southeast michigan synod of the · may 13 - 14, 2016 pinckney, michigan minutes the twenty-eighth...

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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


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 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 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 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


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:


Thomas Schwartz


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.





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


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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Dennis Meyette

Sean Motley

The Bishop declared the First Ballot closed.


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)


Madeline Grant - 32

Sarah LeFranc - 53

Lark Harris - 110

Elected: Lark Paris

Young Adult - 2 year term (Elect 1)


Nicole Bates - 69

Bernard Lyons - 70

Rebekah M. Smith - 62

Elected: None 0

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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

https://service.thrivent.com/forms/thriventchoice/response.html

http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Publicly-Engaged-Church/Corporate-Social-Responsibility

http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Publicly-Engaged-Church/Corporate-Social-Responsibility

http://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society

http://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society

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regarding Choice Dollars and requesting that the ELCA Church Council and Presiding Bishop advocate to

have the current practice regarding Choice Dollars discontinued and allow for individual freedom and choice.

Submitted by:

Rick Aardal, Zion, Ferndale

Pr. Matthew Bode, Detroit Cooperative Parish, Detroit

Pr. Dennis Bux, Christ, Monroe

Judy Cook, Emmanuel, Livonia

Marianne Corrigan, Zion, Ferndale

Carol Gant, Zion, Ferndale

Pr. Paul Gateman, Zion, Ferndale

Daniel Herman, Iroquois Avenue Christ, Detroit

Pr. Sharon Janot, Abiding Presence, Rochester Hills

Pr. Bart Muller, King of King’s, Lake Orion

David Schrumpf , Lord of Light, Ann Arbor

George Watson, Synod Secretary, St. Martin, Port Huron

The Resolutions Committee recommends the approval of this resolution.

The Bishop relinquished the Chair to Synod Vice President Albert Asfour so that the Bishop

could prepare for worship.

It was moved to postpone consideration of this resolution to next year’s Assembly. Time for

Orders of the Day was reached before there was an opportunity for a Second. The Chair

announced that the motion could be remade tomorrow when we reach the time for consideration

for Resolutions.

SECOND BALLOT

Vice President Asfour gave balloting instructions. Voting then took place. The nominees were:

SYNOD COUNCIL:


Bernard Lyons

Nicole Bates

Vice President Asfour declared the Second Ballot closed.

ADJOURNMENT

Vice President Asfour made announcements and recessed Plenary Session II for Evening Prayer

at 8:38PM. He reminded them that Plenary Session III would begin in the Sanctuary at 8:30AM

tomorrow.

EVENING PRAYER

The Assembly worshiped using Holden Evening Prayer led by the Assembly Musicians.

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PLENARY SESSION III – May 14, 2016

CALL TO ORDER AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Bishop called Plenary III to order at 8:50 AM and opened with prayer. The Assembly was

led in Morning Prayer by the staff and musicians of Shalom/Pinckney. The Bishop also made

announcements.

REPORT OF THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE ON SECOND BALLOT The Report of the Elections Committee was given by Mr. Charles Lindquist – Holy

Cross/Livonia.

The results of the Second Ballot were as follows:

SYNOD COUNCIL:



Nicole Bates – 106

Bernard Lyons - 82

Elected: Nicole Bates



of the Credentials Committee was as follows: As of 8:15 AM May 14, 2016 a total of 286


VOTING MEMBERS: 258 of which 100 (39 %) were clergy (64 male and 36 female)

and 158 (61 %) were lay (66 male and 92 female). There were 3 Associates in Ministry, 0



Language is other than English and 4 was youth.

SYNOD COUNCIL ACTION ITEM

ADOPTION OF 2018 BUDGET The Bishop introduced Ms. Valinda Vincent, Treasurer of the Synod, who presented the 2018

Southeast Michigan Synod Operating Budget.

MOVED: It was moved and seconded to adopt the 2018 Operating Budget.

The Assembly then voted on the motion to adopt the budget.

SA16.05.08 ADOPTED. 185 - Yes. 9 - No.

