Central District Convention Workbook
Lord teach us to pray Luke 11:1 Lutheran Church-Canada Central District 10th (49th) Regular Convention REVISED (26March 2015) Workbook April 13-16, 2015 Delta Bessborough Hotel Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Revised Edition 26 March 2015 Workbook changes and additions (REVISED 19 MARCH 2015) Lay Delegates A.4 Frank Becker, Langenburg/Landestreu/MacNutt A.4 Merv Rocheleau, Prince Albert A.4 Barry Heidecker to replace Donald Kirsch, Middle Lake A.4 Brian Bauer, Grace, Zorra A.5 Terry Hostland, Epiphany, Thunder Bay A. 5 August Jaeger, Holy Cross, Winnipeg A.6 Steven Loewen, St. Paul’s, Saskatoon A.5 Ed Kaun, Ft. Frances, ON A.6 Rod Gellner, Mount Olive, Regina A.5 Rod Johnson, Calvary, Thunder Bay A.8 Rev. James Vosper-added to Financial Audit Committee A.14 Rev. Johannes Nieminen replace Rev. Barry Wood as member of Committee #6 C. Work Program B.3 Insert as last item under “Change of Status,” REV. RANDY FIEGE, Zion, Nipawin, SK to St. Paul’s, Melfort/Zion, Nipawin, SK, February 22, 2015, installed by Rev. Thomas Prachar. B. 33 Audited Financial Statement E. 1 Rev. Jason Schultz, declined nomination for Southland circuit counsellor E. 12 Eileen Turner, additional biographical information E. 13 Daryl Walter, additional biographical information D. 1 Addition to Overture 2015-5-01 Also submitted by Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Southey, SK and St. Paul, Cupar, SK D. 6 Additional Overture 2015-5-05 D. 7 Additional Late Overture 2015-6-03 F. 6 LCCFM 2015 Report Revised 10 March F. 20 Report of Lutheran Church–Canada added 10 March G.2 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Canada Report J. Resolutions 3074 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y2 Phone: (204) 832-7242 ext 2211 Toll Free: 1-800-ONE-LORD (663-5673) Email: [email protected] Office of the President Reverend Thomas E J Prachar Dear Delegate, Our God has given us the wonderful opportunity to pray. He invites us to come to Him with all our needs and requests, confident that He will hear and answer us in the time and manner He knows is best for us. And so, we are gathering in convention under the theme: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray.” (Lk.11:1) We pray that He will bless our gathering, give us strength and vision for the tasks ahead, and joy in serving Him in our individual congregations and communities. In order to carry out the work He sets before us, we assign floor committees. The district handbook states: “The Floor Committees for all the business of the Conventions shall be appointed by the President from the accredited delegates to the Convention.” Please take a moment to note if you have been assigned to a Floor Committee. The committees are listed on pages A.13 – A.15. For the most part, the committees are set up regionally. Because there are so few overtures for this convention, and in order to practice good stewardship, only Floor Committee #5 will meet before the convention on Saturday, March 7, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Regina. If any other Floor Committees feel that they will need to meet, please contact the District Office to arrange a conference call. Committees #1, #2 (together with the Nominating Committee), #3, #4 and #6 will hold their first meeting on Monday, April 13, 3:30 p.m. at the convention hotel—see the enclosed convention Agenda for the appropriate hotel meeting rooms. All committees will have the opportunity to meet on that day to review any l ast m inute bus iness, or t o m eet w ith i ndividuals w ho w ant t o e xpress t heir opi nion ab out a cer tain resolution. If you have been assigned to a Floor Committee, but will not be arriving in time to attend the Monday meetings, please contact the District Office. May our Lord bless the service you render to Him and His church at this convention! “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (II Corinthians 4:5) Peace in Christ, Rev. Thomas E. J. Prachar President, LCC Central District Email: [email protected] • Website: www.lcccentral.ca 2 James Roger Gimbel (Jim) was born in Iowa, but within a few years the family moved to Good Thunder, Minnesota, where he attended elementary and secondary school. He graduated from Concordia College, St. Paul, MN with an Educational Psychology Major. He was South Dakota District Youth Staffer and then youth director at Gloria Dei Lutheran, Minneapolis. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He served Zion-Zion, Kramer-Gardena ND from 1985-1988, Faith Towner, ND 1987-1988, and Immanuel Fargo, ND 1988-1996. He served as Sr. Editor of Youth, Family, and Sunday School Material at CPH from 1996-2002. He earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA. At Concordia University, St. Paul, he held dual appointments in the College of Arts and Letters and the College of Business and Organizational Leadership, at various points chairing the BA in Organizational Management and Communication, the Department of Christian Ministries, the MA in Leadership and Management, and the MA in Strategic Communication Management, as tenured full professor. Since leaving full-time parish ministry, he has served seven congregations in vacancy or intentional interim ministry, each for nearly two years. He and Jill were married in 1978, and are blessed with Andy (Laura, Miriam and Lila), Abby, and Jo (Gavin). Dr. Gimbel was installed as the fifth president of Concordia Lutheran Seminary February 2, 2014. A.1 T A B L E OF C O N T E N T S Letter to the delegates Table of Contents A.1 Names of Voting Delegates A.4 Worship Leaders, Secretary, Assistant A.6 Other Representatives and Personnel A.7 Officials of District and Synod A.8 Convention A G E N D A A.9 Floor Committees and Assignments A.12 Church Worker Anniversaries A.15 B. A D M I N I S T R A T I O N Central District Roster Changes B.1 Report of the President B.5 Central District Task Force on Vacant Non-Calling Congregations B.9 Report on 2012 Convention Resolutions B.15 Report of the Circuit Counsellors B.16 Assiniboine - #1 Northland - #3 Katepwa - #4 Ontario - #5 Portage - #6 Qu’Appelle - #7 Red River - #8 Saskatoon - #9 Wascana - #10 B.16 B.17 B.18 B.18 B.20 B.20 B.21 B.24 B.27 Minutes of 2014 LCC, Central District Annual Meeting Report of the Treasurer [added 26 March] B.30 B. 31 Audited Financial Statement[added 26 March] B. 33 A.2 C. WORK PROGRAM [added 26 March] C. 1 D. O V E R T U R E S 2012 Overtures D.1 E. N O M I N A T I O N S Committee Report E.1 Candidate Profiles E.6 F. L U T H E R A N C H U R C H – C A N A D A Report of Lutheran Church-Canada [added 261March] F. 20 Report to LCC District Conventions, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines (CLTS) F.1 Report of Lutheran Church-Canada Financial Ministries (Lutheran Foundation Canada) F.6 Report of the Memorandum Of Understanding Committee F. 10 Report of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, AB (CLS) F. 13 G. D I S T R I C T A U X I L I A R I E S AND A G E N C I E S Lutheran Laymen’s League Central District Lutheran Women's Missionary League Canada G.1 G.2 H. O T H E R R E P O R T S Concordia Lutheran Mission Society (CLMS) H.1 Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) H.4 L.A.M.P. (Lutheran Assoc. of Missionaries & Pilots) H.8 Central District Theological Lay School Report H.16 Lutheran Community Care Centre (Thunder Bay) H.17 Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Church Workers Conference (Luther Village, Kenora, Ontario) H.18 A.3 Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada Inc. Report of LuMinHos-formerly Lutheran Care Society of Saskatoon Lutherans For Life-Canada Malabar Mission Society H.19 H.21 H.22 H.23 I. A P P E N D I X A primer of Parliamentary Procedure Basic Parliamentary Principles Proposed Special Standing Rules Convention Glossary Convention Floor Committees I.1 I.2 I.3 I.4 I.6 J. R E S O L U T I O N S J.1 A.4 DISTICT CONVENTION 2015 CONGREGATIONAL VOTING PASTOR AND LAY DELEGATES Congregation of Parish by Circuit Pastoral Delegate Lay Delegate Jeffery Dul Ken Eichenlaub Arron Gust Barry Wood vacant vacant Daniel Moeller Allan Lutz No Delegate Frank Becker Brian Bauer Kevin Kotzer No Delegate Lawrence Kitz vacant Randy Kleemola Jason Schultz vacant John Kreutzwieser Brad Julien No Delegate Keith Haberstock Leonard Moncrief No Delegate David Buck No Delegate Stephen Bartlett Rob Grout Vacant John Rapp Randy Fiege Richard Mensch No Delegate Lorna Grout Sylvia Danyluk Barry Heidecker Norman Fengstad Merve Rocheleau Lowell Dennis Todd Guggenmos vacant Leigh Bishop Mark Erickson No Delegate ASSINIBOINE CIRCUIT Churchbridge Inglis/Grandview Langenburg/Landestreu/MacNutt Roblin/Zorra Springside The Pas Yorkton SOUTHLAND CIRCUIT Coronach Estevan Frobisher/Oxbow Midale Moose Jaw Swift Current/Maple Creek/Ponteix NORTHLAND CIRCUIT Hudson Bay/Mistatim Humboldt La Ronge Middle Lake Nipawin/Melfort Prince Albert KATEPWA CIRCUIT Cupar/North Southey/Southey Fort Qu’Appelle Lipton A.5 DISTICT CONVENTION 2015 CONGREGATIONAL VOTING PASTOR AND LAY DELEGATES Congregation of Parish by Circuit Pastoral Delegate Lay Delegate Keith Blom Justin Miller Jacob Quast vacant Garry Heintz vacant vacant Michael Montague Alfred Bruer Jack Rhyner Ed Kaun No Delegate Eldon Kangas No Delegate No Delegate Don Nord Jamie Bosma Tim Barone Brian Falkenholt David Haberstock Neil Otke Christine Bosma Rod Johnson Michael Maunula Terry Hostland John Nojonen Edmund Mielke Alex Klages Vacant Mark Smith Vacant Elmer Werschler Paul Freier Duane LaCoste Robert Kunzelman No Delegate Gerald Andersen Johannes Nieminen vacant vacant Ron Kraushaar Vernon Eger No Delegate No Delegate ONTARIO CIRCUIT Atikokan Dryden/Vermilion Bay Fort Frances Ignace Kakabeka Falls Kenora Nipigon Red Lake Thunder Bay: Bethel Calvary Christ Epiphany Lappe/Trinity PORTAGE CIRCUIT Brandon Morden/Winkler Neepawa/McCreary Plumas Portage La Prairie QU’APPELLE CIRCUIT Broadview/Grenfell/Wolseley Melville Moosomin Neudorf RED RIVER CIRCUIT Beausejour Winnipeg: Beautiful Savior Holy Cross Immanuel Luth Church of the Good Shepherd Luth Church of the Redeemer Peace Saint James vacant Cam Schnarr Richard Kruesel Richard Beinert Harold Borchardt Todd Hoeffs Glen Worcester James Schnarr Norman Lutomske No Delegate August Jaeger John Cullen Hermann Meyer Jordan Wall James Lutomske Glen Jorundson A.6 DISTICT CONVENTION 2015 CONGREGATIONAL VOTING PASTOR AND LAY DELEGATES Congregation of Parish by Circuit Pastoral Delegate Lay Delegate vacant David Mellecke vacant vacant No Delegate No Delegate No Delegate No Delegate Rudy Pastucha Rod Parker James Vosper Murray Keith Doug Taylor Randy Heide No Delegate Helen Riggs Ryan Baker Steven Loewen Stuart Lawrence Travis Heide Frankslake Ogema Vacant Vacant No Delegate Jerry Tondevold Regina: Good Shepherd Grace Mount Olive New Beginnings Prince of Peace James Chimirri-Russell Jeremy Swem Terry Defoe Bruce Corson Daryl Solie No Delegate Ken Manz Rod Gellner Marc Cyrenne Michael Raedeke SASKTOON CIRCUIT Bergheim Luseland Maidstone St. Walburg Saskatoon: Faith Grace Holy Cross St. Paul’s Unity/Wilkie Warman WASCANA CIRCUIT WORSHIP LEADERS HOST CONGREGATION: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Saskatoon OPENING WORSHIP HOST PASTOR: Rev. Murray Keith PREACHER: Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee CONVENTION CHAPLAIN: Rudy Pastucha CHAIRMAN – Rev. Thomas E.J. Prachar SECRETARY – Rev. David Haberstock A.7 OTHER REPRESENTATIVES AND PERSONNEL ADVISORY DELEGATES Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee Rev. Dong Joo Kim Rev. Alvin Borchardt Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel Rev. James Dimitroff Mr. Don Paulus Rev. Howard Ulmer Mr. Dwayne Cleave EXHIBITORS Dennis Fingas-Regina Lutheran Hospital chaplaincy Arlene Kish-LWML Clifford Pyle LFL-C Tom Brook-CLWR Rev. Neil Otke-Military Chaplains NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE Rev. Alvin Borchardt Rev. James Vosper Mrs. Pat Rocheleau Mrs. Arlene Kish CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE PERSONNEL Rev. Thomas Prachar President Mrs. Lil Kozussek Administrative Assistant Mrs. Jodie Hyde Convention Assistant A.8 CENTRAL DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Rev. Thomas E.J. Prachar Vice President (Saskatoon Region) Rev. James Vosper Vice President & Secretary Rev. David Haberstock (Thunder Bay Region) Vice President (Winnipeg Region) vacant Vice President (Yorkton Region) Rev. Arron Gust Vice President (Regina Region) Rev. Jeremy Swem Mr. Michael Maunula, Chairman Mr. Wayne Gust (Regina Region) (Thunder Bay Region) Mr. Daryl Walter (Saskatoon Region) Mrs. Eileen Turner (Winnipeg Region) Ms. Gloria Rathgeber (Yorkton Region) Ms. Roberta Nixon (Member at Large) Mr. Don Paulus, Treasurer (Advisory) The Two Committees of the Board Governance Financial Audit Rev. Arron Gust (Chairman) Mr. Daryl Walter (Chairman) Rev. David Haberstock (Secretary) Mrs. Gloria Rathgeber (Secretary) Mr. Wayne Gust Mr. Michael Maunula Rev. Thomas Prachar Rev. Jeremy Swem Ms. Roberta Nixon Mr. Don Paulus (Treasurer/Advisory) Rev. James Vosper Mrs. Eileen Turner Circuit Counsellors Assiniboine Circuit Rev. Barry Wood Northland Circuit Rev. Rob Grout Ontario Circuit Rev. Garry Heintz Qu’Appelle Circuit Rev. Gerry Anderson Saskatoon Circuit Rev. Randy Heide Southland Circuit Vacant Katepwa Circuit Rev. Lowell Dennis Portage Circuit Rev. Alex Klages Red River Circuit Rev. Brad Schollenberg Wascana Circuit Rev. Bruce Corson LUTHERAN CHURCH – CANADA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President 3rd Vice President Chairman Secretary Treasurer Rev. Kurt Reinhardt Mr. Cam Pelzer Ms. Grace Henderson Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee Rev. Nolan D. Astley Rev. Thomas Kruesel Rev. Mark L. Smith Mr. Arnold Drung Rev. Paul Schallhorn Mr. Dwayne Cleave Mr. Ronald Roller Mr. Alan Schmidt Mrs. Cindy Scholdice A.9 Convention Agenda All sessions are held at the Delta Bessborough, Adam Ballroom, 601 Spadina Cres. E., Saskatoon, SK– Ph: 306-244-5521 MONDAY, APRIL 13 2:30 p.m. Board of Directors – Kelsey Suite 3:30 – 7:00 p.m. Registration 3:30 p.m. Floor Committees Meet: #1 – Saskatchewan Suite #2 – With Nominating Committee--Kelsey #3 – Cypress Suite #4 – Harvest Suite #5 – LaRonge Suite #6 – Meewasin Suite 7:30 p.m. Opening Worship with Holy Communion Host Congregation: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 627 Taylor St. E., Saskatoon Officiant: Rev. Murray Keith Preacher: Rev. Robert Bugbee TUESDAY, APRIL 14 7:30 a.m. Breakfast-Battleford Ballroom 8:00 a.m. Registration Continues 8:30 a.m. Morning Worship 9:00 a.m. Committee #1 – Report on Registration 9:10 a.m. Announcements, Orientation, Standing Rules, Adoption of Agenda 9:35 a.m. Reception of New Candidates 9:50 a.m. Nominations’ Committee 10:00 a.m. Committee #5 – Constitutional Matters 10:10 a.m. Elections’ Committee 10:15 a.m. Break 10:40 a.m. Greetings from Guests: A.10 Central District Lutheran Women’s Missionary League-Canada Central District Lutheran Laymen’s League 11:00 a.m. Guest Speaker – Rev. Dr. James Gimbel 11:55 a.m. Announcements & Prayer 12:00 p.m. Lunch- Battleford Ballroom 1:15 p.m. Greetings from Guests, Announcements 1:25 p.m. Lutheran Church-Canada Report – President Robert Bugbee & Synod Staff 3:00 p.m. “Mission Moment” 3:20 p.m. Break 3:45 p.m. Lutheran Church-Canada Financial Ministries – Mr. David Friesen, Central District Gift Coordinator 4:35 p.m. District President’s Report 4:55 p.m. Committee #5 – Constitutional Matters 5:30 p.m. Committee #4 – Goals, Resources, Work Program 5:45 p.m. Announcements, Closing Prayer, Adjournment 6:30 p.m. Supper- Battleford Ballroom WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 7:30 a.m. Breakfast-Battleford Ballroom 8:45 a.m. Morning Worship 9:15 a.m. Committee #2 – Elections 9:20 a.m. Guest Speaker – Rev. Dr. James Gimbel 10:20 a.m. Break 10:45 a.m. “Mission Moment” 11:15 a.m. Committee #6 – Special and Sundry Matters 11:55 a.m. Announcements & Prayer A.11 12:00 p.m. Lunch-Battleford Ballroom 1:15 p.m. Greetings from Guests 1:20 p.m. “Mission Moment” 1:50 p.m. Task Force Report – “Task Force on Vacant, Non-Calling Congregations” 3:10 p.m. Break 3:40 p.m. Committee #3 – District Administration, Agencies, Conference Minutes and Essays 4:10 p.m. “Mission Moment” 4:40 p.m. Committee #5 – Constitutional Matters 5:15 p.m. Announcements, Closing Prayer, Adjournment Note: Supper on your own THURSDAY, APRIL 16 7:30 a.m. Breakfast-Battleford Ballroom 9:00 a.m. Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Guest Speaker – Rev. Dr. James Gimbel 10:30 a.m. Committee #1 – Convention Arrangements 10:35 a.m. Committee #3 – District Administration 10:45 a.m. Committee #4 – Goals, Resources, Work Program 10:55 a.m. Committee #5 – Constitutional Matters 11:05 a.m. Committee #6 – Special and Sundry Matters 11:15 a.m. Announcements 11:30 a.m. Closing Worship with Installation of Newly Elected Officers 12:00 p.m. Adjournment Lunch on your own A.12 Central District Convention 2015 Floor Committees COMMITTEE # 1 – CONVENTION ARRANGEMENTS Rev. Rod Parker, Chairman (Grace, Saskatoon); Ryan Baker (Holy Cross, Saskatoon); Rev. Stephen Bartlett (Hudson Bay/Mistatim Parish); Stuart Lawrence (Unity/Wilkie Parish); Rev. John Rapp (Faith, Middle Lake); Sylvia Danyluk (La Ronge Lutheran Fellowship, La Ronge). Advisory: Rev. Thomas Prachar (District Office Staff). Assignments: Registration of delegates; approve convention expenses and delegate expenses; review invitations for the next District Convention and recommend location and date of the next convention; resolutions of thanks; excuses; publicity; local arrangements. Committee #1 will meet Monday, April 13, 2015, 3:30 p.m. at the Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon – Saskatchewan Room, Convention Floor (C) COMMITTEE # 2 – ELECTIONS Rev. Brian Falkenholt, Chairman (Christ, Thunder Bay); Helen Riggs (Grace, Saskatoon); David Buck (Emmanuel, Moose Jaw); Rev. Doug Taylor (Unity/Wilkie Parish); Allan Lutz (Trinity, Churchbridge); Rev. Randy Kleemola (St. Peter’s, Estevan). Advisory: Rev. David Haberstock (District Secretary); President Thomas Prachar (District Office Staff). Assignments: Prepare ballots; explain clearly the election procedures; run the elections; supervise the counting of ballots, and report election results. Committee #2 will meet, together with the Nominating Committee, Monday, April 13, 2015, 3:30 p.m. at the Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon – Kelsey Room, Convention Floor (C) A.13 COMMITTEE # 3 – DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, AGENCIES, CONFERENCE MINUTES AND ESSAYS Rev. Jacob Quast, Chairman (Church of the Lutheran Hour, Fort Frances); Eldon Kangas (Redeemer, Kakabeka Falls); Rev. Michael Montague (Christ, Red Lake); Alfred Bruer (Faith, Atikokan); Jack Rhyner (Dryden Parish); Rev. Tim Barone (Calvary, Thunder Bay). Advisory: President Thomas Prachar (District Office Staff). Assignments: Review all reports under Administration—including reports from the President, Circuit Counselors, Board of Directors, all departments, committees and directors except Committee on Constitutions and Department of Church Extension Fund; auxiliaries and agencies. Review all conference minutes and essays. Overtures: Committee #3 will meet Monday, April 13, 2015, 3:30 p.m. at the Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon – Cyprus Room, Convention Floor (C) COMMITTEE # 4 – GOALS AND RESOURCES Rev. Mark Smith, chairman (Zion, Plumas); Duane LaCoste (Neepawa/McCreary Parish); John Cullen (Immanuel, Winnipeg); Rev. Jim Schnarr (St. James, Winnipeg); Jordan Wall (Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Winnipeg); Rev. Richard Kruesel (Holy Cross, Winnipeg). Advisory: Don Paulus (District Office Staff). Assignments: Reports of the Treasurer; financial statements, the Church Extension Fund, district work program. Take note of any convention overtures/resolutions that require financial expenditures. Review budget and work program of the synod. Review and present the district work program for the next triennium. Overtures: Committee #4 will meet Monday, April 13, 2015, 3:30 p.m. at the Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon – Harvest Room, Convention Floor (C) A.14 COMMITTEE # 5 – CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS Rev. Daryl Solie, chairman (Prince of Peace, Regina); Ken Manz (Grace, Regina); Rev. Todd Guggenmos (Our Saviour, Fort Qu’Appelle); Leigh Bishop (Cupar/North Southey Parish). Advisory: President Thomas Prachar (District Office Staff). Rev. James Chimirri-Russell (Good Shepherd, Regina) Assignments: Review report of the Committee on Constitutions. Review all constitution and bylaw changes for the district. Overtures: 2015-5-01; 2015-5-02; 2015-5-03; 2015-5-04 Committee #5 will meet Saturday, March 7, 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Regina, SK. and Monday, April 13, 2015, 3:30 p.m. at the Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon – La Ronge Room, Convention Floor (C) COMMITTEE # 6 – SPECIAL AND SUNDRY MATTERS Rev. Jeff Dul, chairman (Trinity, Churchbridge); Mark Erickson (Our Saviour, Fort Qu’Appelle); Rev. Dan Moeller (Zion, Yorkton); Vernon Eger (Zion, Melville); Rev. Johannes Nieminen (Roblin/Zorra Parish); Kevin Kotzer (St. Paul’s, Springside). Advisory: President Thomas Prachar (District Office Staff). Assignments: Overtures: 2015-6-01; 2015-6-02 Committee #6 will meet Monday, April 13, 2015, 3:30 p.m. at the Delta Bessborough Hotel, Saskatoon – Meewasin Room, Mezzanine Floor A.15 CHURCH WORKERS’ ANNIVERSARIES Pastoral Anniversaries (25 Years +) 26 – John Blum – St. Catharines 1989 27- Lowell Dennis--St. Catharines 1988 28 – Glen Stever – St. Catharines 1987 28 – Neil Otke – Edmonton 1987 29 – Daryl Solie – Edmonton 1986 29 – Rudy Pastucha – Fort Wayne 1986 29 – Wayne Olson – St. Louis 1986 29 – Randy Kleemola – St. Catharines1986 29 – Brad Schollenberg – Fort Wayne 1986 30 – Ray Maher – St. Catharines 1985 31 – Robert Hasselstrom – St. Louis 1984 32 – Daniel Moeller – Fort Wayne 1983 33 – James Schnarr – St. Catharines 1982 33 – Terry Defoe – Saskatoon 1982 33 – John Kreutzwieser – St. Catharines 1982 33 – Keith Blom – Fort Wayne 1982 33 – Robert Bugbee – St. Louis 1982 35 – Thomas Prachar – St. Catharines 1980 36 – Leonardo Neitzel – Brazil 1979 40 – Howard Ulmer – Saskatoon 1975 40 – Daniel Repo – Saskatoon 1975 46 – Kenneth Eichenlaub – St. Louis 1969 47 – Darwin Pollard – LLMT 1968 & Saskatoon 1979 48 – Irwin Pudrycki – St. Louis 1967 50 – Leonard Harms – St. Louis 1965 50 – David Ramsay – St. Louis 1965 50 – John Grande – Springfield 1965 51 – Dale Mohr – St. Louis 1964 52 – Richard Kruesel – St. Louis 1963 53 – Allan Harlos – St. Louis 1962 55 – Donald Koch – St. Louis 1960 56 – Alvin Borchardt – St. Louis 1959 58 – Karl Koslowsky – St. Louis 1957 59 – Paul Borchardt – St. Louis 1956 60 – John Schmidt – St. Louis 1955 63 – Lowell Guebert – St. Louis 1952 Deacon Anniversaries (25 Years +) 52 – Carol Harms – River Forest 1963 B. 1 CENTRAL DISTRICT ROSTER CHANGES Pastors CANDIDATE ORDINATIONS AND INSTALLATIONS RODNEY CRAIG PARKER, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, AB 2012, was ordained and installed July 15, 2012 at Grace Lutheran Church, Saskatoon, SK by Rev. Thomas Prachar. STEPHEN JOHN BARTLETT, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, AB 2012, was ordained July 22, 2012 at St. Paul’s, Dawson Creek, BC by Rev. Noel Smith, and installed July 29, 2012 at Good Shepherd, Hudson Bay/Zion, Mistatim, SK by Rev. Thomas Prachar. MICHAEL JAMES MONTAGUE, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, AB 2012, was ordained and installed September 1, 2012 at Christ, Red Lake, ON by Rev. Thomas Prachar. TIMOTHY JAMES BARONE, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, 2013, was ordained June 23, 2013 at Holy Cross, Colorado Springs, CO by Rev. Gary Rahe, and installed July 28, 2013, Associate at Calvary, Thunder Bay by Rev. Thomas Prachar. TODD GUGGENMOS, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, AB 2013, was ordained and installed August 8, 2013 at Our Saviour, Fort Qu’Appelle, SK by Rev. Thomas Prachar. JOHANNES NIEMINEN, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, ON 2014, was ordained and installed June 29, 2014 at Zion, Melville/Trinity, Neudorf, SK by Rev. Thomas Prachar. JUSTIN MICHAEL MILLER, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN 2014, was ordained July 13, 2014 at St. John, Pender, NE by Rev. Robert Schilling, and installed July 26, 2014 at Our Saviour, Dryden/St. Mark, Vermilion Bay, ON by Rev. Thomas Prachar. TRANSFERS WITHIN THE DISTRICT MURRAY KEITH, Zion, Melville, SK to St. Paul’s, Saskatoon, SK, installed September 8, 2013 by Rev. Thomas Prachar. BARRY DOUGLAS WOOD, CKT Parish (Saving Grace, Canora/Peace, Kamsack/St. Paul, Togo, SK) to St. Matthew’s, Roblin, MB/Grace, Zorra, SK, installed September 29, 2013 by Rev. Arron Gust. B. 2 RECEIVED BY TRANSFER REV. TODD VERNON HOEFFS, Redeemer, Edmonton, AB, ABC District, to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Winnipeg, MB, installed May 6, 2012 by Rev. Thomas Prachar. REV. JOHN WILLIAM RAPP, Good Shepherd, Valleyview, AB, ABC District, to Faith, Middle Lake, SK, installed April 14, 2013 by Rev. Thomas Prachar. REV. ADRIAN TOMS, Emeritus, East District, October 31, 2013. REV. BRIAN JOHN FALKENHOLT, First, Kingsville, ON, East District to Christ, Thunder Bay, ON, installed December 1, 2013 by Rev. Thomas Prachar. REV. RANDY FIEGE, Bethany, Dickson, AB, ABC District, to Zion, Nipawin, SK, installed January 12, 2014 by Rev. Thomas Prachar. REV. GLEN E. STEVER, Emeritus, East District, May 29, 2014. TRANSFERRED TO OTHER DISTRICTS REV. ALBIN WILLIAM STANFEL, Zion, Nipawin, SK to Christ, Petawawa, ON, East District, July 5, 2012. REV. MICHAEL L. KEITH, Our Saviour, Fort Qu’Appelle, SK to Associate, St. Matthew’s, Stony Plain, AB, ABC District, August 27, 2012. REV. CLARK WILKIE, Emeritus, to Emeritus, ABC District, October 10, 2012. REV. KARL J. SAUER, Emeritus, to Emeritus, Mid-South District, LCMS, August 22, 2013. REV. GLENN E. STEVER, Emeritus, to Emeritus, East District, October 8, 2013. REV. ROJAR SINGH, St. Paul’s, Melfort, SK to Victory, Devon/Peace, Spruce Grove, AB, ABC District, April 2, 2014. REV. BRIAN LEE, Calvary, Thunder Bay, ON to St. John’s, Algonquin, Illinois, LCMS, June 8, 2014. REV. LINDEN DRESSLER, Emeritus, to Emeritus, ABC District, September 26, 2014. CHANGE OF STATUS REV. DANIEL R. REPO, Christ, Thunder Bay, ON to Emeritus, April 30, 2012. REV. DR. JAMES DIMITROFF, Grace, Saskatoon, SK to Emeritus, June 24, 2012. B. 3 REV. KENNETH L. KELLER, Faith, Middle Lake, SK to Emeritus, September 3, 2012. REV. MARK L. H. JUST, Christ, Neepawa/St. Paul’s, McCreary, MB to Candidate, August 13, 2013. REV. NEIL OTKE, Missionary-at-Large, Central District to Missionary-at-Large, Central District/Trinity, Thunder Bay, ON, August 18, 2013. REV. NEIL OTKE, Missionary-at-Large, Central District to Missionary-at-Large/Lappe Lutheran, Lappe, ON August 18, 2013. REV. ROBERT HASSELSTROM, Grace, Zorra, SK/St. Matthew’s, Roblin, MB to Emeritus, September 30, 2013. REV. JACOB QUAST, Church of the Lutheran Hour, Fort Frances, ON to St. Paul, International Falls, MN/Church of the Lutheran Hour, Fort Frances, ON, January 19, 2014, installed by Rev. David Strohschein. REV. JOHN BLUM, Redeemer, Portage la Prairie, MB to Candidate, February 3, 2014. REV. WAYNE OLSON, La Ronge Lutheran Fellowship, La Ronge, SK to Emeritus, June 30, 2014. REV. TIMOTHY BARONE, Associate, Calvary, Thunder Bay, ON to Senior Pastor, Calvary, Thunder Bay, ON, November 27, 2014. REV. ROBERT BUGBEE, President, Lutheran Church-Canada, Winnipeg, MB to President, Lutheran Church-Canada/Assistant Pastor, Beautiful Savior, Winnipeg, MB, December 6, 2014. CALLED TO GLORY REV. WALTER ANGUS SCHNEIDER, Emeritus, September 2, 2012. Deacons CANDIDATE CONSECRATIONS AND INSTALLATIONS ALYX QUINLAN, DPS, Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton, 2013 was consecrated and installed September 15, 2013 at New Beginnings, Regina, SK by Rev. Thomas Prachar. B. 4 RECEIVED BY TRANSFER SANDI BJORGUM, Teacher, Candidate, ABC District, November 14, 2012. CHANGE OF STATUS RALPH ARNDT, Director of Christian Outreach, Dryden Parish, Dryden, ON to Candidate, June 1, 2012. RALPH ARNDT, Director of Christian Outreach, Candidate to Candidate, ABC District, August 27, 2012. TAMMY HAKANEN, DPS, Candidate to Removed from Roster, January 5, 2014. NATALIE KEITH, DPS, Candidate to Removed from Roster, May 2, 2014. Congregations REMOVED FROM LCC ROSTER ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, Choiceland, SK disbanded October 14, 2012. SAVING GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, Canora, SK disbanded September 1, 2013. ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, Togo, SK disbanded September 8, 2013. ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, Indian Head, SK disbanded November 27, 2013. IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, Mervin, SK disbanded June 1, 2014. PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, Kamsack, SK disbanded October 12, 2014. ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH, North Southey, SK disbanded December 31, 2014. B. 5 Report of the President To the Tenth Regular Convention of LCC Central District Who We Are The Central District is comprised of 88 congregations, served by 54 pastors and three deacons (Director of Parish Services [DPS]). We have two “Missionary-at-Large” pastors, 23 “Emeritus” (retired) pastors, and two Emeritus deacons (one teacher and one DPS). On “Candidate status” (those presently on synod’s roster but without a call), the Central District has three pastors and three deacons (one DPS and two teachers). Pastoral staff at the synodical office and district office is included in our listing of rostered workers: Rev. Robert Bugbee, Rev. Leonardo Neitzel and Rev. Thomas Prachar. In March 2013, the Central District Office moved to Winnipeg under the roof of the synodical office on Portage Avenue. The president’s Administrative Assistant, Maureen Wiskar and our part-time Treasurer, Wally Dressler did not make the move. However, Wally continued on as district Treasurer from his home in Regina until his retirement on February 28, 2014. The Central District Board of Directors then appointed another part-time Treasurer in the person of Mr. Don Paulus from Winnipeg. Dwayne Cleave was appointed as the Executive Director of the Central District Church Extension Fund. Lillian Kozussek, formerly with LCC Worker Benefits, became the president’s Administrative Assistant. Due to decreasing mission receipts from congregations, the position of Assistant to the President, with duties encompassing district Missions and Congregational Services, continues to remain unfilled. Move to Winnipeg The move of our Central District Office to Winnipeg was made on March 25, 2013. The property at 1927 Grant Drive, Regina was sold as of June 30, 2013. For the last two years, the District Office has co-existed with the synodical office in Winnipeg having been provided with upstairs offices for the President, his Administrative Assistant, and Gift Coordinator, Mr. David Friesen. As the only staff person making the move to Winnipeg, I have been warmly welcomed by the synodical staff. It is encouraging to have more people around, as well as two other pastors with whom I can consult from time to time. While our move to Winnipeg makes the office more “central” to the rest of the district, two-thirds of our congregations are in Saskatchewan. Finances While savings have been realized with our move to Winnipeg, Mission offerings from the congregations continue to fluctuate causing budgetary anxiety and uncertainty. We remind congregations when sending correspondence to the district, to address it to “LCC Central District.” Our bank in Regina formerly accepted cheques which simply said “Lutheran Church-Canada.” Now, with synod conducting our accounting and using the same bank for both district and synod, cheques to the district need to say “LCC Central District.” B. 6 Report of the President To the Tenth Regular Convention of LCC Central District Communications After our move to Winnipeg, we needed to make changes to many of our communication tools. I dearly wanted people to hear a real, human voice when they contacted us by telephone. But a separate phone line was just not possible, especially if we needed to transfer your call to the accounting department. So, bear with us as you are welcomed by an electronic recording, and then input the proper extension in order to reach the president (2211) or Lil (2223). Of course, our move to Winnipeg necessitated new letterhead and business cards which caused us to develop a logo for the district. Formerly, we had simply used the LCC cross. This led to a redesign of our district’s web page on the internet. Let us know if you have something pertinent to post there, or even a link to something that would be helpful to your brothers and sisters across the district. Elaine Stanfel, despite the fact that her office is in another district, continues to be the editor for our Central District section of The Canadian Lutheran. If your congregation had a special event, send Elaine a short summary of what happened, along with a few photos at [email protected] . Missions While work continues among First Nations’ people in La Ronge, SK, changes have occurred in the past triennium. The most notable change was the retirement of Pastor Wayne Olson in June 2014. Knowing the special nature of ministry in that part of the country, the district was committed to having Pastor Olson stay on in some capacity in order to mentor his replacement. When several calls from “the field” produced no candidate, the congregation was approached about the possibility of having a vicar or student intern. In the summer of 2014, Vicar Cody Cooper began work on a year-long vicarage. Pastor Wayne Olson agreed to supervise his vicarage in a part-time capacity. The district has agreed to fund the hours Pastor Olson puts in during this vicarage year. Since Vicar Cooper has completed his studies at the Edmonton seminary and thereby accepted a “deferred vicarage,” it is hoped that if all works out upon completion of his vicarage, he would be placed as the next pastor of La Ronge Lutheran Fellowship. Rev. D. J. Kim continues his excellent work in Regina as a chaplain to the Regina Police Services. He also makes regular visits to the Regina Correctional Centre, RCMP Depot, and Regina Court House. While this has not brought any new members to our Regina congregations, Pastor Kim’s witness of the risen Christ has been clear and powerful. The Central District continues to support a Street-Reach Ministry spear-headed by Lutheran Community Care Centre in Thunder Bay. Rev. Neil Otke not only works directly with people who stop by the storefront location for a coffee or just a chat, but he also coordinates special events and congregational volunteers to serve at the storefront. In Winnipeg, Rev. Assefa Aredo the first “Pastors with Alternate Training” (PAT) graduate, was called by the district in 2012 as a “Missionary-at-Large” in order to work with his fellow Oromo people. For the year 2015, the district has begun financial support to Rev. Aredo’s work with $800/month. Further subsidy will be re-evaluated on a yearly B. 7 Report of the President To the Tenth Regular Convention of LCC Central District basis. Because of cultural differences, the congregation is progressing slowly in becoming a member of LCC. Also in Winnipeg, seven families from an African group known as Anyuak have connected themselves to Immanuel Lutheran Church. They have chosen from their midst Oboya Ochalla as their spiritual leader, and he is currently enrolled in the PAT program. Oboya continues his growth as a spiritual resource for members of the local Anyuak community, as well as through online forums, he connects people from around the world to confessional Lutheran Church families. In Brandon, Rev. Edmund Mielke continues his work with Spanish-speaking immigrants. Because of budget constraints, subsidies for Hospital chaplaincies in Regina and Saskatoon were discontinued in 2015. Limited funding will continue for Thunder Bay and Winnipeg. Congregational Services The Central District Theological Lay School did hold classes for lay people during the last triennium. You can read further details elsewhere in our Convention Workbook from the coordinator of the school, Rev. Jeremy Swem. While financial aid to students attending synodical schools in preparation for fulltime church work has not been accessed in a few years, we currently have two students (one at Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton and one attending Concordia University College of Alberta, Edmonton) who are receiving such “repayable rewards” from the district for the 2014-2015 school year. These financial grants are repayable if the student does not enter full-time church work. If numbers warrant, we conduct yearly orientation sessions for individuals who are new to full-time service in the church. With the district’s move to Winnipeg, we do not have room for all archival material in our new location. As a result, Lutheran Historical Institute at the ABC District Office in Edmonton has graciously catalogued and stored information on congregations that closed in our district before 2013. Rev. Dr. Richard Beinert of Winnipeg has agreed to the appointment as our archivist. Board Task Force At our last District Convention in 2012, the district’s Board of Directors conducted small group discussions. One of the issues arising from the discussions was the suggestion that small, vacant, non-calling congregations should be amalgamated with larger congregations that do have a pastor. Such a move would be more in line with our Lutheran theology. In order to address this issue, the board established a Task Force which met in November, 2014. The report of this Task Force is printed elsewhere in the Convention Workbook. Members of the Board of Directors will be making a presentation on this to the convention. “Lord, Teach Us to Pray” As we use this convention to hear reports on what has been happening in our district and synod over the last triennium, there is so much for which we can go to our Lord B. 8 Report of the President To the Tenth Regular Convention of LCC Central District in prayer with thanksgiving! I challenge our delegates to join me in using the various sections of this Convention Workbook as the basis for your daily prayers. You can begin by praying for the work of your own congregation and pastor, for the families of your congregation with the cares and needs they experience daily. You can bring before our Lord’s throne of grace those of us at the district and synod office, district and international mission fields, as well as your brothers and sisters in the ABC and East Districts. Pray for the mission opportunities the Lord has presented to us, and pray that He would open our eyes to see the mission fields awaiting our attention. Pray fervently, but with faith confident that our Lord hears and answers in His time and manner. Peace in Christ, Rev. Thomas E. J. Prachar President, LCC Central District B. 9 CENTRAL DISTRICT TASK FORCE ON VACANT NON-CALLING CONGREGATIONS NOVEMBER 14 2014 Members of the Task Force Rev. Tom Prachar ~ President Rev. Arron Gust ~ 1st V.P. Rev. James Vosper ~ V.P. Rev. Alex Klagas ~ C.C. Rev. Barry Wood ~ C.C. Eileen Turner ~ Lay Representative (Neepawa MB) & BoD member Norman Lutomske ~ Lay Representative (Beausejour MB) This task force on Vacant Non-Calling Congregations1 found its genesis in the 2012 Central District Convention. The Board of Directors2 held a small group discussion time3 where feed back was received on certain issues and challenges faced by the District. When asked about vacant, small congregations and how to best serve them the constituents of both clergy and lay people overwhelmingly suggested the amalgamation of such congregations. On August the 20th 2014 the BoD passed a motion (3.2) to create a task force to which the District President would appoint two Vice Presidents, two Circuit Counsellors, and two lay people. Their task would be to draft a plan to address Vacant Non-Calling congregations and report their finding to the November 2014 BoD’s meeting. The above task force met this November 14th 2014 in Winnipeg and would like to report the following: A) Challenges which may have lead to our current 23 vacant congregations4. 