
on our behalf and urge Thrivent to allow for individual freedom and choice in supporting charitable giving
without restriction; and,
Resolved, that this Assembly asks the Bishop and our Synod Council to communicate with the ELCA Church
Council and Presiding Bishop, expressing the disappointment of this Synod over Thrivent’s current practice
Each congregation completing the Tune In process will receive a matching grant of $3,500 to $5,000 to
implement a ministry strategy targeting a ministry need identified through that process. We will ask
congregations to measure the impact of this new ministry, and to share results and tactics for the benefit of
all. So, as you can see, we really mean that this campaign is about investing back in the congregations of
our synod. But, it is more than that.
MENTORING ROSTERED LEADERS
Over the course of the 3-year campaign, I will begin mentoring a group of 10 rostered leaders at a time.
As a Synod, we promise to “walk together,” and this mentoring time will help rostered leaders learn from
each other and from the trends and best practices in use across the ELCA. After this mentoring is
completed, participants will be asked to mentor others.
This area of focus grows (in part) out of my own experience and gratitude for the mentoring I received as a
new pastor. As a 1992 seminary graduate, I had the extreme good fortune to be assigned Pr. David Boone
(Christ, Sterling Heights, retired) as a mentor, and Pr. Sean Ewbank (St. Thomas, Grosse Ile) as a colleague
in that group.
After the initial two years of that program, the three of us have continued to meet for mutual conversation
and consolation. In that group I learned much about how to be a good pastor, a good colleague, how to stay
connected to co-workers, and how to trust the Holy Spirit really does have a plan even when I couldn’t see
it.
Focus areas for this part of the project will be:
❏ Engaging worship
❏ Deepening spirituality
❏ Effective evangelism
❏ Robust stewardship
LAY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Equipping lay people for effective ministry in today’s context is critical for the mission of the church.
Rise Up! will enable the Synod to provide training and events where lay people can grow in their
leadership skills for the church.
While we in Southeast Michigan have invested in a robust and highly successful Licensed Lay Academy
and are blessed by the gifts and leadership of our Licensed Lay Ministers, not all our leaders need all that
training. Therefore, we hope to offer courses that will focus on a particular areas of need or interest.
Topics of emphasis will include:
❏ Worship Leadership
❏ Council Leadership and Governance
❏ Stewardship
❏ Evangelism
❏ Ministry with Young Adults
❏ Ministry with Youth
❏ Social Justice Ministry
TITHE TO THE ALWAYS BEING MADE NEW APPEAL
As a Synod, we will help the ELCA across the country and the world to Rise Up! Ten percent (10%) of
every gift will be sent from the Southeast Michigan Synod to the ELCA for the Always Being Made New
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appeal.
This campaign adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 2013, has emphases on:
❏ Ending world hunger
❏ Congregational development
❏ Ministry with youth and young adults
❏ Ministry with differently-abled folks
❏ Global mission
INCREASING SYNOD STAFF
In order to accomplish the projects of the Rise Up! Campaign and to keep momentum going after the
appeal is over, we will add a half-time Assistant to the Bishop position. This Assistant will oversee the
implementation of grants to the congregations and work with them to help collect and share their outcomes
to benefit other congregations around the Synod. This Assistant will also enable me to engage in the
Mentoring Rostered Leaders initiative, and to help ensure this campaign is successful.
OK. I know that is a great deal of information to process all at once. I want you to be certain, however, that
you will be hearing a great deal more about this campaign in the days and weeks to come. I also want you
to hear me say that I am deeply committed to the success of this effort, and that I absolutely am convinced
that now is the appropriate and right time to undertake this campaign together.
With Rise Up! And the blessing of God’s Holy Spirit, I believe and trust we have an opportunity to
significantly improve the life, the mission and the ministry of the congregations of the Southeast Michigan
Synod.
I also believe that deciding not to attempt this campaign would be a decision rooted more in fear than in
faith. Because, sisters and brothers, the truth is that our communities need our presence, our witness, and
our partnership in profound ways right now, this need comes just when many of our congregations are
struggling with questions of their own purpose, their own viability, and their own sense of mission.