The Bishop called on Ms. Valinda Vincent, Treasurer of the Synod, who presented the 2018

Southeast Michigan Synod Mission Budget.

MOVED: It was moved and seconded to adopt the 2018 Mission Budget.

The Assembly then voted on the motion to adopt the budget.

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SA16.05.09 ADOPTED. 188 – Yes. 9 - No.

GREETINGS

The Bishop introduced Mr. Paul Archer, who is a member of the Churchwide Church Council.

Mr. Archer brought greetings to the Assembly.


The Bishop invited Pr. Monica Villarreal to come forward and speak to the Assembly about

Salem Lutheran Church/Flint and the Flint Water Crisis.

RESOLUTIONS

The Assembly returned to further consideration of Resolution 2106-02.

MOVED: It was moved to postpone consideration of Resolution 2016-02 indefinitely.

MOVED: It was moved and seconded to close the debate.

SA16.05.10 ADOPTED

The Assembly then voted on Motion to postpone consideration of Resolution 2016.02

indefinitely.

SA16.05.11 DEFEATED

The order of the day for the Report of the Bishop was reached. Discussion on resolutions will

continue at the next plenary session.

BISHOPS REPORT

The Bishop relinquished the Chair to Mr. Albert Asfour, Vice-President of the Synod, for the

purpose of making the Bishop’s Report to the Assembly. The Bishop addressed the Assembly.

Dear Friends of Southeast Michigan,

Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ!

I need to begin once more with a litany of thanks for those friends and folks who have worked so hard to

make this event possible:

So let me start with thanks for our local hosts: Pr. Kurt Hutchens, Intern Kelly Neiman Anderson, Intern

Vicky Lovell, along with the remarkable number of volunteers from here at Shalom. We are deeply grateful

for the time and energy that a Synod Assembly requires, and we thank you for the good signage, the clean

restrooms, the folks helping direct traffic inside and outside the building, and the folks who helped put

together all the pieces for worship today.

Personal thanks also to Elaine Pearson, for keeping us on track with the visuals.

And to all those who worked with registration, our pages, the wonderful musicians who will help lead

music today and who got the place rocking last night.

To Pr. Jen Keifer, Keith Van Goor, Pr. Chris Steubing and Paul Friesen-Carper who helped plan worship.

Thanks also for our keynote speakers, for their dedication to the life of the church and for their willingness

to share it with us: Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. Pr. Mike Ward, of GSB. And Wayne Muller. I hope

you have enjoyed and learned from them and what they have to share.

Finally, for all of you who registered so that you might take part in the important business and witness of

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the life we share as a Synod, for giving over your time and participation as we come together to form the

Body of Christ in this place, but with the a different aspect than any of us get in our own places.

It is good to be here, good to be together, and I am honored by your participation.

Let me also say a word of thanks to those who serve with me at Synod House:

Pastor Jack Eggleston, DEM and Assistant to the Bishop

Pr. Heather Holland, AB for Congregational and Leadership Support

Ms. Robin McCants, AB for Advocacy and Urban Ministry

Ms. Beth Fisher, Executive Administrative AB

Ms. Tracy Johnson, Synod Bookkeeper

It is my privilege to work with these folks who are deeply committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and also

dedicated to serving the congregations and ministries of the Synod. We are your partners, and the staff at

Synod House is meant to offer support, guidance, reference and information that helps facilitate the

ministry going on in our congregations.

Thank you for your partnership, and for the support dollars you send forward that help pay salaries and

allows us to help you.

Next, I need to say thanks to the members of our Synod Council (whose names and faces have appeared on

the screens) and especially to the Officers of the Synod, who bear significant responsibilities and offer

significant amounts of their volunteer time to help with the oversight and the administration of our Synod:

Mr. Al Asfour, Synod Vice President

Mr. George Watson, Synod Secretary and Synod Attorney

Ms. Valinda Vincent, Synod Treasurer

I am grateful for their support and commitment to the ministry we share among us in the Synod, and

commend them to you as faithful servants of the Gospel.