1) The decrease in population due to deruralization and smaller families. 2) Finances and stewardship. 3) Churches resistance to change when it comes to worship times and locations. 1Though this task force received the title of Vacant Non Calling Congregations it is neither proper nor salutary to refer to congregations as “Non Calling.” By nature congregations would cease to exist when they cease to call a pastor. Rather it is important to assist such congregations to fill the Office of the Holy Ministry by either calling a pastor of their own or recognize the need to join with other sister congregation(s) to form a parish. See this task forces recommendations for further details. 2 Here forward referred to a BoD 3 See 2012 Central District Convention proceedings page 48, slide 30, question 3. 4 As of November 14 2014. See attachment 1.1 and 1.2 B. 10 4) The remaining community’s attitude toward the church shifting. Urban churches face the same challenges. (rampant individualization, apathy, and narcissism). 5) Seniors unable to travel longer distances to join possible neighbouring churches. 6) Clergy availability. Rural areas do not always have the depth of emeritus pastors to draw from when it comes to either serving vacancies or sharing officially in a limited way (not to disrupt pensions) the duties of a parish formed in order to help serve congregations in need of a called pastor. 7) Smaller congregations have also resisted aligning with other congregations for many reasons, including the assumption they will lose their identity, power, autonomy, convention voting privileges, while gaining a financial burden and obligation. 8) Past and current District policy and procedures were non existent when it came to addressing and/or advising congregations existing yet without the resources to call a pastor. Prior focus was primarily on the birth and growth of congregations. B) The following are possible solutions for our 23 vacant congregations. 1) Call a Pastor at full scale. 2) Call a Pastor at reduced scale5 with the expectation of a reduced amount of time such a pastor would be willing to serve. (i.e. calling an emeritus pastor to active status [limited amount of hours paid to retain pension]) 3) Call a Pastor and/or form a Parish with a neighbouring sister congregation(s)6. 4) To encourage the Central District to assist vacant congregations to gather and form a Deanery7 as a possible model of serving the growing number of small vacant congregations found in close proximity. 5 These are calls and not to be considered contracts. See the CTCR on The role of Retired Clergy in Lutheran Church—Canada for insight not only on the role of emeritus pastors, but also a succinct theological rational on the doctrine of the call. 6 See page 9 of 2011 Synod Handbook, Article 1.3 for definition of parish. The Central District Circuit Counsellors have also developed a template in forming parish agreements. This may be helpful for those congregations encouraged to form parishes in order to have a called pastor. 7 Usually four or more congregations with two or more pastors serving a geographical region. B. 11 5) To encourage the Central District to assist vacant congregations to gather and be served by a circuit rider. This too would require the right mixture of congregations in a reasonably close proximity and a pastor prepared for the extensive travel. 6) To encourage the Central District BoD to include in their work plan a financial commitment to assist congregations in forming deaneries or calling a circuit rider. C) Remaining obstacles to implementing the above solutions. 1) The 23 vacant congregations are currently receiving Word and Sacrament ministry, yet have no pastor to officially call their own. This is evident by the fact we have so many congregations under the misnomer of Vacant Non-Calling congregations. On the surface it looks like they are pastor and people together, but in reality neither owe anything to the other in way of commitment and accountability. The blessing God lays on such a unique relationship is being missed out upon. In the end such congregations grow accustom to inexpensive Ministry and when encouraged to be faithful to the Word of God find it hard to accept both the financial and personal commitments needed to form a parish and call a pastor. 2) Current procedures and policies by which the Central District assists vacant congregations. 3) The financial challenges which come with the synodical Worker Benefit Plans. Such large commitments remain an equally large obstacle for small, vacant, or isolated congregations who can only call, for the lack of better terms, a part time pastor. D) Finally our recommendation to the Central District Board of Directors. Since it is not in keeping with Christ’s Church, that, a congregation would exist apart from a called and ordained pastor8; and where as such, vacant congregations will inevitably find themselves looking for Word and Sacrament ministry, that the District help them form a parish according to the mandate in the synod handbook.9 In doing so the District will sanction the parish and help them continue in their agreed commitment to Synod. 8 See page 46 of Synod Handbook, V Pastors, A. Calls. 1. Congregations which are members of the Synod, in conformity with Article III, 3 of the Constitution, shall call and be served only by pastors who have been admitted to these respective ministries in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth in that Synodical Handbook and of thereby become members of the Synod. 2. Congregations which violate this requirement and persist in such violation shall after due admonition forfeit their membership in Lutheran Church Canada. 9 See page 9 of 2011 Synod Handbook, Article 1.3 for definition of parish. B. 12 Such efforts will receive the blessings which flow from a congregation having a pastor “called” to be their own. In order to facilitate this we suggest: 1) An update to the policies and procedures10 of the Central District, where by the President, his Vice Presidents, and/or Circuit Counsellors would begin proactively approaching and encouraging all congregations who may foreseeably be approaching a time when difficult and challenging decisions will need to be made. These discussions would include encouraging the surrounding congregations, either big or small, to consider how they may be of godly service to their neighbour. Such options and discussion would be centred around the options found in section B. 2) If such discussions have not had the opportunity to take place, then, at the time of a congregation’s vacancy these discussions may begin with the expectation that time, patience, and more discussion will most certainly ensue. 3) In preparing congregations for realignment11 we suggest this be done with the full cooperation of the District’s President, BoDs VPs, and C.C.s. Together they may widely encourage the fullest understanding of stewardship (ownership of church and self). Such working together will prayerfully ensure this task will not be lost in the shuffle of any personnel changes that may come with quickly approaching District Convention April 13-16 2015. May all involved continue to seek the best and most faithful work of pastor and people together. All glory, honour, and praise be to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Respectfully Submitted, The Task Force on “Vacant Congregations in Need of a Pastor” 10 Such policies and procedure would benefit greatly if they followed the lead of the LCMS when it comes to vacancies and the their called pastor. Dr. Raymond Hartwig’s (secretary of the LCMS) advises, according to their policies and procedures, If a congregation is not calling a pastor but is receiving regular Word and Sacrament ministry from either a retired pastor or a neighbouring pastor, he is regarded by the Synod as its pastor. This may require changing a retired pastor’s roster status from “emeritus” to “active” (which does not affect his retirement). Or if a neighbouring pastor is serving, this will require recording by the district and reporting to the Synod that he is serving more than one congregation (a parish), which means that the congregations will share a lay vote at district conventions. Adopting such a procedure may require adjustment to LCC bylaws. Further Study is needed. 11 We have tried to find a suitable term to describe the process of forming parishes with the intent of staying away from the word amalgamation and the sense of loss that comes with its meaning. B. 13 November 2014 Attachment 1.1 (23 Vacant Congregations) Redeemer, Portage la Prairie (Served by Rev. Edmund Mielke) St. Paul’s, Melfort (Served by Rev. Randy Fiege) Peace, Kamsack (Served by Rev. Ray Maher) Zion, Windthorst (Served by Rev. Gerry Andersen) St. Paul’s, McCreary/Christ, Neepawa (Served by Rev. Mark Smith) Grace, Beausejour (Served by Rev. Ward Yunker) Faith, Coronach (Served by Rev. Irwin Pudrycki) Trinity, Neudorf (Served by Rev. Johannes Nieminen) St. Paul’s, Bergheim (Served by Rev. Howard Ulmer) Trinity, St. Walburg (Served by Rev. Quinton Adams) Immanuel, Nipigon (Served by Rev. Keith Blom) Faith, Ignace (Served by Rev. Neil Otke) Trinity, Moosomin (Served by Rev. Jeff Dul) Living Christ, Lipton (Served by Rev. Don Koch) Good Shepherd, Kenora (Served by Rev. Harold Borchardt) St. Paul’s, Springside (Served by Rev. Dan Moeller) Immanuel, Frankslake (Served by pastors of the Wascana Circuit) St. Luke’s, Midale (Served by Rev. Randy Kleemola) St. Luke’s, Ogema (Served by Rev. D. J. Kim) Trinity, Wordsworth (Served by Rev. Jason Schultz) Redeemer, The Pas Battle River, Maidstone (Served by Rev. Quinton Adams) B. 14 B. 15 Central District Convention Resolutions, 2012 The following adopted resolutions from the 2012 Central District Convention either required no action or were implemented in the past triennium: 2012-1-01 To Give Thanks to all Involved in the Planning of the Ninth Regular Convention of Lutheran Church-Canada Central District 2012-1-02 To Set the Date of the Tenth (49th) Regular Convention of Lutheran Church-Canada Central District 2012-3-01 To Give Thanks to God for the Service that Maureen Wiskar and Maxine Holm Have Provided to Our Lord’s Church in the Central District 2012-4-01 To Request LCC Worker Benefit Plans to Continue to Review the Costs of their Plans to Congregations 2012-4-02 To Adopt the Minutes of the 2011 Annual Meeting. 2012-4-03 To Adopt the Report of the Executive Director/Treasurer 2012-4-04 To Adopt the District Work Program 2012-5-01 To Ratify the Board of Directors’ Approval of New/Amended Congregational Constitutions 2012-6-01 To Encourage the Central District to Seek Assistance in the Areas of Missions Coordination and Congregational Services 2012-6-02 To Encourage Christian Financial Stewardship, Financial Planning, and Budgeting Fundamentals at LCC Seminaries, CUCA, Congregations, and Schools The following resolution, while adopted by the convention, was not implemented. With the move to Winnipeg, the transferring of some archival material to the Lutheran Historical Institute, Edmonton, and the appointment of a new archivist, it is hoped that this resolution can now be implemented in the next triennium. 2012-3-02 To Encourage Congregations to be Diligent in their Record Keeping and Forward Copies of their Historical Records to the Central District Archives for Preservation B. 16 REPORT FOR THE ASSINIBOINE CIRCUIT, FOR THE YEARS A.D. 2012, 2013, 2014 Pastor Barry Wood, Circuit Counsellor (April 2009 to present) Triune Lutheran Parish a three point parish of Christ, Langenburg, SK, Immanuel, Landestreu, SK and Christ, MacNutt, SK Christ Congregation of Langenburg, SK, Organized AD 1907 Immanuel Congregation of Landestreu District, SK, Organized AD 1895 Christ Congregation of MacNutt, SK, Organized AD 1907 served by Pastor Arron Gust (ordained 2001, installed AD 2008) Roblin-Zorra Parish a two point parish of St. Matthew’s Congregation of Roblin, MB and Grace, Zorra, SK Grace Congregation of the Zorra District, SK, Organized AD 1908 St. Matthew’s Congregation of Roblin, MB, Organized AD 1952 served 2001-September 2013 by Pastor Robert Hasselstrom EM (ordained AD 1984) served by Pastor Barry Wood (ordained AD 1987, installed AD 2013) Inglis-Grandview Parish a two point parish of Holy Trinity, Inglis, MB and Hope, Grandview, MB Holy Trinity Congregation of Inglis, MB, Organized AD 1911 Hope Congregation of Grandview, MB, Organized AD 1945 served by Pastor Ken Eichenlaub (ordained AD 1969, installed AD 2008) Redeemer Congregation of The Pas, MB, Organized AD 1961 currently vacant, not calling Zion Congregation of Yorkton, SK, Organized AD 1931 served by Pastor Dan Moeller (ordained AD 1983, installed AD 2001) St. Paul’s Congregation of Springside, SK, Organized AD 1907 served by Pastor Dan Moeller, Zion, Yorkton Trinity Congregation of Churchbridge, SK, Organized AD 1946 served by Pastor Jeff Dul (ordained AD 2010, installed AD 2010) CKT Lutheran Parish a three point parish of Saving Grace, Canora, SK, Peace, Kamsack, SK, St. Paul, Togo, SK Saving Grace Congregation, Canora, SK, Organized AD 1985 ,DISBANDED September 1, AD 2013, served until date of disbanding by Pastor Barry Wood Peace Congregation of Kamsack, SK, Organized AD 1962 DISBANDED October 12, AD 2014, Served by Pastor Barry Wood until September 8, AD 2013, Served by Rev. Ray Maher EM until date of disbanding St. Paul Congregation of Togo, SK, Organized AD 1919, joined the Synod AD 1982, DISBANDED September 8, 2013 served until date of disbanding by Pastor Barry Wood Activities and event in the triennium The pastors of the circuit meet regularly each month for fellowship, discussion and spiritual growth and encouragement. A Reformation Festival was held October 28th in 2012, not held in 2013 because of the Synodical Church Workers’ Conference and the circuit was encouraged to join the Qu’Appelle circuit for their Reformation Festival in 2014. Richard Fangard from Creation Ministries Canada was the presenter at a Youth retreat and at the Circuit Forum in November 2013 in Yorkton, SK. Grace, Zorra celebrated her 105th Anniversary in 2013 Jackfish Lutheran Camp of Roblin continues to operate in the circuit. Saving Grace, Canora, SK and St. Paul, Togo, SK disbanded on September 1 and 8, AD 2013 respectively; Peace, Kamsack, SK disbanded on October 12, AD 2014. We give thanks to God for the privilege of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these communities. In January 2014, Our Savior congregation in Roblin, MB disbanded with many of the members either returning to St. Matthew’s or attending service at Holy Trinity, Inglis, MB in February 2014. Respectfully submitted, Pastor Barry Wood, Circuit Counsellor B. 17 NORTHLAND CIRCUIT REPORT Rev. Robert Grout - Circuit Counsellor This circuit are the congregations of the Northcentral eastern part of Saskatchewan. The most northern is the congregation in LaRonge, the eastern congregation is Hudson Bay, the southern congregation is Humboldt. The circuit consists of five congregations and two dual point parishes. Rev. Robert Grout has served as circuit counsellor since the summer of 2008. Congregations and Pastors: Good Shepherd Lutheran, Hudson Bay, SK. 1961 Served by Rev. Stephan Bartlett Installed 2012 Ordained in 2012 (Ed) Zion Lutheran, Mistatim, SK. 1939 Served by Rev. Stephan Bartell Installed 2012 Ordained in 2012 (Ed) Zion Lutheran, Nipawin, SK. 1927 S erved by Rev. Randy Fiege (2013 Installed January 2014 St. Mark’s Lutheran, Choiceland, SK. 1952 Disbanded October 2012 St. Paul’s Lutheran, Melfort, SK. 1910 Formed dual parish with Zion Lutheran, Nipawin Installed, Ordained in Redeemer Lutheran, Prince Albert, SK. 1960 Served by Rev. Richard Mench Installed December 2008 Ordained in 1999 (Ed) LaRonge Lutheran Fellowship 1974 Vacant Rev. Wayne Olson supervisor LaRonge, SK. Vicar Cody Cooper 2014 (Ed) Faith Lutheran, Middle Lake, SK. 1961 Served by Rev. John Rapp Installed April 2013 Ordained in (SC) St. John’s Lutheran, Humboldt, SK. 1914 Served by Rev. Robert Grout Installed May 2007 Ordained in 2002 (Ed) Highlights In The Circuit: Installations: Reverend Stephen Bartlett was installed at Good Shepherd Lutheran, Hudson Bay, Sask. and Zion Lutheran, Mistatim, Sask. July of 2012 Reverend John Rapp was installed at Faith Lutheran, Middle Lake, Sask. April of 2013 Reverend Randy Fiege at Zion Lutheran, Nipawin, SK. January 2014 Vicar Cody Cooper came on July 1, 2014. He was installed as vicar on July 6, 2014; Reverend Olson is serving as "vacancy pastor" and supervisor of Vicar Cody who can not do official acts of baptisms, weddings, communion, funerals, etc... Retirements: Reverend Keller retired September 1, 2012 from Faith Lutheran Church, Middle Lake, Sask. Pastor Wayne officially retired June 15, 2014 from La Ronge Lutheran Fellowship in La Ronge Congregation changes: We were saddened to hear of the closing and disbanding of St. Mark’s Lutheran, Choiceland, Sask. in 2012 Reverend Rojar Singh accepted a call to the ABC District. May 2014 Zion Lutheran in Nipawin joined with St. Paul’s Lutheran of Melfort to become a dual parish in December 2014. Anniversary: St. John’s Lutheran Church celebrated its 100th Anniversary the week-end of July 19, 20, 2014. President Bugbee preached at the morning Divine Service and President Prachar preached at the afternoon Anniversary Divine Service. The offering at the Anniversary Divine Service was given to Regina Street Ministry of the Central District. Joint Winkel: The Northland and Saskatoon Circuits continue to meet in the fall of the year. It is a time of fellowship and support of the brothers. Submitted by Circuit Counsellor of Northland Rev. Robert J. Grout B. 18 KATEPWA CIRCUIT REPORT The Katepwa Circuit is made up of five (now four) congregations in three parishes. They are located along the north side of the Qu’Appelle Valley from Fort Qu’Appelle to Southey. Our Saviour, Fort Qu’Appelle was organized in 1961. Following Pastor Michael Keith’s accepting a call to Stony Plain, Alberta in the summer of 2012, Pastor Todd Guggenmos (ED 2013) was assigned as a new candidate from Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, Alberta, He was ordained / installed as Pastor of Our Saviour, Fort Qu’Appelle on August 4, 2013. Living Christ, Lipton officially became a parish of LC-C following the merger of ELCIC and LC-C parishes in 2000. Pastor Donald Koch, Emeritus, from Regina, continues to serve them in a noncalling vacancy situation since 2004. St. Paul, Cupar was organized in 1909 and was part of a 3 -point p arish with E mmanuel, S outhey, a nd Zion, N orth S outhey since 2010. H owever, due t o the severe flooding of the church and basement of Zion, N orth S outhey, Z ion made t he d ecision t o close t heir co ngregation, ef fective D ecember 3 1, 2014. H ence, S t. P aul i s n ow p art o f a t wo-point parish with Emmanuel, Southey. Pastor Lowell Dennis (SC 1988) has served St. Paul since 1999. Zion, North Southey was organized in 1910. The church is located in a rural area. Pastor L owell D ennis ( SC 1988) h as s erved Z ion since 1999. Sadly, i n S eptember of 2014, t he church a nd i n particular the basement of the church was severely flooded due to heavy rains. Services at Zion had to be cancelled immediately, and the members began worshiping a t E mmanuel, S outhey. At a congregational meeting on November 9, 2014 a vote was taken an d t he d ecision was made t o cl ose t he congregation, effective December 31, 2014. The last service held at Zion was on August 31, 2014 which was a j oint worship with S t. P aul, C upar, a nd Emmanuel, Southey. Most of the members of Zion are t ransferring t heir memberships t o E mmanuel. An official closing service of the congregation will take p lace s ometime i n the summer o f 2 015. A ll praise and thanks to almighty God for His countless blessings to the people of Zion throughout their 104 years as a congregation! Emmanuel, Southey was organized in 1909. Pastor L owell D ennis ( SC 1988) h as s erved Emmanuel since 2010. With the congregation of Zion, North Southey closing, most o f it s members a re j oining t he congregation of Emmanuel. The transition has gone very well. God is truly blessing the coming together of the two congregations as they now work together utilizing their gifts in fulfilling the great commission of our Lord in His Church. Emmanuel is now part of a 2 -point parish with St. Paul, Cupar. On the Circuit Level … A Circuit Forum was held in 2013. Our c ircuit joins t he W ascana an d C ypress Hills circuit for q uarterly c hurch worker’s meeting i n Regina. Due to the fact that there are only 2 pastors in the circuit, we do not hold r egular meetings, but ta ke p art i n t hese q uarterly meetings. W e continue to arrange for f amily fellowships within our circuit during the year. There ar e t wo r etired p astors i n t he ci rcuit, P astor David Ramsey and Pastor Allan Harlos both live in the F ort Q u’Appelle ar ea. P astor H arlos a nd hi s wife, Verna are members at Our Saviour, F ort Qu’Appelle. Submitted b y R ev. Lowell D ennis, Circuit Counselor of the Katepwa Circuit. ONTARIO CIRCUIT REPORT The Ontario Circuit covers northwestern Ontario, including congregations from the Manitoba border to Nipigon and south to the US border. Congregations & Pastors/Deacons: Immanuel, Nipigon (1952) and Calvary (Preaching Station), Marathon(1999) Pastoral vacancy. Pastor Keith Blom is serving as vacancy pastor. Lappe, Thunder Bay (1917) Pastor Neil Otke (Ordained 1987, installed 2013) Epiphany, Thunder Bay (1962) Pastor David Haberstock (Ordained and installed, 2004) Christ, Thunder Bay (1957) Pastor Brian Falkenholt (Ordained 1999, installed 2013) B. 19 Bethel, Thunder Bay (1897) Pastor Jaime Bosma (Ordained 2000, installed 2000) Trinity, Thunder Bay (1942) Pastor Neil Otke (Ordained 1987, installed 2013) Calvary, Thunder Bay (1958) Pastor Tim Barone (Ordained and installed, 2013) Redeemer, Kakabeka Falls (1967) Pastor Garry Heintz (Ordained and installed, 2002) Faith, Atikokan (1952) Pastor Keith Blom (Ordained 1982, installed 2011) Church of the Lutheran Hour, Fort Frances (1946) Pastor Jacob Quast (Ordained 2003, installed 2009) Our Saviour, Dryden (1956), & St. Mark, Vermillion Bay (1962) Pastor James Wood (Ordained 2004, installed 2006) Pastor Justin Miller (Ordained 2014, installed 2014) Faith Ignace (1952) Pastoral vacancy, Pastor Neil Otke is serving as vacancy pastor. Christ, Red Lake (1960) Pastor Michael Montague (Ordained 2012, installed 2012) Good Shepherd, Kenora (1995) Pastoral vacancy. Pastor Harold Borchardt is serving as vacancy pastor. Other Ministries Aurora Lutheran Bible Camp, Thunder Bay StreetReach, Thunder Bay Pastor Neil Otke (Ordained 1987, installed 2005) Other Pastors in the Circuit Pastor John Schmidt (Emeritus) Pastor Dan Repo (Emeritus) Circuit Officers Circuit Counsellor: Pastor Garry Heintz Secretary: Pastor David Haberstock Circuit Activities Congregational a. 50th Anniversary for Ephiphany, Thunder Bay (2012) b. Circuit Forum (October 12, 2013) c. Circuit Presentation by Pastor Donavon Riley (February, 2015) Pastoral Pastors have studied scriptural texts and sermons on the Office of the Holy Ministry during the winkels, which generally have met once a month, except during the summer months. Those outside Thunder Bay have occasionally “skyped in”. Pastor Daniel Repo retired in the spring of 2012. Ralph Arndt (DCO) resigned his position in Dryden in the summer of 2012. Pastor Clark Wilkie moved from the circuit and removed himself from membership in Lutheran Church -Canada. Pastor Michael Montague was ordained and installed at Christ, Red Lake in September, 2012. Pastor Neil Otke was installed at Lappe, Thunder Bay and was installed as pastor at Trinity, Thunder Bay in 2013. Pastor Tim Barone was installed as associate pastor at Calvary, Thunder Bay in August 2013. Pastor Carl Sauer (Emeritus) transferred out of the district and into the LCMS in August 2013. Brian Falkenholt was installed at Christ, Thunder Bay in December, 2013. The congregation of Church of the Lutheran Hour, Ft Francis formed a dual parish with St. Paul, International Falls, MN, in January, 2014. Pastor Jacob Quast now serves the parish. Pastor Justin Miller was installed as associate pastor for Our Saviour, Dryden in July 2014. We bid farewell to Pastor Brian Lee in June, 2014. Pastor Tim Barone was installed as head pastor at Calvary, Thunder Bay in November 2014. Counsellor: Attempted congregational visits, held circuit convocation, assisted with call meetings, organized pastoral retreats, provided advice, organized circuit forum, etc. Respectfully submitted in Christ Garry Heintz, Circuit Counsellor B. 20 PORTAGE CIRCUIT REPORT 2012-2015 1. Name: Portage Circuit: South-Central and Western Manitoba 2. Congregation, Location, Year Founded, Pastor, Year Ministry Began, Year Ordained Grace, Brandon, 1951, E. Mielke, 2004, 1997 St. Paul’s, McCreary, 1917, vacant, served by M.L. Smith Zion, Morden, 1922/1965 (LCMS), A. Klages, 2003, 2003 Christ, Neepawa, 1972, vacant, served by M.L. Smith Zion, Plumas, 1901, M.L. Smith, 2010, 2009 Redeemer, Portage la Prairie, 1953, vacant, served by E. Mielke Trinity, Winkler, 1901, A. Klages, 2003, 2003 NB: St. Paul, McCreary/Christ, Neepawa and Zion, Morden/Trinity, Winkler are dual parishes. 3. Other pastors: Zion, Plumas: A. Borchardt (Associate/Visitation), ordained 1959 Trinity, Winkler: A. Toms (retired), ordained 2007 4. Circuit Counsellor: Rev. Alexander Klages, November 2009-present 5. Circuit Activity: Congregational: Brandon: Spanish work continues; major renovations to building completed 2014. McCreary: Exploring becoming part of a 3-point parish with Plumas. Morden: New organ 2012. Celebrating 50 years of being LCMS/LCC in 2015. Neepawa: A party spirit led to a parting of several members in 2013/14. Exploring becoming part of a 3-point parish with Plumas. Plumas: Several members helped with construction of church in Somotillo, Nicaragua in 2013. Exploring becoming a three-point parish with Neepawa/McCreary. Portage: Currently in vacancy. Winkler: Had a vicar in 2012-13 (Jeremy Richert, CLTS, St Catharines). New roof 2014. German work still going. Pastoral: We have held annual circuit forums/convocations except in 2014. Our next convocation will be this year. Our circuit pastors meet monthly from September to June, excepting December, for fellowship, growth and mutual encouragement. Since the last report, Adrian Toms (retired) has joined our circuit (October 2013), Mark Just (Christ, Neepawa/St. Paul, McCreary) has resigned (June 2013) due to health troubles and John Blum (Redeemer, Portage la Prairie) has resigned due to congregational financial troubles (January 2014). Respectfully submitted, Rev. Alexander Klages, Circuit Counsellor, Portage Circuit QU’APPELLE CIRCUIT REPORT REV. GERALD ANDERSEN – CIRCUIT COUNSELLOR St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Broadview, SK (part of “Go Forth in Peace Parish”): Pastor Rev. Gerald Andersen (serving since August 2010). On August the 12th 2012 St. Paul’s celebrated their 100th Anniversary. In the fall of 2013 St. Paul’s hosted a community Thanksgiving Service, and in the spring of 2014 they hosted a h igh school g raduation service. Peace Lutheran Church – Grenfell, SK (part of “Go Forth in Peace Parish”): Pastor Rev. Gerald Andersen (serving since August 2010). E ach year Peace hosts the Parish BBQ for Go forth in Peace. In 2 014 i t w as h eld a s p art of CL WR’s B iggest Lutheran BBQ ever with 70 in attendance. In 2013 the guest speaker canceled due to sickness, but the BBQ went ahead. In 2012 the guest speaker was from L utheran B ible T ranslators, af terwards we B. 21 decided t o s upport L BT Aubert K pengapse as a parish. Maher served as vacancy pastor until Rev. Nieminen was ordained and installed. Zion Lutheran Church – Wolseley, SK (part of “Go Forth in Peace Parish”): Pastor Rev. Gerald Andersen ( serving since August 2 010). Z ion celebrated t heir 1 00th anniversary J une 2 2nd 2014, and t here were o ver 9 0 p eople i n at tendance t hat day. As part of their 100th anniversary Zion initiated putting together a photo directory, and this was done along with Peace Lutheran Church from Grenfell. Trinity Lutheran Church – Neudorf, SK: Pastor Johannes Nieminen (serving since June 2014). Rev. Murray K eith served as vacancy p astor f rom January 2010 until he took a call in 2013. With the departure of Rev. Keith, Rev. Ray Maher served as vacancy p astor until t he a rrival o f Rev. N ieminen. The c ongregation hosted th e C ircuit R eformation Service in November 2014. Zion Lutheran Church – Windthorst, SK: Vacant (not cal ling); V acancy P astor: R ev. G erald Andersen. R egular s ervices ha ve no t been he ld since t he winter o f 2 010. P resently s ervices ar e about once every other month. Trinity Lutheran Church – Moosomin, SK: Vacant (not calling); Vacancy Pastor: Rev. Jeff Dul (serving since 2012) Zion Lutheran Church – Melville, SK: Pastor Johannes Nieminen (serving since June 2014). The congregation celebrated their 1 00th anniversary on August t he 5 th 2012, a nd ho sted t he Circuit Reformation Service o n O ctober 2 8th 2012. O n August 25 th, 2013 Rev. Murray Keith preached his last service before leaving for a cal l and Rev. R ay St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Indian Head, SK: St. Paul’s had been vacant since February 2002, and had b een s erved b y Rev. Michael Keith s ince t hat time until he took a call in 2012. Rev. Allan Harlos served b riefly a s the vacancy p astor and then they closed at the end of 2012. Qu’Appelle Circuit Counsellor Rev. Gerald Andersen, December 2014 RED RIVER CIRCUIT REPORT 2015 Disclaimer –The information contained below is factually obtained from reports at winkels and/or forums or timely congregational reports, with a few editorial notes. The Red River Circuit - The congregations of the Red River Circuit attempt every year to do some things together since we share the same heritage, and walk together in theological unity. Representatives of the seven congregations meet three times a year in forum. We report on congregational activities and plan circuit events, usually enjoying a great breakfast. Over the past three years we usually have done a yearly choral festival, helped Beautiful Savior with Christmas Hamper Drive, and invited each other’s congregation to a picnic. We have had the new German Pastor from St. Peter’s Lutheran Church (formerly ELCIC), Rev. Meinhardt, attend our winkels at the invitation of President Bugbee. That has been quite fine with the brethren. We like his accent. There are some in the circuit reading through the Bible in two years. We also had the National Youth Gathering held in Winnipeg. The Red River Circuit subsidized youth of families with low income to attend, including a few from the Oromo Christian Fellowship of Manitoba. A number of our congregation sent their youth to annual retreats at Peace and in Dryden. Peace – Pastor Brad Schollenberg (FW ’86) & Pastor Glenn Worcester (FW ’09) Peace is the baby of the circuit, perhaps a little immature, perhaps a little rebellious, but full of life and ambition. Over the last three years Peace has been quietly but aggressively paying down its mortgage on a new administrative addition. We have also quietly been growing, at least, biologically. 