Rise Up! is a call to arms. A call to faith. And a call to hope in the future that God has planned for us.
I am excited and challenged by this. And I hope you will be too, especially as you have a chance to learn
more and make your own commitment in the months ahead. And, I can’t do this by myself.
In your packets (or wherever they are) there is a form that allows you to nominate yourself or those you
know and care for to both volunteer leadership in this appeal or to make a significant gift to this appeal.
I ask you to fill that form out now and turn them into the Registration Desk before you leave this place
Finally, I want to let you know that I know: next year we will be gathering in Synod Assembly at the Blue
Water Convention Center in Port Huron on May 4-6, 2017.
One of our tasks will be to elect a bishop to help lead the Synod for the next six years. After considerable
prayer, conversations at home and with colleagues, at this point it is my intention to be available to serve
again in this office if the Synod should so choose.
I need to share that now because I understand I am asking the Synod to undertake this multi-year campaign.
I have faith that there are others among us who have the gifts to lead us through this process, but I wanted
you to hear that I believe in Rise Up! Strongly enough to be willing to commit to the next chapter of our
life together.
In the five years since I was elected, I have been so grateful for the opportunity to get to know more of you
better; and to see some of what God is up to in the Synod. It is a privilege to serve on your behalf, and I
have been humbled by your support, your encouragement, and your care for me and my family over this
time.
God bless us all.
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Bishop Don Kreiss
Southeast Michigan Synod
May 15, 2016
MOVED: It was moved and supported to receive the Report of the Bishop.
SA16.05.12 ADOPTED
Mr. Asfour then returned the Chair to Bishop Kreiss.
ADJOURNMENT
The Bishop led the Assembly in prayer and recessed Plenary Session III at 10:21AM for a break.
He reminded them that we would gather The Second Rotation of Keynote Speakers at 10:30AM
and gave direction, followed by Lunch. He noted that the Assembly would gather for Eucharist
at 12:45PM.
BREAK
The Assembly took a short break for refreshments.
SECOND ROTATION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
The assembly gathered in three separate groups to hear the Second round of Keynote Speeches.
Bishop Elizabeth Eaton spoke on “Called Forward Together in Christ”; Pr. Mike Ward spoke on
“Stewardship”; and Pr. Wayne Muller spoke on “Being, Having and Doing Enough.”
WORSHIP
The Synod celebrated the Holy Eucharist. Bishop Donald Kreiss presided and Bp. Elizabeth
Eaton Preached. Ms Robin McCants – Assistant to the Bishop served as Assisting Minister. The
first reading came in the form of a video from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the
Holy Land. The second lesson was read by Pr. Kurt Hutchens of Shalom Lutheran
Church/Pinckney. Sacristan was Pr. Lauren Kirsh-Carr. Communion Assistance was provided by
various members of the Synod Council. Musicians were members of Shalom/Pinckney, Mr. Paul
Friesen-Carper and Mr. Keith Van Goor.
THIRD ROTATION OF KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
The assembly gathered in three separate groups to hear the Third round of Keynote Speeches.
Bishop Elizabeth Eaton spoke on “Called Forward Together in Christ”; Pr. Mike Ward spoke on
“Stewardship”; and Pr. Wayne Muller spoke on “Being, Having and Doing Enough”.
PLENARY SESSION IV – May 14, 2016
CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Bishop called Plenary IV to order at 3:15PM and opened with prayer. He also made
announcements. Assembly offering collected for Salem Lutheran Church/Flint totaled. $4625.00.
REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE Bishop Kreiss introduced Pastor Robert Zahn – Hope/Farmington Hills and Pastor Greer
Cherney Johnson – Amazing Grace/Warren, Co-Chairs of the Credentials Committee. The report
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of the Credentials Committee was as follows: As of 3:15 PM May 13, 2016 a total of 304
persons had registered which included:
VOTING MEMBERS: 273 of which 107 (39 %) were clergy (68 male and 39 female)
and 166 (61 %) were lay (71 male and 95 female). There were 3 Associates in Ministry, 0
Deaconesses, 4 Diaconal Minister and 31 visitors of whom 5 were clergy and 26 were
lay. Of the aggregate voting members, 25 were Persons of Color or whose Primary
Language is other than English and 4 were youth.
GOING FORWARD IN THE WORD
The Bishop invited Mr. C. J. Clark, Executive Director of Living Waters Ministries, to come
forward and speak to the Assembly about Living Waters Ministries.
RESOLUTIONS The Bishop introduced Pr. Al Nelson – Zion/Petersburg, Chair of the Resolutions Committee.
For the purpose of continuing consideration of Resolution 2016.02
The Assembly returned to the consideration Resolution 2016-02.
The Assembly then voted on the motion to adopt Resolution 2016-2
SA16.05.13 ADOPTED: 159 - Yes. 24 – No.
The Bishop called on Pr. Al Nelson – Zion/Petersburg, Chair of the Resolutions Committee to
introduce the next Resolution.
RESOLUTON 2016-03
Resolution for Increased Advocacy for a Just peace in the Holy Land
Rationale:
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Strategy for Engagement in Israel and Palestine,
adopted in 2005, has been successful within the ELCA in increasing awareness, expanding advocacy, and
accompanying brothers and sisters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
(ELCJHL). However, there is still much work to do.
Today, the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land grows stronger and more oppressive; the use of communal
punishment has expanded; the demolition of homes continues; the settlement of Israeli citizens on confiscated
Palestinian land (illegal under the Fourth Geneva Convention) now numbers more than 500,000 citizens; the
“Separation Wall” (built mostly within Palestinian territory) continues to expand; check points within the
Palestinian territory limit even the most basic movement; and, the blockade of Gaza continues.
It is time that voices within the ELCA become stronger. The three actions in the first resolve below are in
keeping with the ELCA Churchwide Strategy to further the cause of justice in the Holy Land; ELCA policy
on the Holy Land; and, other Churchwide Assembly actions, Church Council actions, and/or official letters
and statements regarding the actions in the first resolve.
Resolved, that the Southeast Michigan Synod calls upon the Synod Church Council to request the
Administration and the Congress of the United States to take the following actions related to the current status
in Palestine and the State of Israel:
1. Recognize Palestine as a “state” and vote to include it in the United Nations;
2. Ensure that the State of Israel complies with the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export
Control Act, which require that a country receiving U.S. financial aid and military arms, respectively, not
engage in human rights violations of another people;
3. Make future U.S. financial and military aid to the State of Israel contingent on the cessation of
settlement building in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and ensure that not-for-profit organizations found
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to be funding these settlements are in compliance with current IRS regulations regarding not-for-profit
organizations;
Resolved, that the Southeast Michigan Synod Assembly requests the Bishop of the Southeast Michigan
Synod to convey this Resolution to the Administration and the Congress of the United States and to the public
at large; and
Resolved, that the Southeast Michigan Synod Assembly requests the Bishop of the Southeast Michigan
Synod to convey this resolution to the congregations of the Southeast Michigan Synod and members of these
congregations, and request these congregations and the members of these congregations to convey this
resolution to its respective Congressional delegation.
Submitted by,
Allison Mobley, St. Paul, Grosse Pointe Farms
Al Asfour, St. George, Brighton
Pr. Jack Eggleston, Synod Office, Detroit
Pr. Fred Harms, Holy Cross, Livonia
Pr. Robert Walters, Calvary, Clarkson
Amy Cooley-Higgs, St. George, Brighton
Mary Duerksen, Spirit of Grace, West Bloomfield
Pr. Rani Abdulmasih, Mother of Our Savior, Dearborn, and Christus Victor, Dearborn Heights
Sonja Page, Zion, Ann Arbor
The Resolutions Committee recommends the approval of this resolution.