Let me also at this point recognize and say thanks to those who serve as Directors of Synod Ministry. Our

Directors serve in very part-time roles and oversee specific areas of ministry with grace and passion:

Ms. Lisa Jeffreys: Youth Ministry

Pr. Lauren Kirsh-Carr: Synod Life

Pr. Jan Marvar: Interim and Transitional Ministry

Pr. Scott McKinney: Licensed Lay Ministry

Pr. Barry Osterbur: Candidacy

I conclude this portion of my report with thanks to the colleagues who serve as Deans of our Conferences:

Pr. Denise Russell - 1

Pr. Rol Troike - 2

Pr. Jonathan Heierman - 3

Pr. Bart Beebe - 4

Pr. George Oberle - 5

Pr. Lindsey Anderson & Ms. Robin McCants - 6

Pr. Sean Ewbank - 7

Pr. Linda Golden - 8

Pr. Ted Kerr - 9

Pr. Kathryn Tulman - 10

Pr. Paul Walters - 11

These folks serve in the front lines of Synod ministry, convening conference meetings, supporting

colleagues, assisting with pastoral transitions, and offering advice and counsel at Deans’ Meetings. It is a

pleasure to serve with them.

Ok. The last time we were all together I was talking to you about the big ‘ol party we were going to have in

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Detroit: the National Youth Gathering! (Composed, let me remind you of: DAYLE (the Definitely Abled

Youth Leadership Event, MYLE (the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event, and the Youth Gathering

itself.

Well. We had that big ol’ party this past summer, and can I tell you now that I have never been more proud

of our Synod, our leaders, our kids, and the hundreds of volunteers who worked like crazy to make that

event such a ginormous success. Who here participated in that event? Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We hosted almost 30,000 sisters and brothers that week, and sent them out to do an astonishing amount of

work in the neighborhoods of Detroit. We filled hotels all through the Synod. On the basis of the colorful t-

shirts the kids wore, we became known as the “Skittle Explosion”. And for that whole week the ELCA was

headline news in this part of the world.

Youth and their adult guides worked cleaning up the city, boarded up abandoned houses, opened up

overgrown sidewalks, visited local ministries and service centers, got to know the folks of metropolitan

Detroit and made connections with kids from local congregations and across the church depending on the

hotel where they stayed.

And every night we gathered at Ford Field, we prayed, and we sang and we rocked the place out!

My favorite musical event was the evening of Motown songs. But the kids were loving the band called

“Skillet,” even though their style of music and volume level convinced me that I am now an old man.

We heard great speakers as well: Marian Wright Edelman, Mikka McCracken, and our very own Presiding

Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton.

I know that many of our youth groups are already engaged in fundraising for the next Youth Gathering

(Houston 2018) but my hope and prayer for this event was that it helped our kids see and know that while

these are challenging days for the church, the ELCA is still a vibrant, strong, meaningful, and exciting

church making a difference in the lives of those it touches.

Going forward, my hope is that our kids will be able to look back on these days and remember being

engaged in projects and learning that made an impact: on their faith, on their friendships, on their

understanding of the community around them, and most importantly: on their connection to the Lord Jesus

Christ.

LISA JEFFREYS PRESENTATION Framed poster from the Gathering

Finally, I hope that your congregation was able to leverage this remarkable event in ways that got your own

folks excited and engaged in ministry that reached outside their usual boundaries and interests.

I hope that you had visitors this past summer who asked whether you were the church with all those young

people. And I hope that you are beginning to consider how and in what ways you can get involved in

supporting the next gathering as it moves to Houston.

Okay. One last thing that goes with the report about the Gathering. One of the projects we undertook was to

collect diapers that could be shared through local food pantries, agencies, and places that help young

families when there are more bills than money to pay them. And so the Gathering put out the word that we

were collecting diapers. The national WELCA organization decided that would be a fine project for them

to invest in, and so they became huge partners as well in the collection. And so when the 30,000 of us

gathered, we had collected more than a million diapers which are still being shared where they can be put

to good use. Okay: can you imagine 1,000,000 diapers?