30 babies born in the last three years. We made an in-home photo directory. That now already has to be redone. We have a flashy new website. Our baby boomers are retiring healthy and many are away during the summer and now the winter. That’s been a challenge to fill leadership positions. We’ve also had our share of the baby boomers getting sick with terminal diseases. All of the regular activities continue as we strive to minister to all ages. We host a well-attended regional youth B. 22 retreat every year and supplied musicians for the national youth gathering. These past three years we have adopted ministry objectives, to keep us more focused on the evangelical task of the church. Just to highlight a few: ‘warm and friendly atmosphere’ – we now have “Ask Me” people decked out in fluorescent green t-shirts available in our lobby to greet visitors and answer questions about all things church. A welcome center has been added as well. We have a lot of families with young children and we recognize the challenge it is to attend church with the little ones. So we have new flooring in the basement and freshly painted Sunday School classrooms, renovated nursery, and get this, plexi-glass safety railing in the balcony. Another objective is to “offer mission experiences for youth and adults for the next five years.” We’ve started. We have a five year commitment to do VBS in the northern Ontario community of Sachigo Lake. We sent a team of 12 this summer. And a team of 3 just before Christmas. We also sent a team of 8 to a very different mission experience at Camp Restore New Orleans. Both of these have been well supported by the congregation. Submitted by Pastor Brad Schollenberg Holy Cross – Pastor Richard Kruesel (SL 63) If Peace is the baby of the circuit than Holy Cross is the first born, the oldest sibling. Faithful, responsible. Getting a little old, parts not working like they used to, and very few younger parts if any at all. But they manage to carry on with a vibrant seniors program that meets twice a month, a recent 110 year anniversary celebration, and they still distribute food for Winnipeg Harvest. Richard the first, as he is affectionately known among the brethren, has announced his retirement and Holy Cross has started the calling process. As soon as a new pastor is in place, Rev. Kruesel will retire. Immanuel – Pastor Richard Beinert (CLS 98) Immanuel is the mother church. She has a nice functional modern facility for sure, but she too is getting older. She’s never quite gained her prominence after moving to the suburbs. Non-theless, she is the mother church and like the strategy of any good mother. . . .feed them and they will come, or stay? Something like that. And so Immanuel held a Spring supper in a bedroom community just outside the city from them. Great idea! They continue to host a group of African immigrants meeting in their facility. Richard the second, as he is affectionately known among the brethren, is working with one such young man who is enrolled in the PATS program. Richard has received his PhD from the University of Manitoba. Beautiful Savior – Pastor Cam Schnarr (CLTS 10) One of the affluent middle children. “To him who has been given much, much will be required.” Beautiful Savior has been given the responsibility of the entire south half of the city. And that’s the community that is growing the most, with the most affluent choosing to live there (our District and Synodical Presidents the only exceptions)! So Beautiful Savior has it’s hands full, and the young Schnarr too. But they appear to be up to the task. They got the school and the nursery school buzzing. The congregation has added an assisting pastor, President Robert Bugbee. They are considering a basement renovation that could involve the potential expansion of the school ministry by way of daycare. They are reviewing/revising their constitution and by-laws. Saint James – Pastor Jim Schnarr (CLTS 82) Another blessed middle child. During the glory days of a long pastorate they were the athletic child. Healthy, strong, generous congregation. Now they are in the ‘empty nest’ season. Here’s what Rev. Jim Schnarr has to report: 2012 - Ministry began with our newly installed Pastor, Rev. Jim Schnarr 2013 - Hosted the LWML-C Zone Renewal. Pastor Jim Schnarr led the topic “Why Give?” We Participated in REACH OUT CANADA and the LCC 25th Anniversary Worship Service at the University of Manitoba. We started “Word and Motion” Initiative combined study of God’s Word with some exercise (learning to Ballroom Dance). 2014 – We did a “Why Give?” Bible Study/stewardship emphasis. It included a “silent pledge” of financial giving to the Lord for 12 months was received at the Ash Wednesday Service. A ceremonial “burning” of one of the pledges received (now “silenced”) was during the service. The others received were burned confidentially off site. Also an Annual Overview of Sunday Morning Worship Services for the year ahead was compiled as a summary of the duties of all groups active on any given Sunday (e.g. altar guild, organist, soloists, elders, ushers, choir, greeters, music committee, video recorders, youth/Sunday School). The specific Service details were also included for each Sunday (e.g. Service Setting, dates for the Lord’s Supper, special Sundays like Confirmation, Holy Week, etc.). Children’s Messages by the pastor during Divine Service were implemented on the last Sunday of the month. Some Statistics 2012-2014: Holy Baptisms: 11; Confirmations: 6 (2 adults); New Adult Members: 22; Deaths: 13 Submitted Pastor Jim Schnarr B. 23 Grace – Beausejour. Pastor Ward I Yunker (FW 09) Grace is our token rural congregation. Every city circuit should have one, as it reminds us that our forefathers settled in the country, raised their Godfearing children there, and thus strong and solid congregations, and then sent their kids off to the city for a ‘higher’ education. Somewhere between the country and the city much of the harvest has fallen off the wagon (as PW would put it). Here is Rev. Ward Yunker’s report: At the time of the 2012 Central District Convention, Grace Lutheran Church was served by the Rev. Dale Mohr. Pastor Mohr would come from Winnipeg to preach and celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Then, in May of 2012, ill health forced Pastor Mohr to end his service to Grace Lutheran Church. The congregation was then blessed to be served by the Rev. Ward Yunker, a pastor on candidate status living in Winnipeg at the time. For two Sundays in May, Pastor Ward came to preach as a guest preacher before he left for the States to preach at the 40th anniversary of his father’s ordination. Then, beginning in July of 2012, on the advice of Circuit Counselor Brad Schollenberg, the congregation welcomed Pastor Ward as its interim pastor. In July of 2012, the town of Beausejour celebrated the 100th anniversary of its incorporation. As part of the celebration, a history of Grace Lutheran Church was written by Alice Young and Olga Relf for the Beausejour Centennial book Our Home, Your Home. The fall of 2012 saw an increase in attendance for the congregation, particularly as Whitney Grace Hlady, daughter of Brad and Carla Hlady was baptized in October. As 2012 became 2013, the congregation grew more active. Annual events in the congregation, including the Fall Supper and Valentine’s Day Lunch went on. Also, the youth group made a cross in the snow and held a silent auction to raise funds for the 2013 LCC National Youth Gathering. In March of 2013, Pastor Ward moved from his apartment in Winnipeg to a farmhouse outside Beausejour and increased his office hours. Two youth from Grace Lutheran Church were confirmed in 2013: Riley Versluis and Quinn Wojcik. These two youth also attended the LCC National Youth Gathering in the summer of 2013. Pastor Ward took some time off in 2013 to attend his 20 year high school reunion. Upon his return, the congregation entered a float in the Beausejour Rodeo Parade. The youth went on a hike in the Whiteshell, and the Fall Supper took place. In 2014, attendance decreased due mainly to the harsh winter weather. However, the Valentine’s Lunch and Fall Supper proceeded as usual. Pastor Ward also moved from his farmhouse to an apartment within Beausejour town limits. Submitted by Pastor Ward I. Yunker, Interim Pastor Good Shepherd – Pastor Harold Borchardt (CLTS 02) Another middle child. This one inherited the gift of cooking from her mother. Do you ever walk in a church and look at the facility? It can tell you what’s important for that congregation. Good Shepherd has a state of the art kitchen, Wow! We always get fed well at our winkels. Redeemer – Pastor Todd Hoeffs (CLTS 00) Not the oldest child, but the second oldest. They park themselves on what is called the ‘four corners’ in the heart of the Peg. ‘Four corners’ because there are four belief systems represented on each corner of Wellington and Academy. What a diverse neighbourhood! Since 2012, LCR has welcomed Rev. Todd Hoeffs and his family as he serves the Lord in His Church. He and the parish are experiencing a breadth of enriching worship using various Traditional Lutheran sources incorporating other cultures and settings. Attendance has slowly risen over these last few years, as well as some stable financial growth. Other than the cost of a new furnace and some much needed maintenance, there are resources available for outreach and growth. The parish welcomed in eight new families who have remained and slowly become involved as integral members of the Redeemer family. Some of these families came from Lutheran roots, others are new to the faith and even immigrated from other countries. While our Sunday school numbers are low, the Adult Bible studies are well attended. Our Education hour runs from Late September through November, then January through Late April. A VBS was offered in 2012, with a nice attendance and a large supply of volunteers. Due to a lack of registrations for 213, we have shelved any ideas for future VBS programs for now. At this point in time, our parish is looking at offering training on Lutheran vocation and leadership for the church in regard to “in-reach” and “outreach”. On that note, Redeemer became the home for the Oromo Lutheran Christian Fellowship Mission on February 2, 2013, the day of our Lord’s presentation. They worship on Sunday afternoons and meet for education and fellowship on Saturdays. After 26 years of occupying the gym and partial basement of the Church, Little Lambs Christian Preschool/Daycare (LLCP) will be moving to a new home. What began as a “Tot Time” in the 1980’s as a mission where the church grew significantly in Sunday school and young families, it gradually B. 24 became a separate entity and a full time day care for the last 15 years. As the mission and passion of the parish changes, this has become a welcome relief to the membership. Now we are able to reclaim our space fully, discuss avenues for outreach and growth within the walls and outside the walls. LCR supports a parish food pantry for community usage. We also collect “Tampons and Toothbrushes” which get delivered to River House Women’s Shelter in the Wolsely part of Winnipeg. Pastor Todd is involved with a “listening ministry” at Smith Street Manitoba Housing Unit where short Bible studies, Catechism discussions, prayers and random “blessings” take place nearly every Thursday of the year for about 45 minutes. This past year, LCR gathered together basic food items, Christmas candy and copies of the Portals of Prayer for over 30 Christmas hampers delivered with the pastor and an elder. This was a tremendous success not only for the residents but for the unity built up as the membership came together. We look forward to all avenues of mission opportunity which faces our parish this year and the years to come. Respectfully Submitted by Pastor Todd Hoeffs Oromo Christian Fellowship of Manitoba – Pastor Assefa Aredo. Though technically not an official part of the Red River Circuit, the group of Oromo immigrants are led by Pastor Assefa. Pastor Assefa was trained through the PATS program of LCC. The OCFM was meeting in an old Lutheran Church west of downtown. The congregation that owned that building disbanded and the OCFM moved to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Their numbers have decreased slightly as some have moved out west for work. They are hosting a Canada wide Oromo conference in July 2015. The Red River Circuit is also home to some of the veterans of the cross: Rev. Dale Mohr (SL 64), Rev. Karl Koslowsky (SL 57); and some of the brass: Rev. Tom Prachar (CLTS 80), Rev. Robert Bugbee (SL 81), Rev. Leonardo Neitzel (78) Respectfully Submitted by Pastor Brad Schollenberg SASKATOON CIRCUIT REPORT ST. PAUL’S BERGHEIM I continue to serve as Vacancy Pastor of St. Paul's Bergheim Lutheran Church. VBS was held July 1417 with 19 children attending. In 2014 there was 1 baptism, 1 Adult Confirmation, 1 wedding, and 3 funerals. There are many opportunities for outreach to the people living on acreages in the area and neighbouring communities. In addition to Sunday Services, I also teach a confirmation class for three students. Since I have announced my "retirement", new arrangements for pastoral services will be made in the coming months. I serve as Pastoral Counsellor for the Saskatoon Zone of the Lutheran Laymen's League. Annually the LLL Zone sponsors a booth at the Saskatoon Exhibition and provides Project Connect booklets, Portals of Prayer, Bibles and New Testaments, as well as other literature to the many visitors. This is an outreach ministry of the LCC congregations in Saskatoon, Warman and Bergheim. I enlist and schedule the 34 volunteers that assist with the fair booth. I continue to serve as President of the Malabar Mission Society. On April 10, 2015 we will observe the 25th Anniversary with a supper at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Regina. This also includes the distribution and mailing of our Newsletter three times a year. We continue to distribute a Viewbook that highlights the mission work of the Malabar Mission Society. We also continue to distribute our history book, _The Story of the Malabar Mission Society: Two Decades of Service_. Prayer and financial support has been provided for more than 25 years to the Pastors and Gospel Workers in the Malabar region, Kerala State, India. We praise God for his many blessings. Howard BATTLE RIVER, MAIDSTONE & TRINITY ST. WALBURG Pastor Quinn Adams continues to provide interim pastoral ministry for both congregations. HOLY TRINITY LUSELAND Pastor David Mellecke serves Luseland congregation with Word and Sacrament ministry. FAITH SASKATOON Pastor Rudy Pastucha still serving the people of Faith, Saskatoon with Word and Sacrament Ministry. GRACE SASKATOON B.25 This last year at Grace has been a solid year. We had three students confirmed last spring, a few baptisms and two weddings. Several members passed away but their funerals were conducted elsewhere. We have had a small uptick in weekly attendance over the past year, but I have noticed that while numbers remain stable from week-to-week the faces do not. This coincides with what I saw on vicarage, and I’m at a loss on how to stabilize the numbers AND the faces. Our Sunday School, youth group and young adults groups soldier on steadily but also are subject to stable numbers and unstable faces. Recently we had an exploratory meeting with St. Paul’s Bergheim regarding coming to a potential dual-parish arrangement, but we await a response from them following their annual meeting. I personally would ask for your prayers on this matter. Overall, Word & Sacrament ministry continue at Grace as we prepare to meet the changes and challenges our world and community present to us. In Christ, Pastor Rod Parker HOLY CROSS SASKATOON The Lord Jesus Christ richly bless you with His grace and favour! We enjoyed another wonderful year of God’s blessing of Word and Sacrament ministry. As I write this report on the Eve of my installation at Holy Cross (December 9th), I find it difficult to believe that our Lord Christ has blessed us with 8 years. Without mentioning any names, one individual said that there are only 19 more years to go! God-willing our Lord will keep us together so that His Holy Word can be proclaimed in our sanctuary, and His Body and Blood administered according to His Word, command and promise. At the same t ime, we must r emember t hat t hese wonderful gifts of the Gospel are not given to me exclusively. All pastors of the Church of Christ Jesus are given these gifts o f th e G ospel to give t o H is pe ople. O ur L ord Jesus will p rovide for y ou e ven i f I a m no t i n your midst. R emember it is n ot a bout m e, it is a ll a bout Jesus! Throughout the year of 2014, we were blessed with so many gifts. Every day, aside from Sundays, we had a daily r eading from th e B ible. The B ible S tudy o n Sunday mornings were based on these daily readings. All ar e welcome t o at tend o f co urse. T his was t he second year of the two-year reading through the Bible program. F or t hose who were f ollowing a long, t hey would have read through the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation by the end of September! The goal was by no means t o s imply r ead t hrough t he B ible once, rather i t was t o h elp cr eate a d aily l ife-long habit o f Bible r eading so that we d o not b ecome strangers to the voice of Jesus. When we concluded our two-year program i n September we b egan a new i n O ctober. This time Donna is breaking up the readings so that the readings are of equal length. Early t his year, o ur o ut-reach co mmittee h ad made good use of our Facebook page. I have personally gone through our entire membership list of both active and inactive members t o f ind t hem o n F acebook s o that they can get connected to what is happening at Holy Cross. I a m still waiting f or s ome to a ccept o ur ‘friendship.’ If you know of anyone who wants to be connected, please forward our Facebook page to them. On ou r F acebook pa ge we post u p-coming e vents, activities, articles, photos and our daily Bible readings (once a week). W e h ope t o co ntinue t o u se t he Facebook p age f or t hose already co nnected. I n addition to out-reach, the year 2014 was a year of ‘inreach.’ In 2014 I made it a daily habit in my personal devotion to pray for every single baptized member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. It was a pleasure to write out a total of 263 Baptismal Birthday Cards this year. I pray that those who received the cards would ponder the great gifts that God in Christ gives to us by the way of Holy Baptism. Unfortunately Donna does not have all of our members baptismal dates in our records, so if you did not receive a card this past year it means that I did not have the date of your Baptism into Christ. If you ar e o ne o f t hese individuals, p lease le t D onna know the date of your B aptism. At the B eginning o f May, LLL hosted a one day evangelism workshop at Faith Lutheran Church called Mission U201. Mission U201 was an excellent course that taught our laity how to be prepared for difficult questions on the Christian faith. I n J une, o ur co ngregation p articipated i n t he Mount R oyal D ay i n t he Park. Thank you f or everyone’s h elp i n or der t o make t his a worthwhile day. T his i s a n annual event, and I hope that we can still be a presence at the day in the park so that we can connect families and individuals to our congregation. At t he d awn o f t he N ew Y ear we h ad t wo opportunities to view the incredible presentation of the Star of Bethlehem by lawyer Rick Larson. This year’s feast o f t he T ransfiguration of ou r L ord Jesus was special because the sermon was based on our newly installed s tained g lass window. I n a ddition to th e Transfiguration window, I preached on our Christmas window Christmas Eve (Dec 24th 2013), and our two original widows for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. These s ermons were co llected i n a b ooklet a nd ar e available t hrough D onna. Our S hrove T uesday pancake supper opened to way to the season of Lent. The theme we chose for 2014 was The Blessings in the Blood of Jesus. In ad dition, I ga ve a way t wo Lenten coins ( John 3: 16) t o e ach member t his year f or ou r members to share w ith others w ho ha ve no t he ard about Jesus our Saviour! At the beginning of the year, our Bible Class on Wednesdays finished a series on the religion of Islam. At the end of this study, I offered a B.26 4 week study on The Great Deceiver in May. I offered this S tudy o n W ednesday a fternoons a nd E venings. This schedule was helpful for those who could either attend the afternoon or evening class if they were not able to attend at either time. At the end of this study, several i ndividuals a sked if I would teach a cl ass o n the b ook o f R evelation. At f irst, I was e xtremely reluctant, b ut when o thers a sked, I s aid I would consider it i n my prayers. I n the fall o ur W ednesday class be gan a Study on t he B ook of R evelation. Revelation is a very difficult book to study and teach, however, I am certain we are all growing in the grace and knowledge o f Christ. I am ex tremely impressed with ho w many have a ttended o ur R evelation s tudy (note to self, teach Revelation or anything apocalyptic to i ncrease at tendance i n B ible C lass). F or al l w ho attend the class I pray that they would not grow weary but continue to the end. In addition to W ednesday, I have offered a prayer s ervice called Matins (see our LSB H ymnal pp. 219 ff) at noon. I usually pray this beautiful s ervice f or m y m orning devotion, but on Wednesdays I have opened it to all who would like to attend. I n th e Fall I offered a new Adult I nstruction class t hat lead to membership at Holy Cross. O n t he first S unday of A dvent, w e w elcomed four n ew members. Thanks be to God! I was also asked to teach at the fall renewal for the LWML based on the theme ‘Blessed to b e B lessed.’ I t was a wonderful d ay a nd everyone was blessed by the Word of God and prayer. The other d uties t hat keep m e b usy t hroughout the year i s s erving o n o ur C entral D istrict B oard o f Directors and providing pastoral care for the daycare, where I have a 1 5 minute chapel with the learners on the f irst W ednesday o f t he month. T his p ast year, Pastor Randy Heide asked if I could teach the Small Catechism at a professional development day for the teachers of Lutheran Early Childcare facility on Friday January 31st. As for the Board of Directors, we meet for an hour twice a year in a conference-call and face to f ace t wice a year (spring and fall). T he B oard o f Directors a ppointed me to t wo c ommittees this year; the nomination committee and a task force committee. We also made plans for the upcoming convention in Saskatoon in April. My term on the Central District Board of Directors is complete by the first day of the convention; however, I have been nominated to serve another three year term. I will prayerfully consider this nomination as I have not given my final answer. Our Saskatoon ci rcuit meets o nce a month ( winkel: German for co rner i .e. ‘ pastors co rner’) t o d iscuss theological issues and concerns of the Church. We also plan circuit events such as Lent services, workshops, circuit forums, a nd youth e vents. I n S eptember o ur Church workers conference was held in Lumsden, Sk. We were blessed with Dr. Paul L. Maier who lectured on the early Church and its relevance today. The Elders have been a wonderful blessing this year. We meet when we are able and when the need arises. During my vacation and absence for the BOD meeting in W innipeg, t he Elders a nd I a rranged for R ev. Dr. James D imitroff t o se rve H oly Cross. W e t hank t he Lord Jesus Christ for Pastor Dimitroff and the service he ha s b rought t o o ur c ongregation this year. T he Elders c ontinue t o b e o f gr eat he lp i n t he D ivine Service. Twice a year the Elders have sent a l etter to the members of the congregation to encourage them to participate i n t he s pecial services o f Lent a nd Advent/Christmas. Our annual retreat was again held at Queen’s House on November 6-7th. We discussed three c hapters i n ou r book Pastors and Elders. The purpose of our retreat is not only to study, but also to have fellowship and worship together. Finally, I want to again thank everyone who took the time to recognize and celebrate the anniversary of my 10th year o f o rdination in to the o ffice o f the Holy Ministry. This was unexpected and I am once again humbled b y your love a nd ge nerosity. I also want t o thank yo u again f or y our m ore-than ge nerous gi ft a Christmas. My thoughts are drawn to the Gospel of St. Luke, ‘when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘we are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty’ (17:10). Unfortunately I have not done my duty to the best of my ability, and for th at I beg y our f orgiveness. I a m a n un worthy servant who s erves t he Lord C hrist i n H is Church; Holy C ross. E ven t hough I a m unw orthy, C hrist Himself has m ade m e worthy to serve you w ith His gifts. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me a sinner. I also want to thank everyone who prayed for my family t his past year, especially my f ather Ernie who s uffered t wo h eart a ttacks i n August a nd my brother Ernest (Jr.), his wife Yanzi and daughter Eva at the death o f Yanzi’ mother. Mar ilea, the children and I ha ve b een ve ry b lessed t o s erve you a nd t his congregation. I pr ay t hat ou r L ord bless u s i n 2015 with H is H oly W ord an d S acred S acraments. P eace and Joy! Blessings in Christ, Pr. James Vosper ST. PAUL’S SASKATOON Word and Sacrament ministry continues at St. Paul’s. Many members participated in a two-year Bible reading program that concluded January 2014. We met and discussed the challenges and blessings of this program and discussed how we can continue to encourage one another in being in God’s Word. The options of restarting the two year Bible reading program or using the LSB daily lectionary were offered to the congregation. We plan on meeting quarterly for discussion and encouragement. I was very intentional about doing member visits this past year and I was surprised by how willing people B.27 were to see me and by the blessing this time with the saints has been for my ministry and preaching. St. Paul’s is participating in the Doxology Program. I attended a session for clergy at the end of June 2014 and another one with two lay members in October 2014. It has been a great blessing for me personally and for my service as a pastor. The lay members who attended also speak very highly of it and I am excited to see how the learning and growing at Doxology will impact our congregation. I will be attending another session with my wife in August 2015. With the blessing and support of St. Paul’s, I am registered to attend the International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism, and Human Rights this coming July 7-18, 2015. I feel privileged and blessed to be serving the saints of St. Paul’s. In Christ, Murray Keith ST. JOHN’S WARMAN Pastor Randy Heide continues to serve St. John's with Word and Sacrament ministry, as they welcome Lutheran Early Learning Center to their campus with a newly dedicated facility (Dedicated Feb. 1, 2015). Our shared campus hosts a new child care center (65 spaces), rebuilt education classrooms shared with LELC and various user groups, a newly constructed Narthex/church hall, offices and Library/meeting room for the church and to be shared as a board room for LELC as their new headquarters. It was wonderful to have Circuit representation from congregations (Pastors and Lay People), my neighbouring Circuit Counsellor and his wife from Humboldt, Pastor Rob and Laura Grout, community representatives from City Council and local congregations, along with LELC Staff and families in attendance at the dedication service Sunday afternoon. Our MLA and Mayor both brought greetings along with a great message from President Tom Prachar. While being under construction this past summer we cancelled our VBS program, but have set dates for this summer to resume. During July we did host the Nemeiben Lake Youth Retreat in conjunction with Faith Lutheran Middle Lake, as has been our tradition for the past 6 years. Our worship attendance numbers did not slump as we predicted might happen with construction and restricted facilities. We hosted a number of Bible Studies through out the year, along with Sunday School, and Youth Study. The Outreach committee of St. John's will continue to utilize their congregationally approved model for ministry to the families using our childcare facility. It is entitled 'Holding hands that they may know Jesus', and based on work that Rev. Dr. Glenn Schaefer did in Barrie Ontario. The Stewardship committee, continues to find new ways to keep the stewardship efforts of the people before the congregation, this was evident in the number of congregational members who stepped forward over the last few months to assist with painting, cleaning, and moving as we prepared for the facility dedication. As our assistance from District draws to a close this 2015 fiscal year the congregation believes that with the added ministry of the daycare and its strong outreach and stewardship program it will be ready to stand fully on its own. Please keep us in your prayers. In service of our Lord and saviour, Randy Heide TRINITY WILKIE, & LUTHERAN CHURCH OF UNITY-Pastor Doug Taylor continues to serve with Word and Sacrament Ministry continuing WASCANA CIRCUIT REPORT Grace Lutheran Church Regina, Saskatchewan Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Regina, Saskatchewan by the grace of God has seen another year of stability. Three weddings, multiple baptisms, faithful workers, and far fewer funerals have all contributed toward slight growth in the Church in 2014, but higher expenses contributed to our first deficit budget in three years. For the first time in four years, we have a first and second year confirmation class running. While the number of shut ins remains high, the support of Pastor Pudricki has helped see to the needs of all. We celebrated our 90th anniversary this year on November 8th with a music program involving the Sunday School choir and Pastor and Katherine Swem singing as a duet, and this was followed by a catered meal. We will have some significant opportunities (including work in the neighbourhood as well as a new study called families and faith) and challenges (decreasing volunteers to fill primary elected positions on boards and council) within the next few years, but with the help of God we shall meet the days ahead. Mount Olive Lutheran Church Regina, Saskatchewan God continues to bless Mount Olive in Regina. We were pleased to have Vicar James Preus in our midst in 2014. James and Theresa welcomed a B.28 daughter into their family, little Clara, during their time here. From mid-2014 to mid-2015, James was heavily involved in all areas of parish life, especially with young adult ministry, and a youth choir. Pastor Ted Giese works with Lutheran Church – Canada on the Board of Regents for Concordia Seminary in Edmonton. He also posts material to Facebook and Twitter on behalf of the congregation. His movie reviews are well received by both Lutheran Church – Canada and Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod publications. He also presents material on Issues,Etc, a LC-MS radio / internet outreach and information source. Our website is a popular source for printed and audio versions of sermons, information on our ministries, planners for weddings, baptisms and funerals, and many other resources. Pastor Terry Defoe focuses especially on his teaching and preaching ministries at Mount Olive. He has been working with a planning committee working to re-establish a Stephen Ministry presence in the congregation. A husband and wife team attended Stephen Leaders training in Orlando, Florida this past year. Pastor Defoe also works closely with Mount Olive’s Stewardship and Outreach Committees. 2014 saw a stewardship emphasis called Free and Joyous Response, a program that involves special Bible Studies, sermons, and the like, all emphasizing Biblical stewardship among God’s people. As part of this program, several of our members shared their faith story with the congregation and these presentations were very well received. This committee has also put together a Planned Giving document, with guidance for individuals who would like to remember the Lord’s work by setting aside funds in their wills. Our Outreach Committee follows up on visitors, delivering a special gift to their homes. In conjunction with this committee, a new photo directory is being planned for 2015. Our elders have been reviewing material from Stephen Ministry dealing with ministering to inactives. In addition, each year at Halloween we open the church to visitors from the community. We have candy for the children, hot dogs and hot chocolate for visitors, giving us a chance for us to get in touch with the community. As preparation for this event, our Sunday School and confirmation students carve pumpkins, which decorate the steps to the church and feature lit-up Christian designs. Soli Deo Gloria! Respectfully submitted, Pastor Terry Defoe Trinity Lutheran Church Moosomin, SK Until this winter, I have led worship services at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moosomin, SK on the first Sunday of the month for five years. Average attendance, 15--20. Since Pastor Dennis Paap’s death, these services have included the Lord’s Supper. I also performed the occasional baptism. The remaining Sunday’s pastors from the area have shared serving the parish and teaching confirmation classes. Cancellations because of bad weather and poor road conditions have been a fairly common occurrence. As a result of heavy rains, the congregation navigated through three flooded basement events during the summer of 2014. On the second Sunday of the month I lead a Communion service at Faith Coronach, SK, average attendance, 10--15. After a delicious pot-blessed lunch served by the ladies at Faith, I regularly do some shut-in communion visits at the hospital and/or senior's center. I’ve also had the occasional baptism and funeral. On most Sundays elders in the congregation choose hymns and lead the liturgy. The sermon is usually received on screen via U-stream from a pastor in Montana, who has also driven up and conducted a few Christmas/Easter services. A few ladies in the congregation are teaching a small Sunday School and confirmation class. At one time the congregation at Coronach considered possible limited joint ministry activities with the ELCIC church in Assiniboia. Nothing has materialized in that regard. I’ve been assisting Grace Congregation, Regina with monthly shut-in visit for some time. In Christ, Rev. Irwin Pudrycki, Pastor Emeritus Report from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Regina, SK Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is located in northwest Regina, an area that has seen steady and significant growth in the last number of years. The congregation was established in the fall of 1981 under the leadership of Pastor Ron Raedeke. Services in the early years were held in a school until the current facility was constructed and dedicated to the glory of God in September of 1988. Following Pastor’s Raedeke’s retirement in 1994 the congregation was served by Pastor Cliff Kentel from 1995 to 2005. In 1997, with the help of Pastor Kentel’s wife, Barb (an LCMS parochial school teacher) the Prince of Peace Christian Preschool was established which continues today. Following Pastor Kentel’s untimely death in a car accident in 2005 the B.29 congregation called Pastor Daryl Solie who has served as pastor since 2006. During the past triennium Prince of Peace has continued to seek new and creative ways to reach out effectively with the Word of God, especially to the people of northwest Regina. Some of these outreach efforts include special events such as Children’s Carnivals, Clothing Giveaways, Vacation Bible Schools, as well as special Concerts. Ongoing, regular, activities and ministries include Prince of Peace Christian Preschool, Sunday School and, of course, regular and special worship services. After years of receiving subsidy the congregation has been grateful that it has been self-sustaining for many years and, in recent years, was unable to retire it’s debt. God continues to pour out His blessing on Prince of Peace. To Him be all the glory! Submitted by Pastor Daryl Solie New Beginnings Lutheran Church Regina, Saskatchewan The congregation continues to share space with Grace Lutheran under a new five year cost sharing agreement. This situation has allowed us to focus on ministry to the community and beyond. We provide a meal once a month at the Soul’s Harbour soup kitchen. With as many as thirty volunteers, we purchase, prepare, serve and clean-up a meal that serves 300 plates. The meal is provide the third Wednesday of every month, for nine months of the year. During the lead up to Christmas we have a fundraising concert for the meals that includes music provided by Ebenezer Stone and Christmas baking by members and friends that is sold to recoup the costs of the meals. There is a partnership with Thompson School in which we provide a once a month Kid Fit event in their gymnasium. We provide supervision, structure, and a snack. It is a time for an exercise in the form of play for up to thirty children from grade 1-4. Our partnership with the school also includes sending non-perishable food to their community coordinator at irregular intervals as well as providing a lunch meal for the entire school in and around Easter. This meal is prepared and served in the Church basement with many volunteers. Our congregation has shared ministry with Grace Congregation members from each congregation participating in each other’s outreach. Grace has a clothing drive each fall, feeds a meal to Arcola School and collects various articles of clothing and food for different causes. Ministry continues in the congregation with worship each Sunday, a multigenerational Confirmation class, couples, men’s and women’s Bible studies, youth events and worship, Kid’s for Christ Sunday School, Vacation Bible Study and Seniors Study. Our DPS, Alyx Quinlan is involved in all of these ministries as well as taking on the role of Camp Director for Lutherland. Alyx also keeps us up to date on our Web site, Facebook page and twitter account. We look forward to trying to begin a Young adult study in the coming months. To God Alone be the Glory Pastor Bruce Corson B.30 Annual Meeting Lutheran Church-Canada Central District Tuesday, May 13, 2014 1. Called to order at 1:07pm Rev. Thomas Prachar, Chairman, with a prayer led by Rev. Mark Smith. 