MOVED: It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution 2016-03
SA16.05.14 ADOPTED: 168 – Yes. 14 – No.
The Bishop then called upon Pr. Al Nelson who introduced Resolution 2016 – 4
RESOLUTION 2016-04
Memorial for Increased Advocacy for a Just Peace in the Holy Land
Rationale:
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Strategy for Engagement in Israel and Palestine,
adopted in 2005, has been successful within the ELCA in increasing awareness, expanding advocacy, and
accompanying brothers and sisters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
(ELCJHL). However, there is still much work to do.
Today, the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land grows stronger and more oppressive; the use of communal
punishment has expanded; the demolition of homes continues; the settlement of Israeli citizens on confiscated
Palestinian land (illegal under the Fourth Geneva Convention) now numbers more than 500,000 citizens; the
“Separation Wall” (built mostly within Palestinian territory) continues to expand; check points within the
Palestinian territory limit even the most basic movement; and, the blockade of Gaza continues.
It is time that voices within the ELCA become stronger. The three actions in the first resolve below are in
keeping with the ELCA Churchwide Strategy to further the cause of justice in the Holy Land; ELCA policy
on the Holy Land; and, other Churchwide Assembly actions, Church Council actions, and/or official letters
and statements regarding the actions in the first resolve.
Resolved, that the Southeast Michigan Synod Assembly memorializes the 2016 Churchwide Assembly of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to request the Church Council of the ELCA to request that the
Administration and the Congress of the United States to:
1. Recognize Palestine as a “state” and vote to include it in the United Nations;
2. Ensure that the State of Israel complies with the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export
Control Act, which require that a country receiving U.S. financial aid and military arms, respectively, not
engage in human rights violations of another people;
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3. Make future U.S. financial and military aid to the State of Israel contingent on the cessation of
settlement building in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and ensure that not-for-profit organizations found
to be funding these settlements are in compliance with current IRS regulations regarding not-for-profit
organizations;
Resolved, that the Southeast Michigan Synod Assembly memorializes the 2016 Churchwide Assembly of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church to request the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America to convey this Memorial to the Administration and the Congress of the United States, and to the
public at large; and,
Resolved, that the Southeast Michigan Synod Assembly memorializes the 2016 Churchwide Assembly to
request the Presiding Bishop to convey this Memorial to the three expressions (churchwide, synods and
congregations) of the ELCA requesting that these expressions, including members of congregations, convey
this Memorial to respective members of Congress.
Submitted by,
Allison Mobley, St. Paul, Grosse Pointe Farms
Al Asfour, St. George, Brighton
Pr. Jack Eggleston, Synod Office, Detroit
Pr. Fred Harms, Holy Cross, Livonia
Pr. Robert Walters, Calvary, Clarkson
Amy Cooley-Higgs, St. George, Brighton
Mary Duerksen, Spirit of Grace, West Bloomfield
Pr. Rani Abdulmasih, Mother of Our Savior, Dearborn, and Christus Victor, Dearborn Heights
Sonja Page, Zion, Ann Arbor
The Resolutions Committee recommends the approval of this resolution.
MOVED: It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution 2016-04
SA16.05.15 ADOPTED: 165- Yes. 16 – No.
The Bishop then called upon Pr. Al Nelson who introduced Resolution 2016 – 5
Pr. Nelson noted that Resolution 2016-5 was submitted late. According to the Synod’s
constitution, late resolutions may not be considered by the Assembly unless a majority of Voting
Members vote to allow it to be brought to the floor. The Resolutions Committee has had an
opportunity to review the Resolution and recommends that the Voting Members vote to allow it
to be brought to the floor for action.
MOVED: It was moved and supported to allow Resolution 2016-5 to come to the floor of the
Assembly for consideration.
SA16.05.16 ADOPTED.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION 2016-05
African Descent Lutheran Lives Matter Rationale: The United Nations declared 2015-2024 the "International Decade for People of African Descent". African American, African Caribbean and African national communities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are gifted and culturally diverse, represented by more than 200 million people living in the Americas. Whether as descendants of the transatlantic slave trade or as more recent migrants, people of African Descent constitute some of the poorest and most marginalized groups with limited access to quality education, health services, housing, and Social Services.