But it still doesn’t stop there, because the church was also committed to raising money to purchase diapers,

with the understanding that the money would be used here, across the synod, to keep the diaper campaign

moving. A couple or three months after the Gathering we got a call from the Churchwide offices in

Chicago, saying they wanted to send the money they’d gathered to purchase diapers locally.

“That would be great,” I said. “How much shall we look for? $10,000?” Thinking that we’d be needing to

figure out where to buy and store diapers. “Oh no,” they said, “We’ll be sending you a check for $90,000.”

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Led by Ms Kinda Makini, who served as the Gathering’s co-team leader of service learning with Lisa

Jeffreys, seven young adults were selected for the Young Adult Steering Initiative team serving on the

review panel for the diaper project.

During the first round, they approved applications from 13 groups that each received approximately $540

worth of diapers and baby wipes. That is about 16 cases of diapers for each group. Round II of the

applications will be reviewed on Monday, May 23.

So who can apply? Any group from Detroit, Flint or Pontiac...or any group within Southeast Michigan that

is affiliated with one of our congregations can apply. The application and details for the diaper project can

be found on our website at www.semisynod.com. We anticipate another two rounds this year plus more in

2017. What a great residual of the 2015 youth gathering!

In fact, everything about the Gathering has been for me --and now I hope for you, as well -- a powerful

reminder that while we are living in times when our congregations and leaders are working hard to reclaim

their engagement with the community, we are still part of a robust, abundantly resourced church “C” that

can make a significant difference in the world.

FLINT WATER

And speaking of that significant difference, I want to share another story with you.

One of the things we have done as a church together is to work at providing clean, safe drinking water

communities in the developing world. It was, in fact, one of the focuses at the Gathering this past summer,

where our kids raised over $400,000 for that project. To date the Walk for Water Initiative has raised

$713,160.23 to support 73 water related projects in 33 countries. A match of $500,000 from a generous

ELCA family has brought that total to $1.2 million. And that is a really good thing. Convenient access to

clean water is one of the things we have taken for granted in the developed world. It’s meant to be easy,

right? It’s something we expect, particularly in a state surrounded by fresh water.

This past January, however, the rest of us learned what Flint residents had suspected for some time: the

water coming through the pipes and into the homes, schools, restaurants and hospitals of that community

was not safe to drink, bathe in, or cook with.

That news presented enormous challenges to a city already confronting issues of poverty, unemployment,

and a declining population. Salem Lutheran Church is the one ELCA congregation we have in the city, but

it is surrounded by a strong conference:

All Saints/Hartland

Grace/Howell

Holy Spirit/Grand Blanc

King of Glory/Flushing

Lord of Life/Brighton

Messiah/Swartz Creek

Our Risen Lord/Burton

Shalom/Pinckney

St George/Brighton

St John’s/Fowlerville

Transfiguration/Fenton

It is, however, just one congregation.

And so we asked for your help. We asked for your help delivering bottled water to drink, and money, to

buy more water, to buy filters to make the tap water drinkable, and to fund a complete re-plumbing of

Salem’s building, so that the congregation could become a “well” for its neighborhood, offering clean, safe

drinking water for anyone who needed it.

I am so proud to say that you have stepped up in an astonishing manner.

http://www.semisynod.com/

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First of all, with their own members and local volunteers, the congregation at Salem and Pr. Monica

Villarreal have become a center for finding help in the community: they distribute 80,000 pounds of water

every week free of charge and as much as needed Thursdays and Saturdays. They collect and given away

17,000 pounds of fresh vegetables and other foods every month which help combat the effects of lead.

They have given away over 2,000 pure water filters and over 1,000 pure water pitchers since the first of the

year. The congregation has become a hub for community organizing, helping point our sisters and brothers

to a better, more empowered future.

Second of all, not only have many of our congregations collected water and delivered it to Flint; but also

you (along with other sisters and brothers across the ELCA) have given nearly $200 thousand which will

allow the congregation to begin work on the re-plumbing, the re-configuring, and the re-organizing that

will be necessary for the congregation at Salem to live into its new mission, which has been thrust upon

them by the ongoing water crisis.