2. M/S/C to adopt the minutes of the Annual Meeting, May 7, 2013. 3. M/S/C to accept the Audited 2013 Financial Statements. 4. M/S/C to authorize the Central District Board of Directors to appoint the auditors for 2014. 5. Adjourned at 1:18pm with the Lord’s Prayer and a Benediction. Rev. Thomas Prachar, President Rev. David Haberstock, Secretary B. 31 REPORT OF THE TREASURER It is my pleasure to report to you, the delegates of the Central District Convention, on what has happened over the past three years since the last convention. Attached, as part of this report, is a summary of the District’s financial results over the past three years. The following are some highlights: • • • • • Mission receipts from congregations have been maintained at the $800,000 level from 2012 to 2014. We are thankful for this faithfulness. Expenditures have declined somewhat to reach a balanced budget. The relocation of the office from Regina has shown a saving. The Executive Director/Treasurer which had been reduced to half-time has been further reduced by the hiring of a Treasurer on a part time basis in Winnipeg. In 2014 we had an excess of revenue for the year. On the other hand, the District had an excess of expenditures over revenues in 2012 and 2013 which was covered by the use of reserve funds that had accumulated over a period of years. These reserve funds include surplus funds realized from the windup of the previous Church Extension Fund, the receipt of funds on the closing of Hope Lutheran Church in Winnipeg, the sale of the building in Regina and other funds received gratuitously from various donors and agencies. The receipt of unusual gifts in one specific year will generally result in excess expenditures over revenues in subsequent years as these funds are used for charitable purposes as required by the government. Even though the District’s reserve funds have been declining over the past several years, the district is still adequately financed with a balance as at December 2014 of over $1,000,000 in reserves. However, we need to recognize that some of these funds have been set aside for specific purposes. The District has had a policy of maintaining a current (unrestricted) fund of $100,000 but, with the sale of the district office, this amount was increased significantly. It will be the responsibility of the Board of Directors to establish an appropriate reserve fund balance that needs to be maintained into the future. The three year work program contained in section E of the district convention work book outlines how the District anticipates maintaining a balanced budget in 2015, 2016 and 2017. With the relocation of the District office to Winnipeg, my term as Treasurer has just begun. Given that this will then be the first time that I report to the District Convention, I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I have found that the experience has been very satisfying and rewarding and I thank God for those blessings. Don Paulus, Treasurer B. 32 Lutheran Church-Canada, Central District Statement of Financial Position - ( Uncombined ) As at December 31 2012 Assets Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable & prepaids Investments Property and equipment Due from other funds Total Assets 2013 2014 344,395 102,111 318,847 35,587 (44,262) 756,678 197,646 66,837 671,517 285,502 196,965 717,307 (82,733) 853,267 (81,038) 1,118,736 Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Fund Balances Unrestricted Restricted Board designated Property Fund Total Fund Balances 61,809 30,136 117,965 116,520 70,930 471,832 35,587 694,869 281,394 70,930 470,807 459,035 70,930 470,807 823,131 1,000,772 Total Liabilities and Fund Balances 756,678 853,267 1,118,737 Statement of District Current Fund Revenue and Expenditures (Uncombined) For the years ended December 31 2012 2013 Revenue District congregation missions Designated gifts Conventions & conferences Other income Operating Expenditures District missions Congregation financial support Congregation services Conventions & conferences President's Office Administration Contribution to Synod Synod support Lutheran Foundation Canada support Office relocation Excess of revenue (expenditures) for the year Transfers (to) from Reserve Funds Unrestricted net assets, beginning of the year Transfers to Reserve Funds Invested in property and equipment disposal Internally restricted Net Current (Unrestricted) Fund 2014 807,780 44,108 78,790 26,382 957,060 775,830 61,709 57,162 29,120 923,821 811,735 114,790 67,748 56,043 1,050,316 165,132 40,000 19,195 70,954 134,974 117,287 547,542 186,583 15,000 16,614 60,712 129,100 119,860 527,869 175,563 10,000 20,132 67,510 117,664 86,806 477,675 368,718 56,250 55,000 479,968 374,060 75,000 36,898 485,958 320,000 75,000 0 395,000 (70,450) 70,450 116,520 (90,006) 90,006 116,520 177,641 116,520 253,855 1,025 281,394 281,394 459,035 B. 33 Consolidated financial Statements of LUTHERAN CHURCH CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Year ended December 31, 2014 B. 34 KPMG LLP Suite 2000 - One Lombard Place Winnipeg MB R3B 0X3 Canada Telephone Fax Internet (204) 957-1770 (204) 957-0808 www.kpmg.ca Page 1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT To the Members of Lutheran Church - Canada, Central District We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Lutheran Church - Canada, Central District, which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2014, the consolidated statements of District Fund revenue and expenditures and unrestricted net assets, Church Extension Fund revenue and expenditures and unrestricted net assets, Property Fund revenue and expenditures and changes in invested in property and equipment net assets, changes in restricted net assets, changes in internally restricted - board designated net assets and cash flows for the year then ended, and notes, comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. Management's Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditors' Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on our judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. KPMG LLP is a Canadian limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”), a Swiss entity. KPMG Canada provides services to KPMG LLP. B. 35 Page 2 Opinion In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Lutheran Church - Canada, Central District as at December 31, 2014, and its consolidated results of operations and its consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. Chartered Accountants February 24, 2015 Winnipeg, Canada B. 36 Page 3 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Consolidated Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2014, with comparative information for 2013 District, Restricted and Property Fund Church Extension Fund 2014 Total 874,830 269 $ 1,160,332 194,952 184,756 – 922,122 1,981,977 184,756 2,282 1,639,430 3,181,752 218,574 690 2,197,684 2,952,579 1,484,283 – 81,038 1,484,283 – – 1,615,932 5,410 – $ 1,118,737 $ 3,547,298 $ 4,666,035 $ 4,573,921 $ $ $ $ 2013 Total Assets Current assets: Cash $ Accounts receivable Current portion of loans receivable (note 3) Prepaid expenses Short-term investments (note 4) 285,502 194,683 $ – 2,282 717,308 1,199,775 Loans receivable (note 3) Intangible assets (note 5) Due from (to) other funds – – (81,038) $ 469,333 66,298 Liabilities and Net Assets Current Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Current portion of promissory notes (note 6) 117,965 149,434 63,654 – 117,965 584,519 615,988 584,519 733,953 1,430,563 1,494,217 – 117,965 2,135,151 2,751,139 2,135,151 2,869,104 1,495,736 2,989,953 459,035 70,930 796,159 – 1,255,194 70,930 1,042,231 70,930 470,807 1,000,772 – 796,159 470,807 1,796,931 470,807 1,583,968 $ 1,118,737 $ 3,547,298 $ 4,666,035 $ 4,573,921 Promissory notes (note 6) Net assets: Unrestricted Restricted Internally restricted - Board designated 31,469 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. On behalf of the Board: Director Director B. 37 Page 4 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Consolidated Statement of District Fund Revenue and Expenditures and Unrestricted Net Assets Year ended December 31, 2014, with comparative information for 2013 2013 2014 Revenue: District congregations Designated gifts General assemblies Other $ Operating expenditures: District missions Congregation subsidies Congregation services General assemblies Presidents’ office Administration (note 10) 811,735 114,790 67,748 56,043 1,050,316 $ 775,830 61,709 57,162 29,120 923,821 175,563 10,000 20,132 67,510 117,664 86,806 477,675 186,583 15,000 16,614 60,712 129,100 119,860 527,869 320,000 374,060 75,000 – 395,000 75,000 36,898 485,958 Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenditures 177,641 (90,006) Unrestricted net assets, beginning of year 281,394 116,520 Other expenses: Contribution to Lutheran Church - Canada (note 10) Lutheran Church - Canada Financial Ministries support (note 10) Office relocation (note 10) Transfer from other net assets: Invested in property and equipment - disposal Internally restricted - Board designated Unrestricted net assets, end of year See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. – – $ 459,035 253,855 1,025 $ 281,394 B. 38 Page 5 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Consolidated Statement of Church Extension Fund Revenue and Expenditures and Unrestricted Net Assets Year ended December 31, 2014, with comparative information for 2013 2014 Interest income: Interest - loans (note 10) Investment income $ Interest expense - promissory notes Net interest income Expenditures: Amortization Board meetings Occupancy costs Contracted services and professional fees (note 10) Promotional materials Salaries (note 9) Sundry Excess of revenue over expenditures Unrestricted net assets, beginning of year Unrestricted net assets, end of year See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. $ 81,534 80,735 162,269 2013 $ 103,789 41,617 145,406 74,726 87,543 77,450 67,956 5,410 2,286 1,300 33,004 3,280 2,378 4,563 52,221 5,410 3,078 1,287 21,551 2,530 10,268 4,983 49,107 35,322 18,849 760,837 741,988 796,159 $ 760,837 B. 39 Page 6 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Consolidated Statement of Property Fund Revenue and Expenditures and Changes in Invested in Property and Equipment Net Assets Year ended December 31, 2014, with comparative information for 2013 2014 Revenue: Gain on disposal of property and equipment $ – 2013 $ 218,268 Expenditures: Amortization – Excess of revenue over expenditures – 218,268 Net assets, beginning of year – 35,587 Transfer to other net assets: Unrestricted net assets - property disposal – (253,855) Net assets, end of year See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. $ – – $ – B. 40 Page 7 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Consolidated Statement of Changes in Restricted Net Assets Year ended December 31, 2014, with comparative information for 2013 2013 2014 Net assets, beginning of year $ 70,930 $ 70,930 Net assets, end of year $ 70,930 $ 70,930 See accompanying notes to financial statements. Consolidated Statement of Changes in Internally Restricted - Board Designated Net Assets Year ended December 31, 2014, with comparative information for 2013 President’s Lectureship Net assets, beginning of year $ Allocations, uses and transfers: Allocation to unrestricted net assets Net assets, end of year 12,347 Deaf Ministry $ – $ 12,347 61,697 $ Mission Support 299,500 – $ 61,697 $ $ – 299,500 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. CEF Support 2014 Total 2013 Total 97,263 $ 470,807 $ 471,832 – $ 97,263 – $ 470,807 (1,025) $ 470,807 B. 41 Page 8 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Year ended December 31, 2014, with comparative information for 2013 2013 2014 Cash provided by (used in): Operating activities: Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenditures: District Fund Church Extension Fund Property Fund Items not involving cash: Amortization Gain on disposal of property and equipment Changes in non-cash operating working capital: Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 177,641 35,322 – $ (90,006) 18,849 218,268 5,410 (218,268) 5,410 – (128,654) (1,592) 85,780 173,907 35,267 81 (37,922) (68,321) (206,629) (21,611) 558,254 415,467 (250,000) – 723,721 (438,280) 430,707 (45,000) 253,855 201,282 Increase in cash 690,999 111,350 Cash, beginning of year 469,333 357,983 Financing activities: Promissory notes issued, net of principal repayments Investing activities: Decrease (increase) in short-term investments, net Repayments of loans receivable Issuance of loans receivable Proceeds on disposal of property and equipment Cash, end of year See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. $ 1,160,332 $ 469,333 B. 42 Page 9 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Year ended December 31, 2014 1. General: Lutheran Church - Canada, Central District (the Central District) exists as an administrative arm of the Synod to assist congregations and pastors to conserve and promote the unity of faith, carry out their mission and ministry, and exercise certain functions which can be more efficiently and effectively performed together. The Central District is incorporated under The Lutheran Church - Canada, Central District Act of Saskatchewan and is a registered Canadian charitable organization. Lutheran Church - Canada, Central District Extension Fund (CEF) was incorporated under The Canada Corporations Act on July 13, 2004 and is a registered Canadian charitable organization. On June 23, 2014, CEF was granted a Certificate of Continuance under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. CEF’s primary purpose is to make funds available for Church Extension activities. The activities include providing financing for sites, construction or renovation of facilities, and the purchase of buildings and equipment. 2. Significant accounting policies: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations and include the following significant accounting policies: (a) Basis of presentation: The Central District is the sole member of CEF. The Central District controls CEF and appoints the Board of Directors. In the event of its dissolution or wind-up, CEF`s net assets are to distributed to the Central District. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CEF and all transactions and balances between the Central District and CEF have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The accounts of the Central District have been separated into funds with the following purposes: (i) District Fund: The District Fund administers the day-to-day operations of the Central District. Property consisted of land, building and equipment, which was used by the Central District for head office administration prior to its move to Lutheran Church-Canada’s head office. Restricted represent funds received for specific projects within the Central District. The Central District Board has the responsibility for administering restricted net assets in accordance with their designated purposes. Internally restricted - Board designated net assets represents amounts that have been received and designated for future use at the discretion of the Board. B. 43 Page 10 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2014 2. Significant accounting policies (continued): (ii) Church Extension Fund: The Church Extension Fund exists for the purpose of financing the expansion of facilities to new and existing congregations. Investments form congregations and congregation members are received as promissory notes and are loaned to congregations and other synodical organizations for the purpose of acquiring land, buildings and equipment. (b) Intangible assets: Intangible assets are stated at cost, net of accumulated amortization. Amortization is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. The only asset of this nature reported in these statements is computer software with an estimated useful life of five years. (c) Income taxes: The Central District is exempt from income taxes under the provision 149(1) of The Income Tax Act. (d) Revenue recognition: The Central District follows the restricted fund method of accounting for contributions. Revenue related to general operations of the Central District and Church Extension Fund is recognized as revenue, depending on the nature of the contribution, in the year in which the related expenses are incurred. Contributions restricted for special projects are recognized as revenue in the Restricted Fund in the year received or receivable if that amount can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured. Unrestricted contributions are recognized as revenue in the District Fund, Property Fund or Church Extension Fund when received or receivable if the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured. Mission payments and designated gifts from District Congregations are reported in the period the paying congregations assign to these receipts. General assemblies revenues are reported in the period of the related event. Interest income on loans receivable and investments are reported on an accrual basis. B. 44 Page 11 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2014 2. Significant accounting policies (continued): (e) Financial instruments: Financial instruments are recorded at fair value on initial recognition. Freestanding derivative instruments that are not in a qualifying hedging relationship and equity instruments that are quoted in an active market are subsequently measured at fair value. All other financial instruments are subsequently recorded at cost or amortized cost, unless management has elected to carry the instruments at fair value. The Central District has not elected to carry any financial instruments at fair value. Transaction costs incurred on the acquisition of financial instruments measured subsequently at fair value are expensed as incurred. All other financial instruments are adjusted by transaction costs incurred on acquisition and financing costs, which are amortized using the straight-line method. Financial assets are assessed for impairment on an annual basis at the end of the fiscal year if there are indicators of impairment. If there is an indicator of impairment, the Central District determines if there is a significant adverse change in the expected amount or timing of future cash flows from the financial asset. If there is a significant adverse change in the expected cash flows, the carrying value of the financial asset is reduced to the highest of the present value of the expected cash flows, the amount that could be realized from selling the financial asset or the amount the Central District expects to realize by exercising its right to any collateral. If events and circumstances reverse in a future period, an impairment loss will be reversed to the extent of the improvement, not exceeding the initial carrying value. (f) Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. B. 45 Page 12 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2014 3. Loans receivable: Loans receivable consist of individual loans to congregations and other affiliated organizations ranging up to $350,197 (2013 - $394,284), which are repayable in monthly instalments at interest rates between 4.5 percent and 5.0 percent (2013 - 4.5 percent and 5.5 percent). Facilities are pledged as collateral for major loans with the exception of loans to Lutheran Church - Canada and Lutheran Church - Canada Workers Benefit Plan (note 10) which are unsecured. 4. Short-term investments: 2014 District Fund: Mutual funds $ Church Extension Fund: Mutual funds Guaranteed investment certificate, interest rate of 2.15% Corporate bonds Cash 5. 717,308 2013 $ 671,517 922,122 – – – 922,122 848,734 200,000 473,133 4,300 1,526,167 $ 1,639,430 $ 2,197,684 Intangible assets: Church Extension Fund Computer software Cost $ 27,051 $ 27,051 2013 Net book value 2014 Net book value Accumulated amortization $ – $ 5,410 B. 46 Page 13 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2014 6. Promissory notes: The promissory notes have interest rates, which vary between 1.50 percent and 3.00 percent (2013 - 2.00 percent and 3.75 percent) and mature over terms varying from one year to five years. These notes are unsecured. Principal payments required on the promissory notes until maturity are as follows: 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 $ 584,519 752,695 518,051 123,549 740,856 $ 2,719,670 7. Operating line of credit: The Central District and CEF each have bank lines of credit aggregating $100,000. These lines of credit are secured by general security agreements and bear interest at bank prime plus 2 percent. At year-end, no amount had been advanced on these lines of credit. 8. Financial risks: (a) Credit risk: Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty may default on its contractual obligations resulting in a financial loss. The Central District and CEF are exposed to credit risk with respect to accounts receivable and loans receivable. The Central District and CEF assess, on a continuous basis, accounts receivable and loans receivable and provides for any amounts that are not collectible in the allowance for doubtful accounts. There is no allowance for doubtful accounts related to accounts receivable and loans receivable at December 31, 2014 and 2013. There has been no change to the risk exposure from 2013. (b) Liquidity risk: Liquidity risk is the risk that the Central District and CEF will be unable to fulfill their obligations on a timely basis or at a reasonable cost. The Central District and CEF manage their liquidity risk by monitoring their operating requirements. The Central District and CEF prepare budgets and cash forecasts to ensure they have sufficient funds to fulfill their obligations. There has been no change to the risk exposures from 2013. B. 47 Page 14 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2014 8. Financial risks (continued): (c) Interest rate risk: The Central District and CEF are exposed to interest rate risk on their fixed rate financial instruments such as fixed rate investments, loans receivable and promissory notes. Further details about the loans receivable, fixed rate investments and promissory notes are included in note 3, 4 and note 6, respectively. Fixed-rate instruments subjects the Central District and CEF to a fair value risk. The Central District and CEF are exposed to this type of risk as a result of investments in bonds. The Central District and CEF have appropriate guidelines on the weighting and duration of bonds and other fixed rate investments which are monitored by the Board of Directors. There has been no change to the risk exposures from 2013. 9. Allocated overhead costs: The District Fund has allocated some overhead costs to the Church Extension Fund based on management’s best estimate of time invested. The amounts allocated in the year were: 2014 Salaries 10. $ 2,378 2013 $ 10,268 Related party transaction: The Central District and CEF are related to Lutheran Church - Canada (LCC), Lutheran Church - Canada Financial Ministries (LCCFM), and Lutheran Church - Canada Workers Benefit Plan as the Central District and CEF have economic interests in these not-for-profit organizations. Included in expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2014 of the Central District are mission contributions of $320,000 (2013 - $324,060), a renovation grant of nil (2013 - $50,000), payments made for contracted services of $55,890 (2013 - $49,025), and advertising fees of $6,000 (2013 - $6,000) paid to LCC. Also included in expenditures of the Central District are contributions of $75,000 (2013 - $75,000) paid to LCCFM for gift coordinator support. Included in expenditures for CEF are payments of $27,342 (2013 - $20,138) for contracted services provided by LCC. B. 48 Page 15 LUTHERAN CHURCH - CANADA, CENTRAL DISTRICT Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (continued) Year ended December 31, 2014 10. Related party transaction (continued): In addition, LCC and Lutheran Church - Canada Workers Benefit Plan have loans from CEF of $99,416 and $250,000, respectively, as at December 31, 2014 (2013 - $115,000 and $250,000), bearing annual interest rates of 4.5 percent and 5.0 percent, respectively. These loans earned interest income during the year ended December 31, 2014 of $4,681 (2013 $9,966) and $12,500 (2013 - $12,500), respectively. The Central District moved from Regina to Winnipeg during fiscal 2013 with costs associated with the move reflected in these financial statements. The land and building in Regina were sold during fiscal 2013, with the Central District office now sharing space with LCC in Winnipeg. C.1 CENTRAL DISTRICT THREE YEAR WORK PROGRAM This work program for 2015 has been reviewed and approved by the Central District Board of Directors and represents the best estimate of what district revenues and expenditures will be over the next year. Final approval for the proposed budgets for 2016 and 2017 are forthcoming. The annual budgets set by the District Board of Directors will be adjusted as required to reflect revenues and required changes in programs expenditures. The following is to provide additional information on some of the work program details: District Revenue I expect Mission support from congregations will stabilize over the next few years. The District has been receiving some donations from congregations and LCC auxiliaries for specific mission programs but so far these have not been significant in terms of overall program expenditures. Operating Expenditures The District feels that it has to be conservative with its resources and will be cautious when deciding to provide financial support for struggling congregations. Therefore, only a small amount has been projected for the future. However, the District realizes a solution still needs to be found as to how the financial needs of these congregations can be addressed. Contribution to Synod Synod Missions are being set at $320,000 for 2015 to 2017. This amount is a result of the District Board of Directors moving to limit the amount of Synod Missions to a percentage of missions received by the District from its congregations. In the past, this was set at 40%. Foundation Support represents funding that the District provides to Lutheran Foundation Canada so that it may employ a full-time development officer for the Central District. This funding will be provided by the District up until such time as the Foundation has sufficient assets to allow this position to be self - funded. In the meantime, this expenditure can be viewed more as an investment than a cost, as it will ultimately result in planned giving (bequests and other donations) that will benefit the congregations and Synod as well as the District. Transfer from Reserves It should be noted that in the future the District plans to have a balanced budget so that no transfer from reserve funds will be required to cover expenditures. However, if the District Board of Directors determines that if there are surplus reserve funds still available, it could choose to allocate these funds to cover additional program expenditures in the coming three years. Don Paulus, Treasurer C.2 LUTHERAN CHURCH-CANADA CENTRAL DISTRICT THREE YEAR WORK PROGRAM (2015- 2017) 2015 Work Program 2016 Work Program 2017 Work Program (Approved) (Proposed) (Proposed) Revenue Congregation missions Investment income Convention Assessment District Convention Assessment Synod Church Workers Conference Other Total revenue 745,000 22,000 105,185 745,000 12,629 750,000 14,508 78,000 60,790 932,975 23,000 50,000 830,629 50,000 892,508 Operating expenditures District missions Congregation financial support Congregation services Student aid President's office Administration Conference Administration sub-total 176,335 17,000 12,825 10,000 126,275 86,855 108,685 537,975 172,381 5,000 10,100 10,000 121,992 87,030 26,500 433,003 183,749 5,000 10,100 10,000 124,400 86,070 81,500 500,819 Contribution to Synod Synod missions Foundation support 320,000 75,000 316,000 75,000 312,000 75,000 Total Expenditures 932,975 824,003 887,819 Excess of Revenue (Expenditures) prior to reserve fund transfers 0 6,626 4,689 Transfer from reserve funds 0 0 0 Net increase (decrease) in current fund 0 6,626 4,689 Expenditures D.1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 OVERTURE to the Central District 2015 Convention 2015-5-01 TO MERGE THE SOUTHLAND, KATEPWA, QU’APPELLE AND WASCANA CIRCUITS INTO THE SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN CIRCUIT WHEREAS a “circuit” in Lutheran Church-Canada is “an association of congregations established by a convention of a district” (LCC Statutory Bylaws); and WHEREAS Synodical bylaws state: “Each circuit shall consist of 7 to 20 congregations involving an aggregate communicant membership from 1,500 to 10,000. Exceptions to these requirements and limitations can be made only bythe president upon requiest of a district board of directors;” and WHEREAS the Southland circuit [6 parishes & 4 pastors], the Katepwa Circuit [3 parishes & 2 pastors], the Qu’Appelle circuit [5 parishes & 2 pastors], and the Wascana Circuit [7 parishes & 6 pastors] have grown smaller in recent years; and WHEREAS there has been discussion about forming one large circuit for South Saskatchewan; therefore be it RESOLVED that the Southland Circuit, the Katepwa Circuit, the Qu’Appelle Circuit, and the Wascana Circuit be merged into one circuit; and be it further RESOLVED that the circuit be named South Saskatchewan Circuit. Emmanuel Lutheran, Southey, SK and St. Paul, Cupar,SK Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, SK Barry Gunther, President OVERTURE to the Central District 2015 Convention 2015-5-02 TO AMEND THE CENTRAL DISTRICT BYLAWS TO REGARDING CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ALBERTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEMBERSHIP 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 WHEREAS representation on the Concordia University College of Alberta (CUCA) Board of Governors was changed at the last synodical convention (Resolution 14.2.01A “To Clarify Membership on the Board of Governors, Concordia University College of Alberta [CUCA]”); and WHEREAS references in our Central District Handbook need to be revised in order to reflect these changes; therefore be it D.2 1 RESOLVED that the following revisions be made to the Central District Handbook: Article 3 Membership Processes 2 3 4 3.1 Conventions 5 6 M. Elections “In every election balloting shall continue until every position has been filled by majority vote. The order for elections shall be: President; VicePresidents by each region; lay members on the Board of Directors by each region; Circuit Counsellors; members on the Board of Regents, Concordia University College, Edmonton; Nominating Committee; and representatives to Synod’s Committee for Convention Nominations.” 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 3. BOARD OF REGENTS, CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, EDMONTON The Convention shall elect one lay person to the Board of Regents, Concordia University College, Edmonton. Central District Board of Directors, Mr. Michael Maunula, Chairman OVERTURE to the Central District 2015 Convention 2015-5-03 TO REQUEST THE COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS & STRUCTURE TO CHANGE LCC STRUCTURE WHEREAS The 1993 Synodical Convention appointed a Task Force on the Nature and Structure of Synod (93.3.09) which was received and acted upon in 1996 (96.3.03A); and WHEREAS the 1996 Report of the Task Force on the Nature and Structure of the Synod has listed their recommendations and reasons for changes to the structure of the Synod; and WHEREAS the 2002 Synodical Convention declined overture 3.10 (“TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PRESENT STRUCTURE OF LUTHERAN CHURCH–CANADA”) (Res. 02.3.14); and WHEREAS the present organizational structure does not resolve the uncertainties as to where responsibility for a particular function should properly rest between the Synod and Districts; and D.3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 WHEREAS the new structure would bring greater financial stability and unity within LC– C; and WHEREAS in many aspects the District Conventions have become redundant; and WHEREAS there is duplication in boards and services to the congregations that could be rectified with a different structure which would allow for better stewardship of personnel and money, thereby enabling the church to direct more funds with less personnel to the proclamation of the Gospel; and WHEREAS under the present organizational structure, and one District could cripple LC–C by withholding contributions to the church, for whatever reason; and WHEREAS valuable time, energy and resources would be misspent in creating yet another Task Force; and WHEREAS according to the Handbook of Synod, there is already a process for the ongoing review of the structure of Synod, namely the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure, which is mandated by the Bylaws of Lutheran Church– Canada to provide such assistance in reviewing the structure of Synod, to wit: in the area of structure, the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure shall— a. Conduct a continuing review of the organizational structure of the Synod, including its Districts and its circuits, and make proposals to succeeding Conventions for improvement; b. Act as a resource committee to convention floor committees on all proposals to alter the Synodical structure; c. Serve as a resource committee to districts with regard to organizational structure.” (Bylaw 2.103 a.); therefore be it RESOLVED that the Central District request the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure to begin immediately the work of developing and presenting a new structure for the Districts and Synod of Lutheran Church–Canada which addresses the current financial and organizational concerns first addressed by the Task Force on the Nature and Structure of Synod (93.3.09) and remain till this day. Saskatchewan Church Workers Conference Rev. Jeffrey Dul, Chairman Identical Overture: Trinity Lutheran Church, Churchbridge, SK Ervin Becker, Chairman D.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 OVERTURE to the Central District 2015 Convention 2015-5-04 TO MERGE THE KATEPWA AND QU’APPELLE CIRCUITS, AND TO MERGE THE SOUTHLAND AND WASCANA CIRCUITS WHEREAS a “circuit” in Lutheran Church-Canada is “an association of congregations established by a convention of a district” (LCC Statutory Bylaws); and WHEREAS Synodical bylaws state: “Each circuit shall consist of 7 to 20 congregations involving an aggregate communicant membership from 1,500 to 10,000. Exceptions to these requirements and limitations can be made only bythe president upon requiest of a district board of directors;” and WHEREAS the Southland circuit [6 parishes & 4 pastors], the Katepwa Circuit [3 parishes & 2 pastors], the Qu’Appelle circuit [5 parishes & 2 pastors], and the Wascana Circuit [7 parishes & 6 pastors] have grown smaller in recent years; and WHEREAS there has been discussion about forming one large circuit for South Saskatchewan; therefore be it RESOLVED that the Katepwa Circuit and the Qu’Appelle Circuit be merged into one circuit; and also that the Southland Circuit and the Wascana Circuit be merged into another one circuit. Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Fort Qu’Appelle, SK Wayne Mutschler, President OVERTURE to the Central District 2015 Convention 2015-6-01 TO STUDY THE PERMISSIBILITY OF HOLDING MULTIPLE CALLS SIMULTANEOUSLY WHEREAS there is confusion over whether a pastor may hold more than once call (electio) at one time, therefore be it RESOLVED that the Lutheran Church-Canada’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations studies and gives a written report whether there is Scriptural support for holding multiple calls simultaneously, historical precedence, and what polity changes would be required for the sake of good order. Central District Board of Directors, Mr. Michael Maunula, Chairman D.5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 OVERTURE to the Central District 2015 Convention L2015-6-02 TO RECOMMEND THE APPROVAL OF LUTHERAN HISTORICAL INSTITUTE AS THE OFFICIAL ARCHIVES OF LUTHERAN CHURCH–CANADA WHEREAS God encourages His people to remember their past and His dealings with them (Deut. 5:15); and has given us the Old Testament as an illustration that remembering is important; and WHEREAS the retention of church records and artifacts often require specialized attention and knowledge of those who need to research them are to have access to them; and WHEREAS recent efforts to create a national archives for Lutheran Church–Canada had foundered for various reasons; and WHEREAS the Lutheran Historical Institute in Edmonton has had years of experience in the preservation and retention of church records, has given leadership to other District archivists in the proper management of their archives, and has excellent facilities; and WHEREAS the Lutheran Historical Institute in Edmonton already serves as the depository for the records of Lutheran Church– together with many other records of Lutheran agencies in Canada and could easily serve as the national church’s official archives in a cost-efficient manner; and WHEREAS the archives of non-active congregations of the Central district have already been turned over to the Lutheran Historical Institute for proper retention and preservation; therefore be it RESOLVED that the Alberta-British Columbia District offer to give the Lutheran Historical Institute in Edmonton to Lutheran Church–Canada to be the official archives of the national church. Immanuel Lutheran Church, Winnipeg Mr. Doug Knoll, Chaiman D.