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People of African Descent represent 13% of the total population of the United States of America. Within
the ELCA there are more than 54,000 members that identify as people of African Descent, or 1.2% of the
ELCA's total population.
As the ELCA prepares to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, the political, social and economic injustices affecting African Descent communities still remain largely invisible to a society indifferent to black life. The legacy of slavery, post-Reconstruction 'Jim Crow' laws and racial subordination in the United States remains a "serious challenge" as there has been no real commitment to recognition and reparations for people of African descent. Despite many advances by people of African Descent within the ELCA and society, racism and racial discrimination, both direct and indirect, de facto and de jure, continue to manifest themselves in inequality and disadvantage.
The 1993 ELCA CWA adopted the social statement, "Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity & Culture" as a confession of the sin of racism. However, Black Liberation Theology is often rejected and avoided within Lutheran academic institutions. African Descent rostered leaders acquire higher education debt, wait longer to receive calls, are less likely to receive full-time calls, and less likely to reach synod compensation guidelines.
The majority of African Descent ELCA congregations were birthed out of "white flight," a divestment from urban areas, taking socio-economic resources and abandoning a connection, call and witness. What is left are deteriorating, debt-filled buildings with shrinking memberships, in part due to the systemic and structural issues of discrimination and lack of full inclusion of our gifts of leadership and worship styles.
The African Descent community is within a denomination that affirms "There is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; for all of you are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28)." We are called to be a church that embraces each person and confronts racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, age, gender, familial, sexual orientation, physical, personal and class barriers that often manifest themselves in unjust treatment, inequalities, exclusion and violence. The ELCA constitution (7.31.12 section A number 7), states "Consistent with the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, every ordained minister shall: speak publicly to the world in solidarity with the poor and oppressed, calling for justice and proclaiming God's love for the world." Justification by faith is a principle of scripture and Lutheran identity for all races, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, sexual orientation, class, cultures or nationalities.
Resolved, that the Southeast Michigan Synod Assembly memorializes the 2016 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to include as part of its observance of the 500th
Anniversary of the Reformation and the commemoration of the United Nation's International Decade of People of African Descent the following:
1. Direct the Church Council to create a "Declaration of the ELCA to the African Descent Community" similar to the "Declaration of the ELCA to the Jewish Community (4/18/1994)" acknowledging the Lutheran church's complicity in the 400+ years of slavery and the oppression of other marginalized groups; that people of African descent were victims of slavery, the slave trade and colonialism and continue to be victims of its consequences; and, the ELCA has perpetuated racism and discrimination through attitudes, actions, policies and practices these communities still endure. The Council will bring this "Declaration" to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly for its consideration and action with a recommendation to include this Declaration in the governing documents of the ELCA;
2. Direct the Church Council to require the Theological Education Advisory Council (TEAC) in partnership with the Conference of International Black Lutherans (CIBL) to recognize and dismantle white hegemony by lifting up, encouraging and incorporating academic exploration of Black Liberation theology across ELCA educational expressions, to allocate funds for the development of resources and to accomplish this by the 2019 Churchwide Assembly; and,
3. Direct the Church Council to require the Congregational and Synodical Missions Unit of the ELCA, to work in partnership with the African Descent Lutheran Association to increase by 10% the number of African Descent leaders, congregations and communities served, thereby renewing its commitment (see African Descent Strategy, CWA, 2005) to create, sustain, reinvest in and support this plan of action by the 2019 Churchwide Assembly and to encourage Synods and congregations to do likewise.
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Submitted by,
Rev. Lindsey Anderson, Detroit Cooperative Church
Rev. Matthew Bode, Detroit Cooperative Church
Robin McCants, Genesis Lutheran Church, Detroit
Rev. Michael Johnson, Detroit Cooperative Church
Rev. Julianne Smeck, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Ypsilanti