Further, our partners in the Lutheran Center, our national offices in Chicago, and Bishop Eaton, have made

trips out here to see and learn what we are dealing with. They have provided grants to meet immediate

needs, and are continuing to work with the congregation in terms of how to best use the facilities and how

they might be reconfigured to meet the current needs of the congregation and its ministries.

It has been a remarkable instance of how all three “expressions” of our church can work together for the

sake of the Gospel and the well-being of God’s people.

And we will not stop working with and partnering with and walking alongside Salem until the water there

is safely drinkable again, and babies can be baptized in the font without worrying about where that water

came from.

The other thing I’m asking today is for our preachers in the Assembly to make a commitment to come to

Flint in order to be a guest preacher so that Pr. Villarreal can have some time that is not hideously over-

scheduled, and so you can see and experience for yourself what’s going on in that congregation and

community. Time to share God’s word is another gift you can give, and I want you to understand both how

important it can be, and the astonishing work that we can accomplish when we work together.

Sign-up sheets for those who would like to schedule volunteer efforts are located at the registration table.

Clergy, rostered leaders and Licensed Lay Ministers who would like to serve as guest preachers at Salem

Flint can look at the sign up schedule at the registration table that Pastor Villarreal has prepared.

And speaking of the astonishing things we can do together, I want to spend some time this morning talking

about a project I’m really excited about:

Rise Up! The capital campaign for the ministry and the future of the Southeast Michigan Synod.

What is it?

Simply put, Rise Up! is a faithful, thoughtful, and courageous effort to engage the people and

congregations of the Southeast Michigan Synod in work that will shape and grow the future of the ministry

we share.

For too long, our story in southeast Michigan has been tied to the economic and population trends of the

communities in which we live, serve and proclaim the Good News.

On the heels of the success of the national Youth Gathering, we are 1) ready to re-claim the promise that

God is active and alive in our world, and 2) ready to help our congregations respond to the needs of their

members, their communities, as well as those who have not yet heard the story of Jesus Christ crucified and

risen for the sake of the whole world.

This campaign is already underway.

I am proud to share with you that already, I along with every one of our Synod staff, every member of

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Synod Council, and each of our Deans and Directors has made a financial commitment to Rise Up!

Already $110,000 dollars have been committed to this effort by those folks, and now we are beginning to

share this news with the congregations and leaders of our Synod.

Further, we have already begun “Rising UP!” by implementing projects of the campaign to strengthen our

congregations as Pr. Mike Ward began work with 10 of our congregations, meeting with lay and rostered

leaders before this Assembly started, to introduce the pilot project “Stewardship for All Seasons” that will

give congregations a new set of tools and renewed sense of urgency around the spiritual discipline of

financial stewardship. We will carry that effort forward for the next two years as well, so that 30 of our

congregations will have the opportunity to work closely with Mike, developing practices and new

approaches that reflect the times in which we live.

I want to spend some time here and now talking with you about what we hope to accomplish, but first I

want to assure you that we believe this is the right time to do this. We have sought the guidance of the Holy

Spirit, we have prayed together, thought together, listened to leaders and friends of the Synod, and worked

really hard to develop a campaign that can significantly impact and strengthen the next phase of our

ministry together.

Through this campaign, we hope to raise $1.25 million dollars in new money over the next three years;

funding that will allow us to:

❏ Strengthen both lay and rostered leaders for their work in the church of today and tomorrow

❏ Help every congregation determine how best to live out their mission in their community--

recognizing that all our communities have changed since our congregations were founded

❏ Equip a new generation of stewards to help fund critical ministries both here in Southeast

Michigan and across the world, and

❏ Provide a tithe from our Synod’s campaign to the Always Being Made New campaign for the

ELCA

Are you still with me? Are you ready to move forward?

So, what is this Rise Up! Campaign going to look like?

There are seven aspects we’re going to be working on:

STEWARDSHIP TRAINING

It is a familiar story across our congregations: our vision for the future is limited by a lack of financial

resources. What it takes to lead effective stewardship in congregations has changed over the years, and we

will intentionally train stewardship leaders over the three years of the Rise Up! Campaign.