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 OVERTURE to the Central District 2015 Convention 2015-5-05 TO MERGE THE KATEPWA AND QU’APPELLE CIRCUITS, AND TO KEEP THE SOUTHLAND AND WASCANA CIRCUITS AS CURRENTLY CONSTITUTED WHEREAS a “circuit” in Lutheran Church-Canada is “an association of congregations established by a convention of a district” (LCC Statutory Bylaws); and WHEREAS Synodical bylaws state: “Each circuit shall consist of 7 to 20 congregations involving an aggregate communicant membership from 1,500 to 10,000. Exceptions to these requirements and limitations can be made only by the president upon request of a district board of directors;” and WHEREAS the Southland circuit [6 parishes & 4 pastors], the Katepwa Circuit [3 parishes & 2 pastors], the Qu’Appelle circuit [5 parishes & 2 pastors], and the Wascana Circuit [7 parishes & 6 pastors] have grown smaller in recent years; and WHEREAS there has been discussion about forming one large circuit for South Saskatchewan; WHEREAS that may be too large a geographical area for a single circuit counsellor to effectively oversee; therefore be it RESOLVED that the Katepwa Circuit and the Qu’Appelle Circuit be merged into a single circuit; and the Southland Circuit and the Wascana Circuit remain as currently constituted. Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Regina, SK Jim Nixon, President D.7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 OVERTURE to the Central District 2015 Convention L2015-6-03 TO RECOMMEND THE APPROVAL OF LUTHERAN HISTORICAL INSTITUTE AS THE OFFICIAL ARCHIVES OF LUTHERAN CHURCH–CANADA WHEREAS God encourages His people to remember their past and His dealings with them (Deut. 5:15); and has given us the Old Testament as an illustration that remembering is important; and WHEREAS the retention of church records and artifacts often require specialized attention and knowledge of those who need to research them are to have access to them; and WHEREAS recent efforts to create a national archives for Lutheran Church–Canada had foundered for various reasons; and WHEREAS the Lutheran Historical Institute in Edmonton already serves as the depository for the records of Lutheran Church– together with many other records of Lutheran agencies in Canada and could easily serve as the national church’s official archives in a cost-efficient manner; and WHEREAS the archives of non-active congregations of the Central district have already been turned over to the Lutheran Historical Institute for proper retention and preservation; therefore be it RESOLVED that the Central District go on record as favouring negotiations to have the Lutheran Historical Institute become the official archives of Lutheran Church-Canada. Jim Nixon Chairman, Mount Olive Lutheran Church E.1 REPORT of the District Secretary and District Committee on Nominations The following Nominees have declined, did not respond, or are ineligible: For President: Rev. Richard Beinert Rev. Rod Buck Rev. Arron Gust For Board of Directors: Winnipeg Region Regina Region Saskatoon Region Yorkton Region Thunder Bay Region Rev. Cameron Schnarr, Mr. Jeremy Maron, Rev. Thomas Prachar Mr. Wally Dressler, Rev. Ted Giese Rev. Randy Heide Rev. Murray Keith Rev. Gary Heintz For Circuit Counsellor: Assiniboine Circuit Southland Circuit Ontario Circuit Red River Circuit Wascana Circuit Rev. Dan Moeller Rev. John Kreutzwieser, Rev. Jason Schultz Rev. Jacob Quast, Rev. James Wood, Rev. Keith Blom Rev. Brad Schollenberg Rev. Bruce Corson, Rev. Ted Giese For District Committee on Nominations: Pastors/Deacons Rev. Brad Julien Rev. Terry Defoe Rev. Harold Borchardt Rev. James Vosper Lay Persons Mrs. Pat Rocheleau Mrs. Arlene Kish For Synod’s Committee for Convention Nominations: Pastors/Deacons Rev. Harold Borchardt Lay Persons Mr. Lorne Wirth Mr. Walter Heinemann Rev. Asefa Aredo Nominations for all elected positions, except Circuit Counsellors, may be made from the Floor of the Convention. All nominees must submit written consent and biographical information. Respectfully submitted, Rev. David Haberstock, District Secretary District Committee on Nominations Rev. Alvin Borchardt, Chairman E.2 SUMMARY OF NOMINATIONS - 2015 DISTRICT CONVENTION PRESIDENT Rev. Thomas E.J. Prachar Rev. Rod Buck Rev. Richard Beinert Rev. David Haberstock Rev. Arron Gust # of Nom 8 1 1 2 1 Accept Accept Decline Decline Decline Accept Decline VICE-PRESIDENT - Regina Region Rev. Jeremy Swem Rev. Ted Giese 4 1 VICE-PRESIDENT - Sktn Region Rev. James Vosper Rev. Randy Heide Rev. Rudy Pastucha 4 Accept 1 Decline 1 Accept VICE-PRESIDENT – Thunder Bay Region Rev. David Haberstock Rev. Gary Heintz 3 Accept 1 Decline VICE-PRESIDENT – Winnipeg Region Rev. Harold Borchardt Rev. Alex Klages Rev. Cam Schnarr Rev. Thomas Prachar 1 Accept 2 Accept 1 1 Decline Decline VICE-PRESIDENT – Yorkton Region Rev. Arron Gust Rev. Murray Keith 6 1 Decline BOARD OF DIRECTORS-Lay Members REGINA REGION Accept Decline Accept E.3 Mr. Wally Dressler Mrs. Roberta Nixon Mr. Wayne Gust 1 2 Accept 1 Decline Decline SASKATOON REGION Mr. Daryl Walter Mr. Elton Harper 3 Accept 1 Accept THUNDER BAY REGION Mr. Michael Maunula 4 Accept WINNIPEG REGION Mr. Jeremy Maron Mr. John Robins, Sr. Mrs. Eileen Turner 1 1 Accept 1 Accept Decline YORKTON REGION Ms. Gloria Rathgeber 3 Accept DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS Rev. Brad Julien Rev. Terry Defoe Arlene Kish Pat Rocheleau Rev. James Vosper 1 1 2 1 1 Decline Decline Decline Decline Decline Harold Borchardt 1 Decline SYNOD'S COMM. ON CONVENTION NOMINATIONS Rev. Rudy Pastucha Mr. Lorne Wirth 1 Accept 1 Decline E.4 Rev. Harold Borchardt Mr. Walter Heinemann Rev. Asefa Aredo 1 1 1 Decline Decline Decline CUCA BOARD OF REGENTS Rod Peppler 1 Accept CIRCUIT COUNSELLORS Assiniboine Rev. Barry Wood Rev. Dan Moeller Rev. Jeff Dul Southland Rev. John Kreutzwieser Rev. Jason Schultz Rev. Randy Kleemola Northland Rev. Rob Grout Rev. Richard Mensch 5 Accept 2 Decline 1 Accept 1 1 1 Decline Decline 3 Accept 1 Accept Katepwa Rev. Lowell Dennis 1 Ontario Rev. James Wood Rev. Jacob Quast Rev. Keith Blom 1 1 1 Portage Rev. Alex Klages 1 Accept Qu’Appelle Rev. Gerald Andersen 1 Accept Decline Decline Decline Accept E.5 Red River Rev. Jim Schnarr Rev. Brad Schollenberg Rev. Glenn Worcester 2 Accept 1 1 Accept Saskatoon Rev. Randy Heide 2 Accept Wascana Rev. Bruce Corson Rev. Ted Giese Rev. James Chimirri-Russell 1 1 1 Decline Decline Decline Accept E.6 CANDIDATE PROFILES Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Anderson, Gerald 44 Go Forth in Peace Parish-Broadview, Grenfell, Wolsely Pastor Presently the Circuit Cousellor of the Qu’Appelle Circuit since 2012. Pastor of 3 churches, vacancy pastor of one. Co-ordinator weekly religion column in local paper, called ‘Seeds of Faith.’ Services and visiting in four care homes. Remembrance Day services. Other local events or services. Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Borchardt, Harold 51 Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Winnipeg Pastor Service in the church: 13 years Pastoral Ministry, Lutheran Church– Canada. 1 Year Vice President, Central District. 11 years Church Extension Fund, Board of Directors-Central District, Board of Reconciliation 10 years. Citizens on Patrol, Beausejour, Manitoba, Pastoral Care at 2 Personal Cares Homes, Winnipeg. Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Chimirri-Russell, James 34 Good Shepherd Lutheran, Regina, SK Pastor LWML Zone Counsellor, 2007-2009; Pastoral Counsellor, Camp Lutherland, 2006-2009; South Saskatchewan confirmation retreat, 2007-2012; South Saskatchewan Winkel executive, 2013-2015; Kidney Foundation canvassing, 2008-2015; Diabetes Association canvassing 2009-2015; Regina food bank volunteer, 2013-2015. Ancient coins to schools program, Calgary, 2001-2004. Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Dennis, Lowell 56 Emmanuel and St. Paul, Southey and Cupar, SK Pastor Pastor Advisor, LWMLC Capital Zone; Pastoral Counselor, LWMLC Manitoba/Saskatchewan District; Nursing home ministry E.7 Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Dul, Jeff 39 Trinity Lutheran Church, Churchbridge, SK Pastor LWML Assiniboine Zone counsellor, 2013-present; Jackfish Lutheran Camp, Camp Board Pastoral advisor, 2012-present; Saskatchewan Church Workers Conference Chairman, 2014-2015; Voting pastoral delegate at the 2011 and 2014 LCC National Convention. Board Member for the Family and Friends Community Foundation; coached softball. Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Grout, Robert J 56 St. John’s Lutheran, Humboldt, SK Pastor Circuit Counsellor (Northland). LWML-Central District Pastoral Advisor. LWML-Central Assiniboine Pastoral Advisor. Board member missions and congregational Services. Gust, Arron Name Age 44 Congregation Triune Lutheran Parish (Christ/Langenburg, Immanuel/Landestreu, Christ/MacNutt) SK Occupation Pastor Service District: Vice President of the Central District 2009-present; Chairman, Taskforce on Vacant Non-Calling Congregations; Chairman, Constitution Committee Central District; Chairman, District Floor Committee. Synod: Board of Adjudication; Seminary Task Force, 2009-2011; Local: LWML Zone Chaplain. Organize and coach community soccer league. Previous work experience: Managerial (6 years). Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Haberstock, David 39 Epiphany Lutheran Church, Thunder Bay, ON Pastor Previous work experience: Alberta Treasury Branches, 2000-2002. Service in the church: Pastor, Epiphany Lutheran, Thunder Bay, ON, July 2004-present, Board Secretary 2012-2015. Author, Higher Things Magazine, Winter 2014, “The Walking Dead;” led mission trip to Nicaragua, January 2008; presenter for Lutheran Service Book introductory seminars, 2006; Vice President of Central District for Thunder Bay Region, 2006-present; Vicar, Grace Lutheran church, Regina, SK 2002-2003; Young Adult Bible Study Leader, Riverbend Lutheran Church, Edmonton, AB 2000-2001; Crew Ministries, full-time team member of “Unchained”, 1996-1997. Service in the community: Chaplaincy, Brain Injury Services of North West Ontario, 2009-2011; Thunder Bay Symphony Chorus, 20042006; Sine Nomine Chamber Choir, 2000-2002, 2003-2004; Concordia Concert Choir, 1993-1996. E.8 Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Harper, Elton 40 St. Paul’s Lutheran, Saskatoon, SK Supervisor, EDP and Audit Selection Tax Compliance Auditor, Board of Lay Ministry, board of Stewardship, Sunday School teacher, Chairman on Discipleship task force, Board Member Ambassadors of ReconciliationCanada Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Heide, Randy 47 St. John’s Evangelical, Warman, SK Pastor Secretary ABC District, C.E.F. Department Member, Dept. of Youth Chair, Circuit Counsellor, Lutheran Early Learning Centres Pastoral Advisor, Chairman, Past-Chairman, Project Management Warman Expansion. Community: Warman Ministerial Association Chairman & Treasurer, Warman Football Association Chairman, Teacher Warman Elementary, Middle School & High School for Bible Knowledge Classes, as well as Intelligent Design. Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Klages, Alex 38 Trinity, Winkler & Zion, Morden, Manitoba Pastor Teaching Assistant, Mathematics, Brock University, 1999-2003. Local: Sunday School teacher (Christ Our Hope, Collingwood, 94-95; Youth Bible Study Leader (Resurrection, St. Catharines, 2000-2001; Summer Vicar, red River Circuit (primarily Good Shepherd, Transcona/Grace, Beausejour, 2000); Vicar, (Redeemer, Victoria BC, 2001-2002), Parish Pastor Trinity/Zion, 2003-present. District: EDLYA board (East District), 1996-2001; communications (Central District) 2006-2009; Circuit Counsellor, Portage circuit (Central) 2009-present, Secretary/Trasurer Man/NWOnt Church Workers’ conference (2003-2009); Synod: Communications 20052008. Community: Winkler and Morden ministerials since 2003; Led Remembrance Day ceremonies in Winkler several times. Municipal Liaison (2013, 2014) for rural Manitoba region for NaNoWriMo, a novel-writing competition. Volunteer (2014) at Maple Leaf School in Morden. On-Call Volunteer Chaplain for Boundary trails Health Centre, RM of Stanley. E.9 Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Maunula, Michael 56 Christ Lutheran, Thunder Bay, ON Executive Director, Lutheran Community Care Centre Social researcher, instructor in ethnicity and aging; specializing in Social housing, non-profit governance, gerontology, developmental disabilities. Central District Board of Directors since 2000. Multiple years on Council of home congregation, most recently as President. Member of contemporary music group. Current board member of Northwestern Ontario Pastoral Institute. Involved in Inter-agency committees such as the Housing and Homelessness Coalition and the Northwestern Ontario Human Services and Justice Coordination Committee. Past board member of Thunder Bay Food Bank. Name Mensch, Richard Congregation Occupation Service Redeemer, Prince Albert, SK Pastor Service in the district: Served on Central District CEF Trustees board. Service in the community: member of Good Sam’s. Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Nixon, Roberta 53 Mount Olive, Regina, SK Part time legal secretary Sunday school teacher and superintendent; VBS teacher; Board member and chair of Outreach and Assimilation Team; children’s message coordinator and contributor; choir; scripture reader; Lay Enrichment participant; Synod Convention delegate; LCC Central District Convention delegate; Board Member- Board of Regents (Edmonton). LWMLC Society –president and VP of Christian Growth; LWML-C Zone-VP of Christian Growth; LWML-C National- VP Christian Growth and committee member Christian Mission. LCC-Central District member of the Board of Directors. Service in the Community: Love Bus Ministry; Eye Glass Clinics-China Mission trip; BC Mission Boat- Crew member E.10 Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Pastucha, Rudy 54 Faith Lutheran, Saskatoon, SK Pastor Circuit Counsellor, Wascana Circuit; District Pastoral Advisor, LWML; Chair: Committee on Communications, Central District LCC; Confirmation Retreat Speaker/Planner; Central District Youth Retreats: Planner, Presenter; Bible Study Writer/Leader; Camp Lutherland, Ft. Qu’appelle, SK. Pastoral Leader Member, Board of Directors, Central District 1st Vice President, Central District, Lutheran Church Canada 2006-2012, 3rd Vice President, Lutheran Church Canada. Community: Worship Services, Regina Lutheran Home; Coordinator, Health/Wellness Exposition, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Regina, SK. Stonebridge Community Association, Executive Member (Webmaster); Adelaide Park Churchill Community Association, Executive Member (Communications). Other work experience: Piano and Organ Teacher. Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Peppler, Rod 80 Immanuel Lutheran, Winnipeg, MB Retired, Public School Administrator and Teacher Congregation: Active council member at my previous parish, Zion Lutheran. Community: Canvassed for The Heart Foundation, as well as The Diabetes Association. Name Age Occupation Service Prachar, Thomas 60 President, LCC Central District Vicarage, St. Peter’s, Port Colbourne, ON 1979-1980. Missionaryat-Large, Milton, ON 1980-1982. Pastor, Zion, Yorkton/St. Paul’s, Springside/Saving Grace, Canora, SK 1985-1987. Pastor, Zion, Yorkton, SK 1987-2000. President, LCC Central District 2000present. Ontario District Public Relations Committee 1981-1985. Pastoral Advisor, Central District Lutheran Laymen’s League, LLL Canada, and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Manitoba-Saskatchewan District, Assiniboine Circuit counsellor 1987-1996. Member, LCC Board for Communicaiton Services 19861996. Member, board of Regents, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, ON 1996-2000. Member Board of Regents’Governors, Concordia University college of Alberta, Edmonton 2000-2014. Member , Ministerial Program committee, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton 2000-present. LCC Council of Presidents, 2000-present. Pastoral Counsellor, Parkland Boy Scouts, Yorkton, SK. E.11 Name Age Occupation Service Rathgeber, Gloria 65 Retired Teacher, Principal, Justice of the Peace Home congregation-Zion Lutheran, Yorkton, At Zion: LWML member and Secretary, Church Council Secretary, Member of Constitution and Review Committee, Funeral Lunch Co-ordinator. District: Two terms as member of the Board of Directors. Community: STS (retired teacher): editor of local newsletter, curling event organizer. Red Cross volunteer at disasters most often related to flooding in various parts of the province. Co-director of dinner theatres in the community of Saltcoats. Name Robins, John Age Congregation Occupation Service 62 Saint James Lutheran Church, Winnipeg Retired Police Officer/ Officer Royal Canadian Forces Reserves Congregation President, Usher, President Royal Winnipeg Rifles Regimental Senate, Member Royal Military Institute of Manitoba, Member Royal Canadian Legion, Member Board of Governors Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, Lay Minister in former church Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Schnarr, James St. James Lutheran, Winnipeg, MB Pastor East District Pastor’s Conference Planning Committee (6 years); East District Pastoral Advisor Lutheran Hour Ministries (’93-’95); East District Outreach Department and Evangelism Committee Chair (’94-’97); East District Convention Nominations Chair (’94’97); East District Department of Parish Education; Pastor of the Week (Concordia University college of Alberta)(’99); East District Hamilton Circuit Counselor (1997-2003); East District convention Nominations Committee (1997, 2000); East District Board of Directors 2003-2006; East District Convention Chaplain (’06); LC–C National Youth Gathering Chaplain in Brandon MB (’07). Deaconess Internship Supervisor (Alice Kuo) (’07-’08); East District Communications committee (’08’09); Visiting Pastor assisting the Lutheran Church of Tanzania together with a group of 7 men from Canada and one from the U.S. (May-Jun ’09); Served as mentor to Rev. Peter Gatluak serving as Missionary-at-Large to the Sudanese community in Southern Ontario based out of Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Hamilton; LC–C National Youth Gathering Assisting Chaplain in Ottawa (’10); Worship services primarily for the Sudanese were held Sunday afternoons (’10-’11); LC–C Convention Chaplain in Hamilton, ON (June 2011). E.12 Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Swem, Jeremy 36 Grace Lutheran, Regina, SK Pastor Board of Elders, St. John Lutheran Church 3 years; Central District Board of Directors, 1 year; Synod’s Board of Adjudication 2 years; Pastoral Delegate to 2014 LCC Synodical Convention (also served on a resolution committee). High School Teacher, 5 years at Lake Country Lutheran High School . Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Turner, Eileen 70 Christ Lutheran, Neepawa, MB Retired Nursing; volunteer missionary with LCMS in Ghana 19961998. Presently a Lay Member on the District Board of Directors. Presently Christian Growth of local LWML society; past VP Zone LWML. Volunteer with Eyeglass Ministries, Panama, Ghana; helped set up English library at Concordia School in Macau. Eileen likes being a Team Player. Served as volunteer missionary in Togo, W. Africa, 1998-2003; volunteer missionary to Nigeria, 04-05; volunteer missionary to Cambodia, 07-08. Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Vosper, James 39 St. Paul’s Lutheran, Saskatoon, SK Pastor Previously worked as carpenter/builder/labourer. Service in the Church: Vicarage: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Humboldt, SK 2002-2003; Served Bethany Lutheran Church, Fort Saskatchewan, AB 2004-2006; Chaplain, Lutheran Early Learning Centres 2006-present; Chaplain, Faith Lutheran School, Edmonton, AB 2004-2006; Chaplain, Lutheran Early Learning Centres 2006-present; Pastoral Advisor for NW Zone of LWML 2008-2011; Pastoral Advisor for IYS Youth Retraeat 2007-present. District: Chairman of Floor committee #4, 2009 District Convention; Chairman of Floor Committee #6 District Convention 2012; Vice President of the Central District 2012-2015. Synod: Vice-Chair of Floor Committee #4, Synod convention 2011. Community: Coach of Dundoland, Saskatoon Puma Soccer Team; Assit with Dundonald and Hampton village, Saskatoon outdoor hockey rink. E.13 Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Walter, Daryl 67 St. Paul’s Lutheran, Saskatoon, SK Application Specialist-Pharmacy: BDM IT Life time member St. Paul’s. Served in a variety of positions of leadership, including several terms as President and Vice-President. Served as Director of Board of Education and Director Stewardship. Presently serving as a member of the Board of Lay Ministry for a third term. Assisted in drafting Guidelines for Bequests, and Endowments for congregation. Served as member of Executive Board which reviewed and revised the congregation’s Constitution and Bylaws for adoption by the Voters’ Assembly. Serves as Ushering Captain and member of Lay Ministry. Canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society. Regular blood donor for Canadian Blood Services. Serves on Saskatoon Board of Directors, Financial Audit Committee. Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Wood, Barry 52 St. Matthew’s, Roblin, MB and Grace, Zorra, SK Pastor Vicarage: St. Matthew’s, Calgary, AB 1985-1986; Trinity, Moosomin, SK/St. Paul, Broadview, SK, 1987-1990; Trinity, Winkler, MB/Zion, Morden, MB 1990-1993; Redeemer, Prince Albert, SK 1993-1996; Other: Funeral home (funeral attendance/Director) 1996-2001. Local (2): Living Christ, Lipton, SK 2001-2004; interim pastor St. Paul, Indian Head, SK 20042008; CKT Parish (Canora, Kamsack, Togo, SK) 2008-2013; St. Matthew’s, Roblin, MB/Grace, Zorra, SK 2013-present. District: Past secretary/treasurer and chair of Saskatchewan Church Workers’ conference: past secretary/treasurer of Manitoba/NW Ontario Church Workers’ conference; Circuit Counsellor, Assiniboine Circuit 2009-present. Community: Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Saskatchewan Division-local chapter board and chair, division board and chair; representative on National MS Society Board. Name Age Congregation Occupation Service Worcester, Glenn 32 Peace Lutheran, Winnipeg, MB Pastor 2002 Russia Mission Trip (LCMS); 2009 Nicaragua Mission Trip (LCMS); 2010 Circuit Lente Video Series Participant (LCMS); 2011 Michigan District All Pastor’s Conference Planning committee (LCMS); 2013 LCC National Youth Gathering Planning Committee; 2015 New Orleans Mission Trip; 2016 LCC National Youth Gathering Chaplain/Pastor/Advisor; Volunteer experience at Siloam Mission, Winnipeg Harvest, Luther Home, Manitoba Deaf Centre E.14 F.1 Report to LCC District Conventions 2015 Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines (CLTS) History and Purpose The 1975 convention of the Lutheran Church– Missouri Synod, held in Anaheim, CA, authorised the establishment of a seminary in Eastern Canada. It was to be an extension of the Springfield/Ft. Wayne seminary, and the Ontario District in 1976 was asked to determine its site. From its beginnings in the basement of Resurrection Lutheran Church, CLTS moved in 1984 onto the campus of Brock University. Subsequently, all seminary degrees have been issued by Brock University. In 1989, upon the formation of Lutheran Church–Canada, the seminary was received by the fledgling synod as a gift from her mother. From the beginning, the purpose of having an LCMS seminary in Canada was twofold: (1) to encourage more Canadian students to enter the ministry by providing local facilities, thereby also keeping Canadian pastors in Canada; and (2) to contextualise their pastoral formation to the unique setting of Canadian Lutheranism. We believe that this seminary, with its intimate facilities, small student body, and highly qualified faculty, offers a uniquely studentoriented focus, with an emphasis on practical experiences in classroom, chapel, and local congregations. Aside from these unique purposes, the seminary holds the common goals of preparing men for the office of the holy ministry, moulding lay men and women for service, and serving as a theological resource to the districts and congregations of LCC. In 1991 the seminary produced a three-page articulation of the seminary’s goals, which included pastoral formation, graduate theological education (the MTS degree), outreach to the Brock community, continuing education in the church, and providing library resources. Subsequently it was distilled into the following mission statement, summarised as “Preparing Servants for God’s Mission”: Because GOD would have no one perish but all be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and, in order that we might obtain this faith, has instituted the ministry of teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments, therefore CONCORDIA LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, St. Catharines, exists to serve God’s mission by preparing servants for the Holy Ministry of Word and Sacrament in order that PEOPLE OF EVERY LAND might be brought to saving faith, be instructed in the divine doctrine, show forth the goodness of God, and be kept safe in faith to eternal life with their LORD. Students and Graduates In her 39-year history CLTS has produced 209 graduates. Of t hese, 16 are men and women (mostly lay) who h ave attained to t he Master of Theological Studies degree. 193 graduates entered the astoral ministry through ordination, 191 into a Lutheran Church, and 2 into other confessions. In accord with our history, a minority of our graduates have entered into service in the Missouri Synod. Some serve sister churches and missions abroad. The vast majority serve in LCC—including a significant number of Americans, who chose to receive a call to a Canadian parish at graduation. After 39 years, it is natural that many of our graduates would no longer be in active service. Of our 193 pastoral graduates, 145 remain in active ministry, while 26 continue to serve on a part-time basis as ermeriti or candidates for the ministry ( CRM). The remaining 22 are deceased, resigned, or untraceable. Active ABC District Central District East District LCC total LCMS in Canada LCMS in USA Other Lutheran in NA World Lutheranism Other confessions Inactive CRM Retired Resigned Deceased Whereabouts unknown Total 13 17 53 83 4 47 3 6 2 13 13 13 6 3 193 We give thanks to God when we observe the role that CLTS has served in the development of LCC, noting that about one third of her active pastors are graduates of St. Catharines. In the East District the proportion is significantly higher. We also note that the current F.2 seminary president and one LCC District President are alumni. The present student enrolment is significantly lower than it reached in the peak years of the 1980s and early ’90s. Since 2007 the decline has been precipitous and worrisome. In the past triennium the size of the student body h as be en, each y ear respectively, 20, 14 , 1 4 (compared to an historic average of 34). We regularly note that the most significant support that members of LCC can offer to the seminary is to encourage young men to enter the ministry. Only the Lord knows which way the trend will head, but we optimistically note that our l ower cl asses ar e significantly larger t han o ur upper classes, and that we anticipate a goodly number of students entering in September 2015 . In other words, as we graduate two small classes and matriculate t wo l arge cl asses, s eminary en rolment i s expected to return to the low 20s. Throughout her history, CLTS has been particularly international and mission-oriented. Six CLTS graduates are cu rrently serving abroad. The current student body is less multi-ethnic than it has been in past years, but we can still offer resources to ch urches needing multilingual pastors (including Cantonese, French, and Indian languages). Secondly, the faculties of both LCC seminaries provide the ba ckbone of teaching staff for LCC’s mission work a broad (Ukraine, Thailand, Nicaragua, and England), and do so largely at their own e xpense. Thus mission and seminary are virtually inseparable. As a seminary of the church our functions extend far beyond preparing pastors. Firstly we have had a steady stream o f male and f emale students, mostly b ut not exclusively from within the Lutheran Church, w ho have studied theology for diaconal service or for the sheer joy of it. The Master of Theological Studies degree is available to qualified students not headed for ordination. We have also held a series of evening classes for laypeople. Secondly, our faculty serve as a significant theological resource to the rest of the church, sitting on the CTCR, lecturing to pastors’ conferences and circuit events, teaching at workshops, preaching and serving vacancies, advising church leaders, and writing theological books and articles. The seminary also regularly hosts church, university, a nd community events (e.g. concerts), lifting the church’s profile in the world. Faculty and Staff Since the last district conventions the faculty and staff at C LTS h ave r emained stable. Dr Thomas W inger serves as Academic Dean and Dean of Chapel, and was called in September 2012 to be President. His teaching specialty is New Testament and L iturgics. Dr John Stephenson, now in his third decade on the faculty, is its senior member. He teaches historical theology, and serves as Registrar and Director of the Library. Dr William Mundt brings a specialty in the history of missions, and teaches dogmatics and ev angelism, as well as being Dean of Students and Director of Development. He will retire in June 2015. Meanwhile, the faculty have been extended by the retired Canadian-German pastor, Wilhelm Torgerson, who brings 40 years of pastoral experience to the practical department. The faculty are supplemented by adjunct professors Rev. Duane Peters (dogmatics), Rev. Dr James Keller (world religions, philosophy of religion), and Rev. Warren Hamp (preaching, N icaraguan director), as well as guest instructors Rev. David Duke (OT), Rev. Dr Jon Grothe (NT), and Rev. Dr Roger Winger (pastoral practice). The CLTS faculty have a significant international reputation as pr oductive s cholars who “punch above their weight” i n writing a nd l ecturing. T wo f aculty members have contributed volumes to the Concordia Commentary series, with Dr Wilch’s Ruth published in 2006 and Dr Winger’s Ephesians due in 2015. Together with Drs Humann and Stephenson they also contributed to The Lutheran Study Bible. Former president Dr Jon Grothe has produced a major commentary on Romans that is now in its second edition. Dr Winger served on the Lutheran Service Book liturgy committee, and continues to write for the LSB Pastor’s Desk Edition. Dr John Stephenson’s literary output is even more prodigious, with two volumes in the Confessional Dogmatics series (which he also edited), a Löhe translation in print, and a Löhe biography in process. His CV lists over 60 published articles. (Faculty publications are now accessible from the seminary’s website.) Dr Stephenson has been coeditor on two Festschrifts, in addition to collaboration with Dr Winger on a collection of essays on Hermann Sasse ( 1998) an d a F estschrift for D r J ohn K leinig (2013). The LCC seminaries’ journal, Lutheran Theological Review, remains a major, respected forum for disseminating our seminaries’ scholarship. Confessional Lutheran theological scholarship is thus a unique contribution of CLTS, St. Catharines, to the benefit of her students and world Lutheranism. CLTS s taff have a lso b een a b lessing. Since 2008 CLTS has not had a full-time Development Officer, but has relied on an External Relations Team consisting of Dr Mundt and other staff members. We have also coordinated our development work as much as possible with CLS, Edmonton. Thus, for example, we now hold a joint “ Seminaries Sunday” with common materials F.3 used across synod, and have created a joint display for convention use. In addition, we rely greatly on the staff of the LCC Foundation (particularly Al Feth in the East District), who c onduct workshops a nd v isits on ou r behalf to encourage and aid members to plan gifts and bequests for seminary work. All CLTS staff work parttime, and we are thankful to them for providing a great service t o t he s eminary in l imited h ours for modest reward. T he f ollowing staff members c onstitute roughly 2.5 full-time e quivalents: Mike Bauer (Business M anager), Linda Lantz ( Administrative Assistant), Deaconess Bonnie Stephenson (Registrar’s Assistant), Christel Haeck and Sarah Cavanaugh (librarians). Janitorial work and IT support is handled by students. We are also grateful for volunteers, who work mainly in the library, and for the generous support of the Seminary Guild. Major Events in the Past Triennium (2012-15) The opening service of the 2012-13 academic year was the occasion of the installation of the seminary’s fourth president, R ev. D r T homas Winger. Dr W inger had already s erved as A cting President f or f our y ears during a pe riod of critical examination a nd s trategic planning that led to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (2011) between CLTS (St. Catharines), CLS (Edmonton), and LCC’s Board of Directors. CLTS, St. Catharines, through emeritus professor Roger H umann, has taken responsibility for the pastoral education programme of L CC’s mission i n Nicaragua (now constituted as the ILSN) since the first classes were held in June 2000. In recent years, owing to De an Hu mann’s de clining h ealth, LCC’s mission executive, Dr Leonardo Neitzel, assumed responsibility for co-ordinating this programme. Administration of the programme has now returned to CLTS. Rev. Warren Hamp, adjunct faculty member, has been ap pointed a s co -ordinator of th eological studies in Nicaragua. In March 2014 the seminary received a team of visitors from the Association of Theological Schools. The visitors were impressed by the s eminary’s progress since the f irst accreditation v isit in 2 011. A lthough there ar e always tasked i mposed by such v visits, we were pleased to receive a five-year accreditation with no notations. Drs Winger a nd S tephenson, t ogether with Revs Warren H amp and Nolan Astley, have represented LCC in ecumenical dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church. D esignated as t he national L utheran–Roman Catholic dialogue, the meetings have taken place in the Niagara area with RC participants from St. Catharines and T oronto. D r S tephenson i s a lso t he official L CC representative on a dialogue with the North American Lutheran C hurch a nd the A nglican C hurch of North America (ACNA). In October 2014 the ACNA dialogue was hosted on the seminary campus, and was accompanied by an open conference on “Militant Secularism”. Videos of this event are available on the seminary’s YouTube channel. Governance and Accreditation Serving on the CLTS Board of Regents in the current synodical triennium are: Rev. Robert Krestick, chairman ( 2017); Rev. Nolan A stley, v ice-chairman (2017); Rev. Dan Abraham, s ecretary ( 2020); Rev. Cam Schnarr (2020), Mr Bruno Korst (2020), Mr Ivan Boles (2017), Mr Wayne Timm (2017), and Rev. Paul Zabel (ex officio). Rev. Dr Thomas Winger, President, is the board’s executive officer. CLTS is an accredited member of the Association of Theological Schools (see above). Concordia’s t wo degrees, M Div and M TS, ar e g ranted b y B rock University, o f which C LTS is a n a ffiliated graduate college. Finances A major contributing factor to the creation of the Task Force on Cost-Efficient, Sustainable Seminary Education in 2008 was this seminary’s