❏ Every congregation participating in Rise Up! will receive comprehensive stewardship training as

well as a manual that can be put to use for congregational ministry

❏ Thirty congregations will participate in a process co-sponsored by the Synod to work with a

Stewardship consultant developing new stewardship strategies for their congregations. Results and

tactics will be shared for the benefit of all. (Participating congregations tend to increase revenue

for ministry by 10-40% in the first year)

❏ Workshops and resources will be provided during the 3-year campaign period

TUNE IN

Congregations need to understand the community and context in which they live and serve. They also need

to assess the gifts and abilities they possess. The Rise Up! Campaign will provide every participating

congregation with programming from Living Every Day as Disciples (www.waytolead.org) for self-

assessment and to help them study their own community. This is a 10-step process proven to provide the

help and guidance congregations need to understand their communities and determine how to make an

impact.

http://www.waytolead.org/

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GRANTS TO CONGREGATIONS

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.


“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.


“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.



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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



Language is other than English and 4 were youth.


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


MOVED: It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution 2016-03

SA16.05.14 ADOPTED: 168 – Yes. 14 – No.


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;

24

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


MOVED: It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution 2016-04

SA16.05.15 ADOPTED: 165- Yes. 16 – No.


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

Judy Sutherland, Amazing Grace, Warren

Rev. Christine Thompson, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Ypsilanti

Rev. Kristen Ulmanis, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Casco


MOVED: It was moved and seconded to adopt Resolution 2016-05.

SA16.05.17 ADOPTED: 167 – Yes. 10 – No.

ANNIVERSARIES OF CONGREGATIONS AND ROSTERED LEADERS

The Bishop expressed his pleasure at recognizing rostered leaders and congregations celebrating

Anniversaries and significant events. The Bishop asked Secretary Watson to read the names so

that the Bishop could hand out certificates and gifts.

The following Congregation was recognized. Representatives came forward to receive a

certificate from the Bishop.

100 years – Salem/Flint

Mr. Watson introduced the members and Rostered Leaders celebrating the 25th Anniversary of

Ordination or Consecration. He invited them to come to the stage as their names were read:

25 years – Cheryl M. Peterson

25 years – Denise Grant

25 years – J. Krister Ulmanis

The Bishop gave special recognition to the Fiftieth Anniversary of Ordination which is being

celebrated this year by:

50 years – William N. Paul Jr.


Mr. Watson also recognized the rostered leaders who retired during the preceding year. He gave

thanks for their faithful service and presented them with certificates. The Assembly

acknowledged them with applause.

Pr. AiM Christine Carlsen – 6 years

Pr. Maxcy Christmas – 7 years

Pr. Joan Christoffers – 15 years

Pr. Roger Facione – 10 years

Pr. Waldemar Gies – 34 years

Pr. Philip Hemke – 45 years

Pr. Janet Marvar – 30 years

Pr. Al Nelson – 43 years

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Pr. Bruce Weber – 40 years

DM Karen Zeile - 8 years

The following Rostered Leaders died during the past year. The Assembly paused and observed a

moment of silence in their memory.

Pastor Dan Rolik

Pastor Richard Nelson

Pastor Charles Fox


The Bishop invited Rev. Dr. Rick Barger, President of Trinity Lutheran Seminary to come

forward and speak to the Assembly the work of the Seminary.

INSTALLATION

The Bishop asked the newly elected members of the Synod Council to come forward as well as

those members who are continuing to serve. He then led the Assembly in the Rite of Installation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Bishop made a number of announcements and announced that the 2017 Synod Assembly

would be held May 4 - 6, 2017 at the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron.

ADJOURNMENT The Twenty-Eighth Synod Assembly concluded with the Order for Blessing at the Close of the

Assembly.

Bishop Kreiss adjourned The Twenty-Eighth Synod Assembly at 4:38 PM.

George C. Watson, Secretary

southeast michigan synod of the · may 13 - 14, 2016 pinckney, michigan minutes the twenty-eighth...

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