ballooning long-term debt that had reached $800 000. Prior to signing the resulting Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the seminary administration had already put in place significant cost-cutting measures with the aim of achieving a balanced budget. Under the terms of the MOU the seminary was obligated to cap its expenses and generate continued annual surpluses with the goal of eliminating the debt in a decade. By the grace of God, with careful financial management and ongoing support from LCC members, the seminary was able to make great strides in paying down the burdensome debt, reducing it to less than $500 000 by the end of the 2012-13 fiscal year. Over the past triennium, we have also attained budget surpluses every year. Gifts to the revitalised 1000 Club, intended to pay down the debt and increase the Foundation holdings, have exceeded the $100 000 mark. Bequests continue to surprise us, and unrestricted giving from our individual donors continues to match ten-year historic averages. At the same time, income from three major areas has declined significantly: (1) Suffering from its own income shortfalls, LCC has had to reduce seminary subsidy from $205 000 to $174 000 annually. In view F.4 of the current financial crisis in the ABC district, it is possible this subsidy will be further reduced. (2) The seminary’s Foundation has seen reduced income since the stock market crash of 2008, but is improving. (3) Tuition fee income has declined with the smaller student enrolments. On balance, however, the seminary’s finances are back on a stable, though modest footing. But the Lord of the Church has again surprised us with His goodness. In early 2014 the seminary received the largest single donation in its history. This remarkable gift—whose humble, faithful donor wishes to keep a very low profile—eliminated the seminary’s historic debt in one fell swoop. In addition, it enabled us to tackle some major deferred maintenance issues such as the roof replacement and handicapped accessibility. The significance of this gift cannot be easily overstated. The elimination of the debt has the knock-on effect of removing some $25 000 of annual interest payments from the seminary’s budget, as well as removing the need to dedicate large portions of annual income to debt reduction. Furthermore, it enables the seminary to become proactive in addressing pressing issues like recruitment, staffing, and educational resources. While the elimination of our debt will lead to certain obvious changes to the financial terms of the MOU, the seminary administration remain committed to its concept of “cost-efficient, sustainable seminary education”. It is our intention to continue our cooperative ventures with CLS, Edmonton, to maintain our lean financial operation, and to produce budget surpluses each year. We give thanks to God, and pray that He will continue to bless us through His faithful servants in His Church. We are enormously grateful to LCC for the generous support we receive through both our subsidy and private donations. However, we also note that only a very small portion synod’s members donate directly to either seminary. There is much room for growth in financial support. Looking Ahead At the time of writing this report it is too early to judge the impact of the financial crisis in the ABC district on this seminary. CLTS, St. Catharines, is not directly or immediately af fected, as it has no investments i n the ABC CE F. However, t he anticipated d ecline i n synodical resources will inevitably affect our income. Nonetheless, we b elieve that car eful f inancial management and continued generous support from the church will enable us to weather the storm. The most p ressing co ncern at b oth seminaries and in LCC as a whole is the decline in enrolment. While this affects t he viability o f t he s eminaries, t he u ltimate concern is that LCC be provided with sufficient pastors to care for her congregations and missions. With this in mind, the two seminaries have worked with the LCC Board of Directors on a number of “vocational recruitment” in itiatives. One campaign was inaugurated a t t he V ancouver convention ( 2014). A series of posters has been sent to all LCC congregations, presenting the p astoral m inistry a s a manly, fulfilling, joyful, and aspirational calling. The same images are being disseminated on social media. In t he works i s a r evival o f t he R SVP c ampaign. O f course, we continue to do what we have always done: make personal contact with potential students and host their visits to the seminary, visit youth and young adult gatherings, s peak at p astors’ conferences an d at tend conventions, publish intriguing and intelligent theological writings, and whatever else can be done to hold the pastoral ministry and seminary studies before the eyes of the church. While the seminaries occupy a front-line position in “recruiting” students, we observe that very few students choose to enter the ministry because a seminary persuaded them it was a good idea. The front line is in the congregation and the home, where pastors, parents, S unday S chool t eachers, a nd youth workers have the opportunity to expose young men to the joys of the pastoral office and encourage them to consider it as t heir lifelong vocation. We look forward to working with t hese influential pe ople as we develop strategies for what we inadequately call “recruitment”. Pray the Lord of the harvest to send workers into His harvest. There are many other ways in which we are committed to working with our sister seminary in Edmonton and the synodical leadership in Winnipeg to become more efficient in our use of churchly resources. The terms of the M OU a re c urrently b eing r eviewed t o b ring t he document up to date. CLTS, S t. Catharines, occupies a building that has passed its thirtieth building. While fundamentally sound, it has needed some major repairs. In the past year, owing to resources provided by a major gift, we have been able to replace the flat roof, provide handicapped acces sibility t o t he o utside d oors an d washrooms, up grade t he ne twork i nfrastructure, and complete a number of smaller projects. We have put in place a m aintenance s chedule t hat will ensure the building and its equipment are maintained at the level necessary to sustain our mission. F.5 The CLTS faculty stands at a depleted strength of three full-time m embers plus one n early f ull-time adjunct. Dr W illiam Mundt will retire in June 2015; the seminary i s in the p rocess o f calling a r eplacement. After f illing th is p osition, we will look to calling a fourth faculty member to replace Dr Wilhelm Torgerson, as he s teps b ack f rom full-time teaching. An advertisement for a new faculty member has been published in LCC and LCMS news outlets. We do not anticipate r eturning t o o ur one -time f ull cap acity o f five faculty members. We are immensely thankful to the members of LCC for their ongoing support of her two seminaries in prayers, good will, l abour, a nd g ifts. W e pr ay t hat we may continue to work t ogether as p artners i n C hrist’s mission. In the midst of our hard work and occasional anxiety, we must not forget that the primary ma ndate of pr eparing men for C hrist’s o ffice in H is C hurch continues unabated at C LTS. T he W ord of G od i s taught and proclaimed. And as it is likewise taught and proclaimed in L CC, we b elieve that your s upport for our work will also continue unabated as the Lord gives us all strength for our labour. Thomas M. Winger President F.6 Report of Lutheran Church - Canada Financial Ministries (Lutheran Foundation Canada) UPDATED Introduction On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to report to the convention on the activities of Lutheran Church-Canada F inancial Ministries over the past three y ears. Carrying out w ork unde r t he trademark name of Lutheran Foundation Canada, our primary task is to encourage and assist in the development of planned gifts within LCC’s membership, but also with current gifts of shares and outright gifts of cash, all in support of the on-going mission and ministry of the church. Over the last three years, approximately $23.3 million has been reported in new planned gift pledges, shares, and cash; of which just under $3.5 million has already been received and disbursed according to the donor’s wishes. Additionally, over the last three years, using the earnings from our invested endowments, the Foundation made disbursements totaling $556,100 t o the congregations and organizations as originally suggested by the donor, and listed within each of our endowment agreements. These disbursements were as f ollows: 2012 - $165,600 2013 - $188,000 2014 - $202,500 May God be praised! Lutheran Foundation Canada Overview Lutheran Foundation Canada was established as a public, charitable foundation working on be half of all organizations and congregations affiliated with Lutheran Church-Canada. The Foundation is comprised of four m embers, i ncluding L utheran C hurch C anada and t he t hree D istricts. All F oundation activities previously undertaken by t he d istricts are now being managed by L utheran F oundation C anada, and all invested funds have been transferred into accounts held by the Foundation. The g ift d evelopment a ctivities o f the F oundation are c arried ou t by G ift C oordinators w orking w ithin each District. At present there are three full-time gift coordinators: Allen Schellenberg serving within the ABC District (as well as t he Foundation’s Executive Director), David Friesen serving within the Central District as of April 2012, and Alfred Feth serving within the East District. The F oundation’s ope rations have be en primarily f unded by t he t hree D istricts, S ynod, L utheran Laymen’s L eague - Canada, and our two seminaries. Additionally, the Foundation generates ope rating income from administration fees charged for managing the endowments (a 1% service fee) and custodial funds (a 0.5% service fee) within the Foundation’s investment portfolio. At pr esent, approximately $12 million is invested in e ndowments or c ustodial a ccounts. Foundation investments ar e m anaged by p rofessional i nvestment f irms, overseen by each f irm's i nvestment manager a nd t heir t eam of c ertified f inancial a nalysts. T he i nvestment m anagers pr ovide quarterly investment Performance Reports which are then reviewed by the Foundation's Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is comprised of members with background expertise in the areas of finance and accounting. The Finance Committee's primary responsibility is to insure the investment managers have invested our funds in keeping with the approved "Investment Policy Statement", a doc ument defining t he l evel o f r isk, investment diversification r equirements, a nd portfolio investment restrictions. Gift Planning Services Due t o our a ging popul ation, o ver t he ne xt 15 years significant w ealth, the b ounty of G od’s w orldly blessings will transfer from one generation to the next. P lanned giving is using a portion of the lifetime accumulation of worldly resources within our estate to meet the needs and expectations of family, while also including a g ift f or t he ong oing m ission a nd ministry of the church. For m any, t here is g reat Page 1 of 3 F.7 satisfaction in knowing their gift will continue to support ministries important to them after they’ve left this world. The Foundation’s Gift Coordinators provide informative seminars on Christian estate planning. Although the F oundation’s p rimary pur pose i s t o s peak t o i ndividuals on the be nefits of pl anned g iving, t hese seminars also cover a range of other topics related to estate planning: wills, health care directives, powers of attorney, funeral arrangements, and i ssues related to the transfer of assets from one generation to the next. Additionally, the Gift Coordinators provide individual services to our congregational membership, assisting in structuring the gift to the donor’s best advantage, providing needed information to the donor’s professional advisors, and ensuring the gift is directed to the appropriate organization(s) per the donor’s desired use of the funds. A Range of Gifts As stated earlier, the majority of g ifts are designated from the assets of an estate, usually given from the assets of t he su rviving spo use’s estate. This a cknowledges the ne ed t o p rovide f or a surviving s pouse, with unknown financial needs as the surviving spouse advances in years. For those who are financially wealthy, opportunities exist that provide significant tax savings for use during a donor’s lifetime, rather than having the entire tax cr edit go to the e state. Gifts can include: i nsurance pol icies, RRSP/RRIF investments, stock, real property, vehicles, and of course, cash. The table below shows the future distribution of the $37 million developed as planned gifts over the last six years, allocated per the wishes of the individual donors. Not surprisingly, approximately a third of all gifts are designated for congregations. Without exception, donors are excited that the ministries they’ve supported t hroughout t heir l ife will continue to b e s upported by t heir planned gift a fter they ha ve be en called home t o be with t heir Lord a nd Saviour. It is expected these planned gifts will pr ovide ongoing financial resources to the ministries of LCC for many years to come. Congregational Gift Acceptance and Use Policy Based on the six years of known information shown in the table below, plus the expectation of many gifts of which we are unaware, congregations need to plan now, on how these extraordinary financial gifts will be used. Up until now, few congregations have considered the necessity of creating a gift acceptance policy, much less a gift “use” policy. Yet, many of us have heard stories of congregations who’ve experienced a significant period of discord due to receiving an unexpected, large monetary gift from a deceased congregational member. Too often there are unyielding and differing opinions on how these types of gifts should be used. For this reason, the Foundation has developed a sample “Gift Acceptance and Use Policy” that congregations are encouraged to adapt for their own use now, in anticipation of receiving such gifts in the future. These extraordinary gifts, gifts beyond the congregation’s regular Sunday offering, can and should be used to transfer the blessings that God has bestowed upon them. These gifts allow congregations to develop community-based mission driven programs, or to support ministries well beyond their own doors. Congregations are encouraged to adapt and adopt the sample policy for their own use. The Foundation provides additional help and guidance throughout this process. With a clear vision of how gifted funds will be used, congregational members will be more inclined to consider such gifts to their congregation. Summary For further information on Lutheran Foundation Canada, or resources to do with estate planning, visit our website at www.lutheranfoundation.ca . Page 2 of 3 F.8 Lutheran Foundation Canada - Planned Giving Gift Summary Unspecified LCCFM CLWR LSO’s CLMS LWML-C LLL-C CUCA CLTS CLS Synod East District Central District ABC District East Cong's Central Cong's ABC Cong's Beneficiary $2,302,245 $20,000 $280,000 $20,000 $160,575 $40,000 $20,000 $38,200 $10,000 $85,600 $157,500 $392,100 $290,000 $0 $165,000 $261,000 $70,000 $292,270 2009 Gift Total $537,165 $7,558,390 $0 $200,000 $1,122,196 $248,920 $86,333 $204,360 $778,600 $273,000 $247,710 $1,009,025 $670,000 $213,358 $46,000 $650,000 $1,007,568 $95,310 $706,010 2010 Gift Total $545,800 $3,936,756 $165,000 $147,897 $49,605 $174,500 $333,384 $0 $273,400 $143,333 $307,888 $252,773 $274,100 $141,144 $17,500 $108,425 $805,383 $196,000 $546,424 2011 Gift Total $641,400 $4,105,650 $50,000 $218,050 $238,917 $95,125 $98,750 $150,750 $445,600 $1,000 $295,425 $334,766 $299,125 $59,650 $90,000 $160,000 $897,825 $100,800 $569,867 2012 Gift Total $693,050 $12,247,050 $55,000 $118,150 $244,055 $433,420 $259,000 $182,000 $814,255 $803,500 $239,055 $1,383,000 $1,188,855 $336,000 $533,200 $1,235,500 $901,360 $319,000 $3,201,700 2013 Gift Total $2,147,850 $6,938,850 $380,000 $480,050 $403,000 $608,725 $331,450 $205,125 $393,000 $334 $309,408 $665,908 $137,500 $50,975 $31,250 $120,400 $1,660,350 $615,300 $546,075 2014 Gift Total $4,681,015 $37,088,941 $670,000 $1,444,147 $2,077,773 $1,721,265 $1,148,917 $762,235 $2,743,055 $1,231,167 $1,485,086 $3,802,972 $2,961,680 $1,091,127 $717,950 $2,439,325 $5,533,486 $1,396,410 $5,862,346 6 Year Total 12.62% 100.00% 1.81% 3.89% 5.60% 4.64% 3.10% 2.06% 7.40% 3.32% 4.00% 10.25% 7.99% 2.94% 1.94% 6.58% 14.92% 3.77% 15.81% % of Total Gifts The following table shows how the membership of Lutheran Church – Canada has responded to planned giving opportunities. either within their estate, or as a current gift. (Allocations are based upon the expressed wishes of each donor.) May God be praised! Total Gifts $115,750 Allen Schellenberg - Executive Director Lutheran Foundation Canada Total Cash Rec'd Respectfully submitted, Page 3 of 3 F.9 REPORT OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING COMMITTEE February 2015 For the past 4 academic years the seminaries of Lutheran Church – Canada, together with the Synod’s Board of Directors have been working together to achieve the objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed at the 2011 Synod Convention in Hamilton. The MOU Committee has met regularly over this time we are pleased to report to the District Conventions some of the progress made in the past few years. In particular we are pleased to report the following highlights: • • • • Continued fiscal responsibility on the part of both seminaries Greater sharing of resources through increased use of technology Renewed focus on recruitment of students Responsible approach to need for new faculty members qualities are flourishing and the leaders of the seminaries are to be thanked for their hard work which has contributed to this renewed cooperation. CURRICULUM 3. Seminary curricula have been harmonized in the following areas: o o o Looking Back Below you will find the text of the more important sections of the MOU and a more detailed review of the progress achieved. OBJECTIVE 1. The parties agree to work together with the objective of achieving one system of complementary cost effective, sustainable seminary education. 2. The parties agree that the Seminaries will coordinate their activities so as to provide a full complement of training and educational services between them to individuals who wish to serve as pastors and professional church workers within the Synod. The MOU committee is happy to report our seminaries are operating in a closer partnership than at any other time in their history. While there is not unanimity on every question, the atmosphere between the seminaries themselves and between the seminaries and the Synod has become stronger and there is a stong sense of common purpose. For this we thank and praise the Lord of the Church!! As will be noted later in this report formal institutional unity is still a long way off. However, even more important for our Synod are things like a common sense of purpose, mutual respect and a clear shared focus on pastoral formation. These The parties agree to work together to establish an integrated curriculum for the Seminaries so as to avoid duplication in delivery of programs as much as possible. Each seminary will identify courses to be offered residentially taking into account the residency requirements established by accrediting agencies and didactic need. Historical Theology Old Testament Theology New Testament Theology Ongoing review of the curriculum is occurring the in the areas of Systematic Theology and Practical Theology. A number of years ago CLS adopted some new teaching strategies which brought changes to the way Systematic (Doctrinal) Theology is taught. Merging this with the older model still used at CLTS has proved a challenge. It must be emphasized however, that the content is the same at both schools; the method of teaching the content has been a challenge to harmonize. Due to the nature of course work in practical theology this is probably an area that will remain unique to each setting, though again it is not a matter of different content, but here the need is for in-person classroom and field-work opportunities. 4 The seminaries also agree to the use of telecommunication technologies to avoid or minimize duplication of training and educational services, as well as the use of alternate teaching methods in order to deliver cost efficient distance education courses and programs. The seminaries also agree to explore distributed learning models offered by ATS accredited schools. Over the past 4 academic years seminary classes have been shared via internet. Edmonton students are able to take courses taught in St. Catharines and vice versa. Better equipment has been purchased and F.10 both students and faculty are growing more comfortable with the use of technology. 5. The Seminaries agree to investigate compatible student information systems, enrolment and record keeping procedures that satisfy ATS standards and streamline cross-seminary enrolments and transfer credits. for their programs. Both schools have finished recent fiscal years in surplus position. Thanks to a very generous gift CLTS has completely paid off its accumulated operating debt while Edmonton has begun to restore its surplus funds. We praise God for the tremendous financial blessings He has showered upon our seminaries! All Parties agree to establish a joint committee composed of representatives o f the Seminary Administrations, Board of Regents from each Seminary and the Board of Directors of LCC to oversee implementation o f th is MOU a nd t o make recommendations to each Board of Regents and as necessary to the Board of Directors of LCC for action. This committee will a lso review t he co mbined ag gregate o perating budget on a n a nnual ba sis a nd may a lso explore further methods by which the parties may cooperate in achieving the o bjectives set out in this Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement. This committee will meet at least annually. 9. Together with the registrar at CLS, the MOU committee has reviewed record keeping questions and for the time being at least, each school will continue to keep its own academic records. 6. All parties agree to coordinate activities so as to avoid duplication of administrative functions by creating single programs to serve both Seminaries in areas of recruitment, development, registration, support and maintenance of training and educational services. Please refer to #5 above as well as notes under #10 below 7. The Seminaries agree to establish a program of professional education and ongoing training and guidance for faculty and instructors that will ensure a quality distance education program. The MOU committee has met 9 times over the past four years. 10. The Board of Directors of LCC will develop specific initiatives to enable the membership of t he Synod t o increase t heir support f or seminary training in Lutheran Church – Canada, focusing specifically on our mutual responsibility to recruit suitable candidates for pastoral ministry and our mutual responsibility to e nsure that the necessary financial resources are provided for high quality academic and pastoral formation of those candidates. The seminary faculty and staff have all participated in training events designed to assist them with teaching classes using distance learning technology. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 8. The Seminaries agree to adopt as an objective and to pursue initiatives so as to limit th eir c ombined o perating b udgets to a n aggregate amount of $1.45 million per a nnum by the 2012-2013 fiscal year including an annual contribution from LCC. The combined aggregate operating budget amount is to be reviewed annually Strictly speaking the goal of keeping expenses to under $1.45 million was not met. However while the MOU was not fulfilled to the “letter (number) of the law,” the spirit of what it sought to do has been achieved in these past three years. Both schools have demonstrated a strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Both have sought out opportunities to reduce expenses, but have also been diligent in developing donor support The BOD continues to grow into its responsibilities under t he M OU. I n t he ar ea o f r ecruitment t he we have worked with the following basic presupposition -- Recruitment of suitable seminarians is best addressed through a sustained, long term effort to keep this matter before the eyes of the Synod, cultivating a greater awareness of the need for seminarians as well as an awareness of the gifts and skills that typically found in such individuals. Some strategies that undertaken in this triennium to contribute to achieving a greater awareness around the issue of recruitment include: • Articles in Canadian Lutheran focusing upon pastoral ministry as a vocation. Specifically we note the January/February F.11 2013 issue which featured recruitment as its main focus. The National Church Worker Conference in the fall of 2013 recruitment of pastors and deacons was a topic for one session, focusing on the role of the pastor/church worker in raising up candidates for church work vocations. • Seminary presence at the 2013 National Youth Gathering • • The ABC District has developed a website focusing on recruitment • CLTS and CLS have produced a number of high quality posters for display in churches 11. However, when one looks at the full report it becomes clear that while this was the ultimate goal, its implementation is fraught with challenges: Here is an excerpt from the report itself: The Task Force has explored in detail the possibilities for outright corporate merger between the seminaries and has discovered that there are at least two ways in which such an amalgamation may take place. • Option 1 would involve approaching the Alberta Legislature via a private member’s Bill asking for an amendment to the Special Act which establishes the Edmonton seminary, allowing that Corporation to merge with the Ontario Letters Patent Corporation which establishes the St. Catharines Seminary. This process while cumbersome and costly, would allow the seminaries to continue and amalgamate as “equals” with all rights and privileges intact, including in Edmonton’s case, the ability to grant degrees. • Option 2 offers a somewhat more economical route to the same corporate destination. In essence, the Edmonton Corporation would, under the provisions of its Act, wind up its operations. According to the Act the assets of the Corporation would then revert to LCC, who would in turn, pass on those assets to the Ontario Corporation. What remains somewhat uncertain in this option is whether the Ontario Corporation would be allowed to offer degrees in Alberta or, alternatively, whether Brock University (CLTS currently does not have degree granting status, but offers the M.Div. under a special arrangement with Brock University) would be willing to grant degrees to graduates from the Edmonton campus. Financial Lutheran Church–Canada Ministries will coordinate development work for the endowment funds of each seminary, large gifts, and deferred gifts, while development staff at each seminary will focus attention on regular gifts, and strengthening personal relationships with faithful supporters. Representatives of Lutheran Foundation Canada and together with Synod Treasurer Dwayne Cleave have participated MOU committee meetings to c larify roles and responsibilities. Since 2009 the Foundation has identified in excess of $4.5 million in future gifts for the seminaries. Approximately 75% of that total has been designated for CLS Edmonton. OTHER 12. be a single Board of Regents, single president and administration, single budget and nonoverlapping academic program for seminary education in Lutheran Church – Canada. The parties agree to work together to investigate in further detail the steps that would be necessary to undertake a formal institutional merger which would entail one Board of Regents, one President, nd a single administration. One of the most persistent questions following the 2011 Synod Convention has been “When will the seminaries merge and become one organization operating on two (or one) site(s)?” Part of the confusion doubtless comes from the Final Report of the Seminary Task Force. The executive summary of that document states the following: That the administration and operations of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary – Ontario and Concordia Lutheran Seminary Edmonton be integrated such that there would While these possibilities for amalgamation exist, and ultimately need to be pursued, the Task Force is recommending that F.12 operational integration of the seminaries precede formal organizational integration. Since the 2011 Convention, further discussion on this issue has taken place. Here is what has been learned: • • Option 1 is very expensive. The estimated the cost for an amendment to the Act is in the 10’s of thousands of dollars, and would take a year or more to achieve. Given that the budget for each BOR is about $10,000 per year and that the new merged corporation would still need a BOR (and the Board would likely be expanded), this option costs much initially and saves little on a year-to- year basis. Option 2 would require negotiation with Brock around the issue of degree granting status for a satellite campus in Edmonton. There is no guarantee that Brock would have any interest in this, and furthermore there is a distinct possibility that once the agreement between CLTS and Brock were opened for discussion Brock would seek changes of its own, such as raising the cost of the annual lease to something at least remotely close to real estate values today. Thus, at least for the foreseeable future, the actual merger of the corporations is not a “ front-burner” issue. 13. The Boards of Regents of the seminaries will meet jointly on an annual basis. The parties agree to provide a joint report to LCC on the results of such meetings. The Boards of Regents’ have met together annually for several years, even before the MOU was adopted and this will continue into the future. Looking Ahead As we look forward, it is the opinion of the MOU Committee that the current document be amended to serve as an ongoing guide for our seminaries and Synod to work together in continuing to provide cost-effective, sustainable seminary education in Lutheran Church – Canada. There is also a strong feeling a more permanent committee be established to focus attention on the education of pastors and deacons. While it would be a mistake to go back to the old method of having a Board for Higher Education which reduces seminary autonomy and that does not report to the Synod’s Board of Directors, there is a strong case to be made for having a committee of the Board similar to the Committee for Missions and Social Ministry Services to coordinate our work in the training of future church workers. The MOU committee has set September 2015 as a target date for the completion of a new document to guide seminary education in LCC and progress toward this goal will be reported to the church in due course. In closing we give thanks to God for our seminaries and for the many ways in which He has blessed them in this past triennium. Looking back over the years since the 2008 Synod Convention, it is clear we have come a long way, by God’s grace alone. Thanks to the Regents, faculty, staff, students and supporters of the seminaries for their patience and prayers during stressful times. Thanks also to the various members of the MOU Committee who have, even in times of disagreement shown passionate commitment to the work we have entrusted to our seminaries. Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Nolan Astley, Chairman MOU Committee 1st Vice-President, Lutheran Church – Canada F. 13 Report to LCC District Conventions 2015 Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, AB (CLS) Introduction Many things have happened at Concordia Lutheran Seminary in the past Triennium, reminding us that while we are in this world, there are many troubles, but that we can take heart, for Christ has overcome the world. There are many reasons for thanksgiving for God’s guidance and blessing in the Triennium. Dr. Norman Threinen served as interim President during 2012-2013. His tenure focused on re-establishing credibility and trust in the Seminary, the implementation of the MOU, fund raising and financial recordkeeping, and preparations for renewal of the ATS accreditation status. Dr. James Gimbel arrived in January 2014 and has focused heavily on achieving ATS accreditation renewal; faculty and staff development; student recruitment; financial development, management, and record keeping; and enhancing the visibility and status credibility of the seminary. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of 2011 called both seminaries “to work together with the objective of achieving one system of complementary cost effective, sustainable seminary education.” The financial picture for both seminaries has been clarified and is far less critical than was initially assessed; with the immediate financial crisis addressed, the focus of the MOU has explored ways that both seminaries can better cooperate as they share in the singular goal of preparing faithful pastors to serve Christ and His Church, particularly in LCC. In accord with commitments under the MOU, the faculties and administrators have held joint meetings via internet videoconferencing, and the two Academic Deans have worked closely on curriculum harmonization. The two Boards of Regents met jointly at St. Catharines in January 2013, in Edmonton in February 2014, and again at St. Catharines January 26-27, 2015. Rev. Nolan Astley, representing the LCC Board of Directors, chairs a subcommittee designed to monitor progress on implementing the MOU. Budget, staffing, and debt reduction have been significant topics of deliberation. [Please see his report, also in this workbook, for additional details.] Mission and Purpose Accreditation is an important component of certifying that our programs meet certain academic standards and align with many “best practices” in theological education and pastoral formation. Accreditation also allows our students to more easily matriculate to other graduate degrees based upon the credibility of our program. In 1998, Concordia Lutheran Seminary received initial accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). This accreditation was renewed for the ten year period 2004-2014. Intense work with a written report and on-site visit were part of a further renewal of this status, which was completed in March, 2014. A seven-year accreditation period was ratified by the ATS F. 14 on June 27, 2014, carrying us forward to 2021. In September, 2014 the Board of Regents made a slight modification of the seminary mission statement at the request of the ATS that we identify more closely with the LCC. The mission statement now reads, “the mission of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton, a seminary of Lutheran ChurchCanada, is to form servants for Jesus’ sake.” The primary vision of the seminary is to train Canadian men in a Canadian context for Lutheran pastoral ministry across Canada. The primary focus is on theological and spiritual formation for pastors, but this overlaps to all who seek support from CLS in support for ministry within and outside of LCC, with clergy and laity. B. Students and Graduates Over the past triennium, enrollment struggled a bit, but is on the upswing. MDiv enrollment in April 2014 was six; current enrollment is 12. As of mid-February, 2015, we have three qualified early applications in hand already for 2015-2016, and anticipate there being five or six new MDiv first-year students in Fall, 2015. We also expect to add one Open Studies student who will enter LCC through colloquy after two years of study. We are pleased to present to the church four graduates in Spring, 2015. The net enrollment change is that we anticipate having 15 full time students for our 20152016 academic year. We have one student returning from vicarage for next year, and will likely need sites for seven vicars during the 2016-2017 year. The goal of the seminary is to produce solid pastors for LCC, so we remain selective in the admission process, rigorous on academic grading and the formation model, and focus heavily on faith and pastoral formation while students are here. We are responsible to the church in recommending certification and strive to do our best at pastoral formation. We sincerely thank the Church for your partnership in sending the brightest and best candidates to us for pastoral formation. C. Faculty and Staff The end of 2013 saw the third retirement of Dr. Norman Threinen, and Spring 2014 saw the retirement of Dr. Ed Kettner, two icons of CLS who had served for a combined 49 years of service to CLS (22- and 27-year tenures, respectively). We celebrated those transitions with a deep sense of appreciation for their individual service and sadness over the institutional loss. Dr. Threinen has recently ended a term as Rector of our partner Concordia Seminary in Ukraine. Dr. Kettner has taught two courses in the 20142015 academic year using Distance Education technology and in the January term. We also are blessed to have four other adjunct faculty helping fill the teaching load for the 2014-2015 academic year. The CLS Board of Regents has carefully assessed our needs and capacities and concluded that we should call a Systematics faculty member; candidates are currently being interviewed in this process and we hope to issue a Call in May. With the faculty changes, current faculty members’ duties have shifted as well, as each person wears many hats. Dr. Stephen F. 15 Chambers has served as Academic Dean and Library Director since July 2011. Prof. Jonathan Kraemer is the Dean of Student Life, Director of Financial Aid, and Director of Placement. Dr. Gimbel has picked up the Director of Field Education and Vicarage duties. The staff needs are served by two highquality full time people: Rhonda Buck as Administrative Assistant to the President, and Jeff Nachtigall as Registrar, Director of Admission, and Director of Technology Services. Rita Jandrey, the half-time librarian, returned to retirement shortly after the fire. Genevieve LaBrie ended her service as Treasurer October 31, when Amy Thera began that role. Rev. Bill Ney has been Chaplain this academic year to cover one of the duties vacated by Dr. Kettner. As the new President, there is a time of transition to learn the nuances of the roles, and develop a strong collaborative team of faculty/staff, and building a stronger trusting board, working with inter-seminary, Churchwide, and stakeholder relationships. The President is currently addressing needs in Recruitment and Development and Church Relations in addition to the Presidential and other administrative and management duties. Although the Memorandum of Understanding identifies a priority to “coordinate development work for the endowment funds of each synod, large gifts, and deferred gifts,” and “focus on regular gifts, and strengthening personal relationships with faithful supporters,” the position of Director of Development was discontinued in October 2011 and the support staff position was soon vacated as well. Dr. Threinen served well in that role, we are currently working hard to keep up development and fund raising, even as we explore other options for this critical role. The CLS Strategic Planning process recommended a Portfolio Review of faculty and staff duties, which was conducted in June, 2014. Ultimately, the outcome highlights the reality that a small seminary needs people to fill nearly all of the same duties and roles required at a larger seminary; this places heavy stress on each member of a small faculty and staff where each person needs to be a good fit for the job and work hard or the whole seminary flounders. We continue to explore related pieces as we move forward to ensure that we have adequate faculty and staff to serve the needs of the Seminary and our church. It is conceivable that recommendations will be made for additional staffing to address the recruitment, development, and church relations arena. D. Governance The Board of Regents, which is charged with oversight of Concordia Lutheran Seminary, is constituted by the following members: • Chairman: Rev. Daryl Solie, Regina, SK • Vice-chairman: Mr. Christopher Klarenbach, Calgary, AB • Secretary: Mr. Ian Lande, Stony Plain, AB • Mrs. Karen Gallas, New Hamburg, ON • Rev. Ted Giese, Regina, SK • Rev. Scott Lyons, Victoria, BC F. 16 • • Rev. Rudy Pastucha, appointed representative of LCC President Dr. Robert Bugbee Rev. Donald Schiemann, Stony Plain, AB, ex officio as District President The regents are organized around a policybased governance model and guide the direction of the seminary and its decisions. Current critical foci of the board include the accreditation evaluation and renewal process, strategic planning, and the transitional components of leadership at CLS. E. Finance At the 2011 LCC convention, concerns were raised about the financial picture of CLS (as well as at CLTS). By 2012, many steps were already in place to address these concerns. However, it is critically important to underscore that concerns raised then about CLS were the result of a misunderstanding of use for the earnings from some of the endowments from LCC-FM. These earnings had not been forwarded automatically to CLS; the failure to utilize the endowment income led to shortfalls and concerns about long-term financial viability that created a somewhat false fear. It was not nearly the crisis that the alarm bells had sounded. In late 2011 CLS contracted a new bookkeeper who sorted through some of the endowment contracts, but there were limits to her service and we concluded that contract. Now we are re-evaluating our financial picture, doing a more careful analysis of resources. We believe that CLS was positioned to be financially stable with a viable ministry for the future. Careful budgeting, strong fund appeals, and cautious cost-cutting measures generated mild longterm reserves for each of the past two fiscal years (+ $144,070.75 in 2011-2012 and +$66,485.89 in 2012-2013; and nearly $14,000 for 2013-2014). Good biblical stewardship dictates careful financial management, and we strive to operate CLS in a fiscally responsible manner that provides the highest quality education and training/formation of quality pastors to serve LCC on a minimal budget. It is a wonderful and necessary blessing to have this level of support from LCC for our ministry. In the midst our optimistic analysis, the recent ABC District Church Extension Fund insolvency makes a significant current and future impact upon our financial picture. Roughly 21.5% of our endowments, with a December 2014 book value of $927,770.69 is tied into CEF. A significant portion of these earnings were earmarked for current ministry needs, but is now frozen and estimated at 50-55% of its value. This impacts our current budget, as well as our future income. Whether there is a short term liquidation or a church-managed reorganization of the assets, significant money has been lost. Furthermore, if donations decrease around LCC it will impact the amount of our subsidy from LCC (we’ve been forewarned about this likelihood). We will no longer receive support from ABC. If money is not rerouted around the ABC District directly to LCC or directly to the Seminary, this will impact our budgeted receipts. If eroded confidence impacts direct donations to the seminary, this will also hurt our financial picture. We F. 17 have a very small and tight budget; we pray that God will raise up support and bless our ministry. We are thankful for your support. CLS also was initially hoping to make some electrical, lighting, paint, carpet, and furnishing improvements which are expedient during the fire recovery but are not covered by insurance. This financial situation also limits our ability to do so easily. The CLS Board of Regents is strongly considering a special fund appeal for fire recovery and improvements that may unfold during Lent. E. Academic Programs The M.Div. degree is the primary program offered at CLS. A new curriculum, introduced in 2009, is scheduled for review again in 2014-2015, this current year. The new curriculum stimulates a more intentional investment in student formation that takes place beyond the classroom, focusing on personal growth, pastoral skills, and service in uniquely Lutheran contexts. The faculty is heavily involved in organizing and leading numerous co-curricular “units” that are part of the formative track leading to the certification for ordination in LCC. CLS has one international student on campus earning the MDiv degree as part of the broad plan of shaping leaders for the global church with a Lutheran voice of the gospel of Christ. CLS has one student earning the MDiv degree who had initiated through the colloquy program. The seminary continues to offer an Open Studies Program for students who do not want to enter a degree program, or do not qualify for a degree program because of non-academic reasons. Some Open Studies students matriculate into the MDiv program. We anticipate having a full time student on campus next year in this program. There is also an openness to train students from NALC and CALC for ministry here. Distance Education The two seminaries continue to coordinate in many academic areas, often using distance education resources. The spirit of cooperation has shaped academic calendars, grading practices, and curricula. Each seminary offers independent courses, but the seminaries share courses where distance learning methods provide a solid pedagogical model to meet the course goals and objectives. Between 2012-2015, as many as seven courses a year were taught by CLS and CLTS faculty and shared between the two institutions, using the Adobe Connect distance-education platform. Adjustments for faculty include learning how to use the technology, but also how to reconstruct course activities to be pedagogically sound in a Distance Education (DE) environment, which can consume significant faculty time. Mr. Jeffrey Nachtigall, CLS’ Director of Technology Services, has been a significant resource for these needs. F. Other programs and activities CLS has revamped its Quest program of non-credit, evening classes and had a phenomenal response in February and October/November, 2014, and January/February 2015, with up to 24 separate online sites tuning in to sessions in addition to the cluster that gathered on the CLS campus. Now without a registration fee F. 18 for participants, Quest serves the church across the synod and around the world. The Timothy Lecture, featuring a veteran pastor who focuses on his experience in significant areas of pastoral life, is an important component of pastoral formation. This day-long, hallmark program supplements regular classes and is open to the community. The 2013 speaker was Rev. Dr. Marvin Ziprick. The 2014 lecture did not materialize due to scheduling complications. The 2015 speaker was Rev. Wayne Olson, held on January 22, 2015. The formation process for long tenure ministry continues through this format. A number of convocations are offered to students and the wider community each year as well. In September 2012, Rev. Mark Jasa, LMCS Pastor, shared about Christian Apologetics. A November, 2012 convocation featured Dr. James Lamb, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life, who focused on providing care for men and women in post-abortion experiences. A March, 2013 convocation involved an offsite visit to Howard & McBride funeral home (with the help of Kirsten Guggenmos), and an April 2013 convocation featured Sgt. Timothy Arndt (Edmonton Police Service), addressing "What a pastor needs to know about the Canadian legal system.” The 2014 convocation brought Rev. Phil Gagnon, Dean of the Canadian NALC congregations, who addressed aspects of the journey that led him to be part of the NALC. The CLS faculty continued to be active in LCC and international mission and ministry in the past triennium. Dr. Threinen has spent time each year in the Ukraine, where he serves as Concordia Seminary rector. Dr. Edward Kettner has taught in Thailand and Ukraine. Dr. Stephen Chambers served on CCMS until 2014, teaches in Cambodia and Thailand, and has taken students and adult volunteers from across the synod to an archaeological dig in Israel in 2012 and 2014. Prof. Kraemer serves on LCC President’s Committee for Care of Church Workers/Family Care and the Board of Governors for Lutheran Historical Institute, and co-led the 2014 CLS archeology dig in Israel. Professor Kraemer also attended ILC seminary’s conference in Palanga, Lithuania in August of 2013. Dr. Gimbel serves on Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) and the Pastors in Alternate Training (PAT) supervisory board. Faculty continue to serve as preachers and speakers for conferences and study groups; Dr. Gimbel will keynote the Central District and East District conventions in 2015. CLS awarded a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa degree in 2013 to Ms. Lynn Gergens, Walnut Grove Lutheran Church, Langley BC; the Faith in Life award to Mr. Art Timm, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Saskatoon; and the Friend of the Seminary award to Mrs. Doreen Christensen, Grace Lutheran Church, Edmonton. CLS awarded the Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa degree to Rev. Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt, pastor in the SELK (Germany) and Chairman of the ILC; and the Doulos dia Iesoun award to Rev. Larry MacKay, Grace, Edmonton, at the 2014 Sacred Convocation. The most dramatic news of late is the fire in our library, started by an unknown arsonist on the evening of November 12. The whole building had smoke and soot damage; the library far more extensively, where all F. 19 contents have been removed and we are awaiting final bids on repairs so we can let the renovation begin. With minimal but important improvements (electrical, lighting, security and alarms, and study furnishings), we will need to raise an additional $40,000 to cover our deductible and those improvements. We anticipate that rebuilding will unfold in March and April, with the replacement of books in May. We hope to re-dedicate the library at the time of our Sacred Convocation in May. In spite of the fire, and the inconveniences involved, we are thankful to God for guiding us in the process and allowing us to anticipate full recovery of the library … and for being able to carry out our mission with minimal disruption to our services. Overall, CLS continues to stand faithful on the historic foundation of 30 years of “forming servants for Jesus’ sake” for Lutheran Church-Canada. We are thankful for the opportunity to serve Christ and His Church into the future. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to theological education and pastoral training for the LCC and the voice of Christ the True Light in a world of darkness. Respectfully submitted, Rev. James R. Gimbel, Ph.D., President Concordia Lutheran Seminary Edmonton, AB, CA February 14, 2015 Saint Valentine, Martyr F.20 Lutheran Church—Canada Synodical Report to District Conventions 2015 “Come to Him Who Answers Prayer” (Psalm 65:2) Treasured brothers and sisters, For decades we’ve had the habit of assigning “themes” for church conventions, whether they were national (Synod) or regional (District). Sometimes I wondered whether those themes, carefully cooked up by leaders like me, were remembered a month after a given convention was over. We’ve designed logos and banners to go with them, printed the themes on workbooks and handbooks and other communications. And yet: Who remembers the theme of the 1993 LCC Convention, for example? Or of the District conventions of 1997 or 2003? I am quite sure that the Synod theme for this 20142017 triennium, first launched at our national Convention last year in Vancouver, may have already faded from many people’s memories. That theme, Come to Him Who Answers Prayer, is rooted in Psalm 65:2. King David sings there, “O You who hear prayer, to You all men will come.” As I write these lines, we’ve all got good reason to take up the Synod’s theme from last year, and not just because it would help the Synod as a structure. We’ve got good reason to remember it because it’s the Lord’s wide-open invitation to you and me for this moment. He knows we need it right now. I write these lines in late winter to prepare for the three District conventions this spring. There’s sadness in our church family at this moment, due to the insolvency in the Church Extension Fund (CEF) of the Alberta-British Columbia District. I shall have more to say on this matter, both later in this written report, and also in person when I come to your conventions in Saskatoon (Central), Waterloo (East) and Calgary (ABC). In addition to all the details being requested and provided on this sorrow, I am aware of intense praying going on in many places. You don’t need the logo from a Synod convention workbook to tell you that’s a good idea. God Himself says it is healthy, needed and good. Let His invitation be a starting place for the round of conventions coming this spring. Robert Bugbee, President Lutheran Church-Canada I. Changes within the Leadership Since the Districts last met in 2012, let me sketch out the arrivals and departures we have experienced in the leadership of the Synod: I was asked by the Tenth Convention, meeting in June, 2014, in Vancouver, to continue on for a third term as Synod President. That term began last September 1. Among the vice-presidents we have again experienced changes. Pastor Mark Dressler, appointed the Third Vice-President (from the Central District), accepted a call to Alberta in 2013 and had to resign, since he was moving from one District to another. In his place I appointed Pastor Rudy Pastucha to fill the Central District spot among the VPs. Pastor Pastucha served out the remainder of the term. Newly-elected at the Vancouver convention (again from Central) was Pastor Mark L. Smith. So the present line-up includes: Pastor Nolan D. Astley (from East) as First VP, Pastor Thomas Kruesel (from AlbertaBritish Columbia) as Second, and Pastor Mark L. Smith as Third. There are additional changes coming in the Council of Presidents (COP). President Donald Schiemann announced in 2014 his intention to retire as Alberta-British Columbia District president. In view of Pastor Schiemann’s impending departure, the COP elected President Thomas Prachar of the Central District to serve as its Chairman. First VP Nolan Astley continues as the COP Secretary. Other executive and management positions in Synod’s office have remained stable since 2012: Dr. Leonardo Neitzel still serves faithfully as our Assistant to the President for Mission and Social Ministry Services, Mathew Block is in his fourth year as Communications Manager, Dwayne Cleave is still serving both as Synod Treasurer and as the Executive Director of the LCC Worker Benefit Plans (WBP), while Jim Clark continues as Accounting Manager. F.21 Iris Barta is administrative assistant to the Executive and also does extensive coordinating between the accounting department and our world mission enterprises, Lil Kozussek moved from WBP to serve as administrative assistant to Central District President Prachar. In the spring of 2013, the Central District office moved from its longtime building in Regina and now occupies office space upstairs in our LCC building. As a result, President Thomas Prachar is here with us, as is David Friesen, the planned giving counselor from the Central District. Jodie Hyde and Gail Bugbee provide temporary and/or part-time service, especially to benefit Central; Don Paulus comes in one day a week in his role as Central District treasurer. Rose Rosyati assists Jim Clark in accounting, and there have been various parttime and temporary accounting assistants working upstairs in recent years. I also do not want to neglect mentioning Margaret Klatt, who donates her time two days a week for the national work of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary LeagueCanada. Since a number of our colleagues do not work a five-day week, the faces at our devotions vary; sometimes it’s fewer, sometimes more. I treasure the time with them on workday mornings at 10 o’clock when we unpack God’s Word and call on Him in our prayers. It is our habit to remember one of our local churches each day in those prayers, and then to sign a card and send it to them in the mail to let them know we are naming them before Christ. I would be remiss if I failed to name two wonderful colleagues who have left our building in recent times. Cheryll Matthes, who worked most recently in the WBP, concluded 22 years of service and retired at the end of December, 2014. At the same time, Janice Otto, also very experienced in Worker Benefits, moved to Ellement & Ellement Consulting of Winnipeg, the firm which took over the administrative functions of our WBP. We’re glad that Janice, who knows our LCC workers and congregations, is now Ellement’s primary contact person for our people when they have questions and problems. We miss these friends deeply, and thank God for everything they were able to do in many years of faithful work. II. Theological Education Concordia University College of Alberta (CUCA) In May, CUCA will officially become registered as “Concordia University of Edmonton,” reflecting its enhanced status within the higher education system of the province of Alberta. The University administration is kept busy dealing with funding challenges from the provincial government, and elsewhere in your Workbook provides an internet link where various reports are available. The alumni-oriented one entitled, “Concordia Year in Review” (CYU) may prove to be the most helpful for District convention delegates. Our Seminaries The picture at our LCC seminaries has brightened considerably since the last District conventions in 2012. Both of them had vacancies in the President’s office at that time; the Lord has since sent them able and hard-working leaders. Dr. Thomas Winger was installed as President of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary (CLTS), St. Catharines, ON, in September, 2012. Thanks to a very generous gift, the seminary has been able to retire its previous large debt and to carry out a number of needed repairs on its building, now over 30 years old. We have the prospect of stronger enrollments there in the coming years, and representatives of the faculty have been leaders in helping our Synod forge relationships and dialogues with the Catholic Church, as well as with Biblical Anglicans. We note the upcoming retirement of longtime professor, Dr. William Mundt, and pray God’s blessing on him. Finally, the Synod is glad to note that President Winger’s volume on Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians will soon be published as part of the massive Concordia Commentary series. After a lengthy vacancy, Dr. James R. Gimbel was installed as President of Concordia Lutheran Seminary (CLS), Edmonton, in February, 2014. He had formerly served at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. Dr. Gimbel is deeply gifted in educational administration and has been busy strengthening the seminary’s relationships with our people in the western Districts. CLS bade farewell to Dr. Edward Kettner, who retired in May, 2014, and is working on identifying a replacement. We were all startled at the news of a fire in the seminary library last October, but the seminary community rose to the challenge and has been making the needed adjustments while awaiting repair and renovation in the library. F.22 The “MOU Committee” (Memorandum of Understanding) is a working group involving representatives of both seminaries and the Synod, under the Chairmanship of First VP Astley. It has continued to identify areas where the schools can cooperate and pool effort and resources. III. Church Relations There is always a certain measure of overlap between this and the Missions story you find elsewhere in this Synod report, but I do wish to highlight a number of details: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Since our churches in Canada lived as members of the Missouri Synod from 1854 to 1988, this is not just another “partner” church, but our “mother” in so many ways. Dr. Matthew Harrison was elected to a second term as LCMS President in July, 2013, and brought a very spirited greeting in person to our last LCC Convention in Vancouver last June. Missouri is also working to coordinate world mission planning with us in a much more intentional way than in the past. We try to “steer clear” of countries where the other partner is working to avoid duplicating efforts. In Latin America, a “son” of LCC, Pastor Ted Krey, has become the LCMS’ mission director for that region and has been a huge encouragement to our work, for example, in Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Honduras. In fact, an experienced Missouri Synod missionary in the Spanish-speaking world, Rev. Edmund Auger, was installed last October as a kind of “mission coordinator” at our Mission Centre in Chinandega, Nicaragua. Here’s a case where Missouri is providing salary support for Pastor Auger and his deaconess wife, Cherie, while the work supervision is undertaken by LCC missions and the self-governing Synod in Nicaragua. Other significant points of mission coordination have been in eastern Europe and southeast Asia. I continue to thank God for the work of Dr. Albert Collver, President Harrison’s assistant for church relations, who is in repeated consultation with us on many subjects throughout the year. International Lutheran Council (ILC) ILC is a global association of 34 confessional Lutheran church bodies united in their common commitment to Scripture as the inspired Word of God and an unreserved subscription to the Lutheran confessions. Since our last District conventions, the ILC held its first World Conference in Canada at Niagara Falls, ON, in September 2012. Our St. Catharines Seminary hosted the opening service for the gathering, at which Bishop Hans-Jörg Voigt of the Independent Evangelical Lutheran Church (SELK, Germany) was elected to his first full term as ILC Chairman. Dr. Albert Collver of the LCMS works part-time as ILC’s Executive Secretary. In addition, the ILC hosted its regular World Seminary Conference the following summer (August, 2013) at Palanga, Lithuania, under the theme Suffering and Martyrdom as Marks of the Church. Because of the theological discord among certain member churches of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), it is estimated that 15-20 church bodies have recently expressed interest in ILC membership. Processing this heightened interest is a challenge, since the ILC does not currently have a significant staffing structure. Several of the applying churches may well be received into membership at the next World Conference, coming this September in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Among them will likely be our mission “daughter” church, the Iglesia Luterana— Sínodo de Nicaragua (Lutheran Church—Synod of Nicaragua, ILSN). The Buenos Aires conference will meet under the theme, Bringing the Reformation to the World as a way of pointing forward to the 500th Anniversary of Luther’s Reformation in October, 2017. In addition, ILC representatives (including President Bugbee) were hosted in Rome by the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity (PCPCU) in November, 2013. The two sides decided on a three-year series of informal theological dialogues, to meet twice each year beginning in 2014. These conversations are still in the early stages. Southeast Asia As I write these lines, Dr. Neitzel and I are preparing to travel to Thailand and Cambodia at the beginning of March. I have not visited our partners there for over four years. They are the Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church (TCLC) with its President, The Rev. Pornprom “Ted” NaThalang; and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cambodia (ELCC), led by its president, The Rev. Vannarith Chhim. President Vannarith came to our Vancouver convention last June to bring greetings and for consultations. For a number of years we have worked closely with the “Luther F.23 Institute—Southeast Asia” (LISA), an agency providing theological education in the region. Now the Cambodians are organizing a theological training agency which they govern themselves, although they will continue to use LISA personnel and resources. Our Synod owes a great deal to Dr. Leonard Harms, its former mission executive and predecessor to Dr. Neitzel, who maintains a small apartment in Bangkok and travels to the region several times each year to be our “eyes and ears” in these countries. Theological Education in Haiti The two conservative Lutheran churches in Haiti did not have formalized partnership agreements with LCC in the past, but members of LCC congregations had a long history of supporting the “Lutheran Church of Haiti” (LCH) and its President, The Rev. Revenel Benoît. At this point, our Synod does not have the capacity to fund and administer mission work in Haiti as a part of its core budget. LCC people, however, formed the “Haiti Lutheran Mission Society” (HLMS) long ago, and this agency has remained active in financing numerous efforts of the Haitian church. The LCH has long sought assistance to provide theological education, since it has many preachers – especially in remote parts of the country – who need to deepen their understanding of the Scriptures, our Lutheran Confessions, and their ability to preach and lead congregations. First Vice-President Astley visited Haiti on my behalf in 2014; later in the year, an agreement was signed by which LCC pastors will travel to Haiti to teach, the effort being financed by the HLMS. This project was seen as especially urgent, because an earlier proposal to coordinate theological training among four parties (LCH, LCC, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Haiti, and the Missouri Synod) did not materialize. The first course in this program is scheduled to begin in May of this year. Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Ukraine (SELCU) SELCU, its pastors and people, need your prayers very badly. The political and military unrest in Ukraine has made the news repeatedly since 2013. Our Concordia Seminary in Usatovo, a northwest suburb of Odessa, had taken a year’s “pause” in 2013-14 to encourage SELCU congregations to recruit new students for the next session of theological training. Because the military threat had briefly touched the Odessa area in the spring of 2014, their Synod decided to postpone re- opening of the seminary for yet another year. I attended the last SELCU Synod convention in November, 2014, with the seminary’s Rector (President), Dr. Norman Threinen, at which the Synod resolved to re-open the seminary in September, 2015. Dr. Threinen has since indicated that he needs to retire from the seminary leadership after 16+ years on the job, and we are actively working toward identifying a successor from Canada to pick up where he is leaving off. The last SELCU convention also noted the wish of longtime Bishop Viktor Gräfenstein to retire from the leadership, and elected The Rev. Aleksandr Yurchenko to replace him. Pastor Oleg Schewtschenko, known to so many of our LCC people, was chosen as a Synod Vice-President because of his ability in foreign languages and his relationships abroad. The SELCU has sent a gifted young pastor, The Rev. Alexey Navrotskiy, for two academic years of study at our Edmonton Seminary. He moved to Edmonton last August with his wife, Viktoria, and their two children. Pastor Navrotskiy’s sojourn in Canada is part of our effort to help the SELCU identify and train able leaders for its future. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) / Lutheran Council in Canada (LCIC) Although I have occasional contacts with Bishop Susan Johnson of the ELCIC, there are no regularly structured bilateral meetings between Canada’s two major Lutheran church groups. The cordial contacts we do have come under the auspices of the Lutheran Council in Canada, which meets annually and has responsibility for certain limited areas of cooperation. These include certifying and supervising Lutheran chaplains with the Canadian Forces; arranging for Lutheran representation on the “Interfaith Committee on Chaplaincy in the Correctional Service of Canada,” which supervises spiritual support in the federal prison system; and Lutheran awards and religious education efforts within Scouts Canada. LCC notes especially the longtime commitment of one of our pastors, Dr. Garry Dombrosky of Edmonton, who now is the Chairman of the interfaith prison chaplaincy group. The most recent LCIC has wondered whether the two member churches, ELCIC and LCC, could identify any joint events to mark the 500th Anniversary of Luther’s Reformation in 2017. As of this writing, no concrete plans have been made. F.24 Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) / Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) LCC was invited a few years ago to participate in the twice-a-year dialogues involving the ACNA and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Dr. John Stephenson of the St. Catharines Seminary has risen to take a very prominent role in these talks, and as our Synod’s representative. The “Anglican Network in Canada” is the special interest group within the ACNA which promotes the welfare of Biblical Anglican congregations in our country. Their former bishop, The Right Rev. Donald Harvey of St. John’s, NL, came to Winnipeg for a day of consultations in 2012; he has since retired and been succeeded by The Right Rev. Charlie Masters. The ACNA/LCMS/LCC dialogue came to Canada for the first time in October, 2014, hosting its regular meeting and a theological symposium at Concordia Seminary, St. Catharines, on the subject of Militant Secularism. Although there are surely serious issues between Biblical Anglicans and confessional Lutherans that need attention and discussion, the commitment of these Anglican people and their leaders to the Gospel of Christ and a life marked by faithfulness to the Scriptures is a great encouragement. North American Lutheran Church (NALC) We have remained active in the twice-a-year discussions among the NALC, Missouri Synod, and LCC. The NALC has welcomed President Bugbee, as well as Vice-Presidents Astley and Pastucha, at their annual conventions; the discussions were hosted in Canada for the first time in June, 2014, at our office in Winnipeg. In Canada we maintain a cordial relationship to the NALC, provide worker benefit coverage for their church workers who request it, and appreciate the invitations to the “Rocky Mountain Theological Conference” each spring in Alberta, attended by a number of LCC pastors. We did feel some disappointment that closer ties could not be forged between the NALC and our LCC seminaries, which had submitted a proposal to the NALC for their consideration. The NALC has since established the new “North American Lutheran Seminary” at Ambridge, PA, although NALC students also enroll at various agreed-upon institutions throughout North America. IV. National Pastors’ and Deacons’ Conference, 2013 In the triennium since the last round of District conventions, Lutheran Church-Canada was able to convene a National Pastors’ and Deacons’ Conference, which took place October 28-31, 2013, at the Coast Hotel and Conference Centre in Calgary. This was only the third time all our church workers across the country were able to gather. The first such conference happened in 1987, just a year before our founding Convention, and the second came in 2005. We are deeply grateful for the special gifts which enabled this Conference to take place, and although our pastors and deacons treasure the opportunity to have this “family time” together, we understand that the costs make it difficult to do very often in a vast land like Canada. Our guest presenter was Dr. Jobst Schöne of Berlin, the Bishop Emeritus of the Selbständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche, our partner church in Germany. Dr. Schöne gave a series of four lectures covering the whole of Second Timothy, the last writing we have from the apostle Paul, and very much on target for the challenging time in which we have to work. The key theme-verse for this conference, 2 Tim. 2:10, “I endure everything for the sake of the elect…” It was rich time well spent. V. From the Tenth Convention, 2014 As you may know, the regular Convention of Synod alternates among the three Districts in terms of its location, and this past cycle once again brought us to the territory of the ABC District. This Vancouver gathering was the first time our Convention had ever taken place in the province of British Columbia, and we again worked with a “tighter” schedule to reduce the time spent at the Convention, also in an attempt to hold expenses down. Resolutions adopted by the Convention are summarized in the 2014 Convention Proceedings, Pages 24-26. Some of the significant actions include the following: - - To Review our Present Call Procedure (Resolution 14.1.02, Proceedings, Page 27); To Encourage Deeper Teaching and Pastoral Care on Issues of Human Sexuality (Resolution 14.1.04a, Proceedings, Pages 27-28); To Include the “Pastors with Alternate Training” (PAT) Program in the Synodical F.25 - - Handbook (Resolution 14.2.03a, Proceedings, Pages 30-32); Various resolutions permitting nominations and official notices via electronic means as well as in print (Resolutions 14.3.01, 14.3.03a, Proceedings, Page 44, 46-48); To Streamline the Colloquy Process (Resolution 14.3.05, Proceedings, Pages 49-52); Various resolutions on the status, training, representation and voting rights of Deacons (Resolutions 14.3.09, 14.3.10, 14.3.12, 14.3.14b, Proceedings, Pages 53, 54, 55-56). VII. Missions: Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel Essays for this Convention did not come from external presenters, but from among the gifted servants the Lord has given us in our own Synod. Pastor Kurt Reinhardt (Trinity, Gowanstown, ON) presented on the Convention theme of prayer, and Deacon Jennifer Shack (Edmonton, AB) spoke of the diaconate and its roots in the New Testament. We’re grateful for the time and care they gave to the preparation and delivery of these presentations. VI. Come to Him Who Answers Prayer The prayer-related theme of this Synodical triennium is being taken up in various ways by the organizers of this year’s District conventions, too. It is not a stern command, but a welcome and needed invitation from the Lord Who gave His Son to be our Rescuer. Our needs are especially strong this spring, as the heart-rending news from the Alberta-British Columbia District makes abundantly clear. I can only hope that you and I will never be satisfied to talk about the life of prayer, but instead will flee to Jesus and live with Him in this life. That is the only way to cope with the challenges we meet in a country like ours, and even within the ranks of our troubled Synodical family. REFLECTING ON GOD’S MERCIES ON LCC’S MISSIONS AND SOCIAL MINISTRY SERVICES In his letter to the church in Philippi the Apostle Paul expresses his gratitude, praises and joy to the Lord Jesus for nourishing them in the partnership in the Gospel. Such koinonia manifested itself as a gift from the Holy Spirit. As the Holy Spirit worked koinonia inwardly in their lives through the Word, the church grew spiritually in unity in one faith, one Lord, one Baptism. In the same way this koinonia expressed itself outwardly through a sense of priority to the witness of the Gospel and works or mercy. Even facing opposition, challenges, persecution, as Paul was incarcerated, the congregation stood strong in Christ’s faith – and fruits of the Spirit flowed through their koinonia. F.26 Today we witness similar blessings as we reflect on the partnership nurtured by the Lord between Lutheran Church–Canada and our national and international mission partners. We acknowledge with gratitude and joy the efforts of LCC’s individual members and congregations as they focus in reaching out with the Gospel and works of mercy in their communities and to immigrants to Canada. We thank and praise our Lord of the Church for the remarkable support received from LCC’s individuals, congregations, auxiliaries, listed service organizations, as well as from international mission agencies and partners in general. Over the last few years there has been an increasing number of short-term mission teams traveling and supporting LCC’s international partners and missions. This is remarkable and praiseworthy. Sometimes it imposes challenges for LCC’s missions also. Individuals and teams would do better if they consulted with LCC’s missions on its priority projects in need of immediate attention and support, and not try to take initiatives independently on projects that might later on call on LCC’s missions. Prior consulting would avoid duplication and overlapping of efforts. It would provide for good stewardship of human and financial resources. There are always great needs in the mission fields, and if mission teams try to start new projects on their own, this might pose a challenge for LCC’s missions to comply with its responsibility related to missions and projects already initiated and in need of further support. LCC has a large range of mission projects opportunities, and would be pleased with individuals and mission teams focusing on these as well. Funding for LCC’s core mission budget and projects is always much needed. These have been received by LCC with acknowledgment and with gratitude; have been forwarded to the mission fields and partner churches for the sole purpose and investment for which they are given. LCC’s international mission managers have been faithful in the application and reporting on the funds. Sometimes, due to geographical distances, communication, availability of personnel, considerable amount of time is needed in consulting and deciding on a specific international mission project. It would be salutary for mission teams to start consulting and planning with LCC in considerable time in advance for its mission trip. These factors have also affected the reporting process to LCC from the mission field. One of LCC’s missions’ greatest challenges has been in terms of receiving current reporting from the mission field. This is a process, growing, but needs much improvement. In 2013 LCC’s Committee on Missions and Social Ministry Services (CMSMS) passed a motion to encourage stewardship growth and greater financial participation from LCC’s missions and partners with portion of their local offerings being allocated towards their missions and social ministry projects being supported totally by LCC. In 2014 our partner and missions were informed on this decision. In 2015, starting with the first fund wire transfer to LCC’s mission fields related to maintenance and projects, five per cent (5%) will be retained in LCC’s missions’ fund to be invested in future new mission projects in need of funding. This measure will certainly help the national church in its stewardship and participation in supporting their ministry, mission and projects. As LCC continues in dialogue and consultation with its partner churches, it is the desire that within twenty years, with the yearly decrease of five per cent (5%), the national churches have time to focus on their own self-sustainability stewardship plan. The measure should not be seen as alarming; it should not hinder or deter the starting, development and implementation of new mission and social ministry projects. LCC has a faithful responsibility towards its partners. The measure should be received as an opportunity for our Lutheran brethren to continue abiding in God’s Word and growing in good stewardship in Christ’s koinonia for the sake of His church and mission. It has been a blessing for LCC’s missions in these last few years to be able to enter into protocols and memorandum of understandings (MOU) with our partners in Canada and around the world: From its foundation (1996) LCC and the Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) have a verbal partnership protocol for work together in mission, Theological education and social ministry. June 9-12, 2008: During LCC’s Eighth convention a pulpit and altar fellowship protocol was signed with Iglesia Luterana Sinodo de Nicaragua (ILSN). February 20, 2010: Partnership protocol signed between the Evangelical Lutheran F.27 Church of Cambodia (ELCC) and Lutheran Church–Canada. June 12, 2011: Partnership protocol signed between Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church (TCLC) and LCC. June 29, 2011: Partnership protocol signed between Lutheran Church–Canada and Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) for support to for humanitarian and education services. Year 2013: Protocol celebrations with LCC’s and LCMS’ congregations on international specific mission projects. May 13, 2014: Three-party partnership protocol singed between Iglesia Luterana Sinodo de Nicaragua (ILSN), Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church–Canada. September 12, 2014: Three-party partnership protocol signed between ELCC, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and Lutheran Church–Canada. October 20, 2014: MOU between LCC, ILSN and the Lutheran Hour Ministry in Nicaragua for joint mission work in Managua, staring in 2015. LHM has been in Nicaragua and working with ILSN since the start of LCC’s missions in that country. The current report has no intention in providing an accounting financial report since this is done aptly by LCC’s Treasurer. Also, as I compose it, LCC’s missions has not received confirmation of the adoption of the projects submitted to the supporters in December 2014 and January 2015. LWMLC will report in July 2015 on the projects submitted to its July 2015 convention. Traditionally almost the totality of the projects has been adopted for funding. The main reason of reporting here this way is to inform on the projects in general and to encourage praises, thanksgiving and gratitude to LCC’s missions’ supporters. UKRAINE Historical background: The Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Ukraine (SELCU) was founded in 1996. In the late 1990s, SELCU invited LCC to provide theological instructors for its pastoral training program. That program was originally located in the rural town of Kamenka and moved to suburban Odessa in 2010 when the present seminary building was dedicated. Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton) took a leading role in providing a succession of theological instructors for this work under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Norman Threinen, who in retirement continues as Rector of the seminary in Odessa. Three separate graduating classes of vicars and pastors have completed their studies over the years. Statistics: The head of SELCU is Bishop Aleksandr (Sasha) Yurchenko, elected by SELCU’s convention on November 17-18, 2014. SELCU has thirteen congregations, eight mission stations, nine pastors, four vicars, and about 300 members. Current projects: Seminary Program; Outreach to college students and youth in Odessa, Ministry in Nikolaev, Prison ministry, Summer camps for children and youth, Days of faith leadership training seminars, Dnepropetrovsk mission, Scholarship to foreign student fund (Rev. Alexey Navrotski at CLS, Edmonton, AB).Total: CAD 64,320.00 CAMBODIA Historical background: Around the year 2000, Lutheran Heritage Foundation offered to interested pastors of all denominations in Cambodia the opportunity to take classes on Luther’s Small Catechism, which had just been translated into Khmer. Dr. Leonard Harms, then LCC’s Missions Director, became involved with managing those classes. Lutheran Institute Southeast Asia (LISA) began as a mission strategy to train men and women to speak the Gospel in clear Biblical terms. There was no real intent at the time to form a Lutheran Church but rather to offer clear Gospel-instruction for the sake of the people of Cambodia. Dr. Harms became the director of LISA. He developed the first curriculum and engaged LCC professors to teach the courses. Out of those courses the men and women being taught formed the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cambodia (ELCC) in the year 2009. Statistics: The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cambodia is President Vanarith Chimm. Currently, the church has 15 F.28 pastors, 5 deaconesses, 10 women evangelists, 33 congregations, and about 1850 members. Current Projects: Support to deaconesses, Theological education, transportation in general and women evangelists. Total: CAD 52,000. One project still in process is to be added to this amount. THAILAND Historical background: One year after the formation of LCC—in 1989—then President Edwin Lehman visited Thailand to meet with Dr. Herb Gernand, a Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod engineer who had worked for years in the southern region, Phang Nga. He had reached out with the Gospel to many and mentored several new Christians. He expressed the desire that LCC would support the formation of church workers under Sahathai Lutheran Church, registered by Dr. Gernand with the Government. Rev. Dr. Leonard V. Harms, then LCC’s Mission Director, designed the theological curriculum, and after few years LCC trained and ordained two pastors, Rev. Rev. Suchart Chujit and Rev. Suchart Srikakarn. Statistics: The head of the Thailand Concordia Lutheran Church (TCLC) is President Ted Na Thalang. The church currently has five pastors and around 300 members. Current Projects: Missionary Suchart Chujit, social ministry. Total: CAD 9,500.00 NICARAGUA Historical background: Lutheran Church– Canada started its mission work in Nicaragua in the spring of 1997. Just over a year later, in October 1998, Hurricane Mitch hit that country. LCC responded to the needs of people and reached out to them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in works of mercy and care. People responded. On January 11, 2009 the Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de Nicaragua (ILSN) was founded. Statistics: The head of the ILSN is President Marvin Donaire. The church has 23 Congregations, 12 pastors, 12 vicars, 36 deaconesses, and about 1,800 members. In addition, more than 700 children take part in the ILSN’s Christian children education and feeding programs. Current projects: New mission start in Managua, Children Feeding Programs, Children formal Education programs, VBSs school desks, deaconesses support, musical instruments, church workers library, rentals vehicle for missions, 2017 Reformation count down seminars, mission centre agricultural project, ILSN’s secretary deaconess, LCC’s mission centre and staff, continuing education, LCC’s missionaries, seminary training, medical and dental clinic, sewing school, etc. Total: CAD 228,188.78 CLMS: CAD 173,320.00 LWMLC: CAD 24,000.00 CLWR: CAD 35,000.00 M. Schwan Foundation: (USD 97,893.16) Rev. Hector Morales: (USD 14,640.00) Rev. Maximo Urroz: (USD 10,844.00) Rev. Rufino Quintero: (USD 5,000.00) Mission Centre: (USD 64,360.00) Other projects: CAD 7,000.00 HONDURAS Historical background: LCC’s Honduras mission is an outgrowth of its work in Nicaragua. In 2005, a pastor from the Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de Nicaragua was commissioned by LCC to start mission work in the city of Olanchito, where he arrived in July 2005. The local congregation there was founded in September 2007. Statistics: Iglesia Luterana Fe en Cristo (Faith in Christ Lutheran Church) in Olanchito has 26 baptized members, and is served by missionary-pastor Rev. Douglas Aguilar. New missions stations were started in the cities of La Paz and Tegucigalpa—the capital of Honduras—in 2014. Current projects: Mission work and missionaries in Olanchito, La Paz and Tegucigalpa. Total: CAD 37,630.00. Rev. Douglas Aguilar: (USD 12,140.00) Rev. Junior Martinez: (USD 9,820.00) Vicar Tulio Meza: (USD 9,820.00) F.29 COSTA RICA Historical background: LCC’s Costa Rica mission is an outgrowth of its work in Nicaragua. In March 2006, an ILSN pastor was commissioned to start mission work in Costa Rica. In May 29, 2009, the first Costa Rican Lutheran pastor was received by LCC and the ILSN through the Colloquy Program. On this same day a group of people met in the city of Cartago and founded the beginning of the mission in that city, which is today Congregación La Gracia. The national synod will officially be named Iglesia Luterana Confesional de Costa Rica (ILCRA). Statistics: The mission in Costa Rica has two congregations: one in Cartago, where LCC’s missionary pastor (Rev. Edmundo Retana) and his wife (Deaconess Betty Solorzano) live. The second is in Alajuelita, a suburb of the capital San Jose. In total, the congregations have approximately 50 members. Current Projects: Children’s Christian Education Program; missionary and deaconess maintenance, home and mission venue rentals. Total: USD 30,260.00 CANADA Ethnic missions: (No budget) PAT program: Training of six students from different ethnic backgrounds, geographical regions for ministry and mission in LCC. Total CAD 20,000.00 CONCLUSION I conclude with the Apostle Paul’s remarks to the church in Philippi: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6 To Christ alone be glory for all He has marvellously done through the mission and social ministry efforts of Lutheran Church– Canada and its partners. In the spirit of LCC’s prayer theme for the triennium, ‘Come to Him who answers prayer’ (Psalm 65:2), I close with a mission prayer: Merciful God, our heavenly Father, we thank and praise You for the proclamation of Your Gospel of salvation throughout the world, and for LCC’s partnership with our brethren in Your mission. We humbly implore You to protect Your church against false teaching and persecution; shield us with the sword of Your Holy Spirit, give us courage and kindness as we share Your love and compassion to all people. You have promised that Your Word will not return to You empty, but will accomplish what You desire and achieve the purpose for which You sent it.. May the sowing of the seed of Your Word produce fruits for the salvation of all people, and to the glory of Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. VIII. Communications: Mathew Block Introduction In some ways, 2015's District Conventions mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for Lutheran Church–Canada's (LCC) Communications Manager. He began his work for LCC in late 2011, meaning that preparations for 2012's District Conventions were among his first major assignments. With the advent of 2015's District Conventions, he is well into his fourth year, having taken part in a number of major projects and events over the past years, including synod's national convention in 2014, and LCC's 25th anniversary celebrations (along with accompanying Reach Out Canada conference and National Youth Gathering) in 2013. And we are of course looking forward to 2017, the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. This report attempts to highlight some of the major work areas focused on in the past three years since the last District Conventions. The Canadian Lutheran The Canadian Lutheran remains without a question the primary work responsibility of the Communications Manager of Lutheran Church–Canada. While the history of The Canadian Lutheran dates back to the 1930s, the present series of the publication dates to 1986 when Volume 1 Issue 1 announced that Lutheran Church– Canada's congregations and pastors had voted to establish an autonomous church body F.30 (something that would come to pass two years later in 1988 at LCC's founding convention). 2015 therefore marks the 30th volume year of The Canadian Lutheran in its current series. As part of celebration plans, LCC's Communications Manager hopes to begin bringing back issues of the magazine online (in pdf format) in 2015, allowing interested readers the opportunity to browse issues all the way back to 1986—with hopes to upload even older issues at a later date. Over the past thirty years, a lot has remained constant about the magazine. As it was from the beginning, The Canadian Lutheran remains the primary tool for our church body to share news (both national and international) with members across the country. It has also long served as an important devotional publication, providing LCC members with feature articles that instruct and encourage them in their faith. Since its inception, the magazine has also encouraged LCC members to think critically about the world around them, be it through film reviews, analysis of current issues (like euthanasia), and much more. While much has remained constant, a lot has changed too. The advent of the internet dramatically transformed the way Canadians (and people across the world) communicate. LCC itself came online in 1996, and soon brought the magazine online via PDF. A number of years later, in January 2009, the magazine entered the digital age more fully, launching its own website. Since then, CanadianLutheran.ca has proved to be a very important complement to the print version of the magazine, expanding the magazine's readership to new audiences, both in Canada and globally. The online site also allows for the publication of a greater number of articles than the print edition is able to contain on its own, giving print subscribers a reason to follow the website as well. The magazine published its 1000th article online in August 2013, and is currently on track to publish its 1500th article online by the end of 2015. Viewership of the website continues to increase every year. From February 2013 through January 2014, more than 69,800 people viewed the website. A year later, the numbers were more than 79,900. Our latest numbers (February 2014 through January 2015) continue the trend of increasing readership, having jumped to more than 97,600 views—an increase nearly 18,000 views over the previous year. On average then, from February 2014 through January 2015, more than 8,100 people logged onto CanadianLutheran.ca to read feature articles, news stories, and more. We're also expanding on the ways in which we're making the magazine available. Currently readers can pick up the physical magazine in their congregations (or through a direct subscription), they can download the pdf of the magazine from LutheranChurch.ca, and they can read browser-friendly articles via CanadianLutheran.ca. Starting with the November/December 2014 issue, readers can now enjoy the magazine via ISSUU as well. ISSUU uses flash technology to simulate the reading of the physical magazine (by turning pages) but on a digital device. To see the latest issue available through ISSUU, visit: www.canadianlutheran.ca/read-canadianlutheran-online/. While there is some overlap in readership between the online audience and the print edition of the magazine, there are many who still read only the print edition. LCC remains committed to making the print edition of the magazine available for this reason. Nevertheless, the last few years have seen some challenges related to producing the print edition of the magazine. Like all print publications across Canada, The Canadian Lutheran has had to weather the challenge of increased printing and shipping costs. We are addressing these increases in a number of ways: 2015 marks an increase in costs for advertisers (the first rate increase since 2011). The Districts have also agreed to a reduced page count (four pages instead of six in each issue), which will help the magazine commit to regularly printing issues 44 pages in length (including front and back covers). Over the past number of years, magazine issues vacillated between 44 pages and 52 pages (the printing process requires pages be added or subtracted in multiples of eight). F.31 Social Media Social media has grown to be a strong communication tool for LCC over the past number of years, as synod engages churchworkers and laypeople online. As of the writing of this report, The Canadian Lutheran has 481 followers on Facebook while Lutheran Church–Canada has 1,281 followers (for a total Facebook following of 1762. That is up more than 350 followers since the publication of the Communications Report in the workbook for LCC's 2014 national convention. On Twitter, LCC has 913 followers. Comparing these numbers to other church bodies in Canada vis a vis total membership, it is clear that LCC is finding disproportionately higher success in engaging its people online. Email lists Lutheran Church–Canada continues to operate two primary email lists. InfoDigest serves as a regular newsletter, highlighting stories that have been published online by The Canadian Lutheran, as well as links to other information of importance to LCC members. DoorPost is a second, less regular newsletter, directed towards LCC congregations and churchworkers. On July 1, 2014, new anti-spam legislation from the federal government required a number of organizations to reconfirm their email list subscribers consented to be receive emails. In the weeks leading up to that event, LCC took steps to ensure the InfoDigest was in conformity with federal guidelines. To subscribe to the email list, visit http://eepurl.com/YRUvf or visit CanadianLutheran.ca and click “Subscribe.” International Lutheran Council In 2013, the International Lutheran Council (ILC) approached LCC's Communications Manager, Mathew Block, to ask whether he would be willing to assist the ILC with its communications work. Block held a meeting in St. Louis with the ILC's Executive Assistant, Rev. Dr. Al Colver, as well as with communications personnel of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, who had offered to assist Block with communications work in the event he accepted the editorship. After these consultations, as well as discussions with LCC's Committee for Communications and Technology, Block expressed his intention to accept the position. LCC's Board of Directors ratified that decision at its November 16, 2013 meeting. The decision to allow Block to accept the position with the ILC, as part of his regular work duties for LCC, was seen as a gift from the Canadian church to the church at large. Much of the work revolves around soliciting and editing news and articles for the ILC's website, as well as reporting on special events in person. In 2014, for example, Block visited Germany to report on the work of the European Lutheran Council. Website LCC's current website was last updated in 2008, meaning it is now in its seventh year without substantial change. At the same time, web-design has changed significantly over the last number of years, meaning an update is in order. Such a redesign would not only ensure a site that is sleeker and more user-friendly, it would also allow the creation of a site that would be editable from within LCC's own office (currently, synod has to contact a third party to make most updates on the website). LCC has also developed a new website template for the Commission for Theology and Church Relations, a template which may be adapted for future use by other groups, such as the Pastors with Alternate Training program. Mission Newsletters LCC's Communications and Missions departments collaborate together yearly on the Annual Mission Newsletter. This publication highlights the work of LCC-related mission organizations around the world, and is an important tool for sharing the good work LCC is doing around the world in Gospelproclamation and social ministry outreach. The 2012 newsletter highlighted the mission activity of a number of LCC's auxiliaries and Listed Service Organizations. 2013's newsletter highlighted LCC's current work in Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Ukraine, Thailand, Cambodia, and Canada, while F.32 2014's newsletter supplemented similar material with up to date statistics on mission work in these areas. The newsletters for the past three years are available for download at www.lutheranchurch.ca/missions.php. Synodical Representative at Lutheran Agencies The Communications Manager continues to serve as a representative for LCC to a number of organizations. In 2012, he was appointed LCC's representative to the International Lutheran Laymen's League's Board of Directors. He was attended of number of meetings (in person and online) related to this organization, providing LCC's opinion on various matters related to Lutheran Hour Ministries' work in North America and abroad. Also in 2012, the Communications Manager was appointed as one of LCC's representatives on the Lutheran Council in Canada. This organization, composed of members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and Lutheran Church–Canada oversees Canadian Lutheran involvement in the chaplaincy of the Armed Forces, in prison chaplaincy, and in Scout/Guides groups, among other work. In 2013, the Communications Manager was appointed to serve as a representative from LCC to the Lutheran Historical Insitute. He has attended a number of meetings, representing LCC's interests on the board, and reported the board's work back to LCC's executive. The Committee for Communications and Technology The Committee for Communications and Technology (CCT) advises the Communications Manager on a variety of issues. Over the past three years, the committee's work has included discussion of advertising revenue in The Canadian Lutheran, the closure of LCC's web-forum, requests for assistance from the International Lutheran Council, the development of LCCaffiliated websites, updating LCC's website, and more. The CCT also continues to explore ways in which to assist LCC members with the provision of congregational websites. In 2014, the committee planned to present on this topic at District Conventions in 2015, but concerns in the Alberta-British Columbia District in early 2015 have delayed work on this project. The CCT`s current members are Rev. Micahel Schutz, Stephen Klink, Grace Henderson, and Mathew Block. Henderson was appointed to the committee in 2013, following the untimely death of Frank Belden, who previously served the CCT as a representative from LCC's Board of Directors. The CCT recognizes the work of Frank and thanks God for his service not only to the committee but to the Church at large. Conclusion The preceding material attempts to highlight some of the major areas related to LCC's Communications Work. It is by no means an exhaustive list. Over the past three years, LCC's Communications Manager has also produced a number of videos over the past year, live-streamed special events, taken part in the work of the Canadian Church Press, and attempted to raise LCC's profile by writing in other publicatios like The National Post, The Winnipeg Free Press, Converge Magazine, and other publications. Additional information on these and other topics can be read in the Committee for Communications and Technology's report in the workbook for LCC's 2014 national convention. LCC's communications department remains committed to providing the church at large with material that informs, educates, and inspires them in the ministry of Gospel proclamation. That work is by necessity multifaceted, and incorporates traditional communication vehicles (like the print edition of The Canadian Lutheran) as well as new media (like Facebook and Twitter). Whatever project we are working on, it remains the hope of LCC's Communications Manager that the work will bolster the Gospel proclamation of the Church here in Canada as well as abroad. F.33 IX. Worker Benefit Plans: Dwayne Cleave Our Mission: The mission of Worker Benefit Plans is to serve members and employers by ensuring the provision of sustainable benefits. Our Vision: We will develop an efficient, innovative and sustainable benefit plan ith shared responsibility among engaged stakeholders. • • • • • • • • • Highlights 2012-2015 Two new members added to the Board of Managers in 2012 and Dr. Dieter Kays assumes the role of the chair Transition to DC Pension Plan complete DB plan has solid returns over the last three years Mawer hired as International Portfolio manager The funded status of the DB plan improves at the end of 2013 but declining interest rates in 2014 means that solvency position is expected to also decline BOM works with Alberta Government to find funding solutions. New investment funds offered under the DC Plan. Cost savings expected as Ellement Consulting hired to provide actuarial, investment, consulting and administrative services for Worker Benefit Plans CUCA to establish its own pension plan Board of Managers The Board of Managers (BOM) has general management responsibilities for the Worker Benefit Plans ( WBPs) and oversees the plans’ operations, including the selection and termination of i nvestment managers, insurer’s, actuaries and other advisors. In addition the BOM is responsible for setting strategies overseeing administration, developing p ension p olicies, de termining f unding policies, e stablishing c ontribution r ates, i nvesting assets, and ensuring t he p lans a re compliant w ith legislation. Changes to the BOM Stanley W. Lee and Martin Bender were appointed to the BOM in June 2012 bringing the BOM up to its full complement of seven members. Stanley is a chartered accountant who operates his own accounting bus iness i n V ancouver. M artin br ings with him a teaching background along with many years o f experience i n Human R esources. B OM members are appointed by the Board of Directors of L CC f or a three year term. The Treasurer o f LCC i s an ex -offico B OM m ember. D r. D ieter Kays assumed the role of chair of the BOM i n 2012 after serving as an advisor to the BOM for a year. Dieter brings with him a wealth of experience in the financial industry and we a e grateful to be blessed with his leadership. Overview 2012-2015 Continuous change was the operative word to describe t e Worker Benefit Plans during the period 2012 through to 2015. Most of this period was spent communicating and implementing design changes to the pension plan that been recommended by the BOM and sanctioned by the LCC Board of Directors in 2011. The objective of the design change, which was the result of a strategic planning process involving an array of stakeholders, was to make the plan more sustainable and affordable to LCC employers; while still delivering reasonable retirement benefits to members. Commencing in 2013, we began a search to obtain quality consulting services at a lower cost. At t he s ame t ime w e a lso l ooked at w hether w e could effectively outsource some of our internal administration and systems and have them done at a lower price. At the beginning of 2014 the BOM appointed Ellement Consulting t o replace T owers Watson i n t he pr ovision o f actuarial, i nvestment and consulting services. The outsourcing of the WBPs’ administration was also awarded to Ellement Consulting effective January 1, 2015. Substantial c hanges to t he E mployment P ension Plans R egulations w ere a pproved by t he A lberta government ( where ou r p lan i s r egistered) i n July 2014 and became effective September 1 2014. The new r egulations did not provide us with the flexible funding options we had hoped for, but the Alberta regulators have indicated that they want to continue w orking w ith us to find a long-term funding solution for our plan. They have extended a g reat de al of unde rstanding t o us a nd ha ve not required us to make solvency deficiency payments. While the government has not committed to a nything s pecific, th eir a im is th e same as ours: to ensure our members receive their full defined benefit pension. This ob jective, however, needs to be balanced with our employers’ capacity to pay for both ongoing pension benefits and pension legacy costs. F.34 At t he b eginning of 20 15 C oncordia U niversity College of Alberta (CUCA) advised the BOM that they w ere c easing t heir p articipation in the L CC Plan. C UCA i ndicated t hat pe nsion and benefit plan autonomy was necessary as a result of recent unionization fiscal restraint on the part of the Alberta government towards colleges and universities. This requires CUCA to be in control of a ll asp ects o f their cost structure. CUCA wi ll assume p ension plan sponsor an d ad ministrative responsibilities f or t heir members once formal approval is received from provincial pension plan regulators. It is not anticipated that he C UCA withdrawal will impact the remaining LCC members. Details of these changes are noted in the commentary below. Pension Plan Design and Implementation At t he beginning of 2012 the Plan began its transition into being primarily a defined contribution (DC) pension plan. New hires from January 1, 2012 were enrolled into a r edesigned D efined C ontribution P lan ( DC). I n addition, most active members with the exception of a small group of older, longer–service members were moved into the DC effective January 1, 2013 (the DB/DC members). The new DC Plan provides for a 4% c ontribution f rom members a nd a 6% contribution f rom e mployers, w ith m ember be ing able to make an additional optional contribution of 4%. The retirement income these members ultimately receive will be determined by the money they accumulate through contributions and the investment income earned on the contributions. While the DB/DC members no While the implementation of the contributory DC Plan for future service will stabilize pension contribution rates in the long-term, funding the legacy costs of the Defined Benefit Plan which all employers collectively owe will continue to be required for some time. longer acc rue b enefits u nder t he D B p lan a fter December 31, 2012 t hey will receive a benefit for their service prior to this date. The few em ployees left accruing service in the Defined Benefit Plan also are required t o m ake contributions of 4% to the D B plan. While the implementation of the contributory D C P lan f or future service will stabilize pension c ontribution rates in the long-term, funding the legacy costs of the Defined Benefit Plan which all employers collectively owe w ill c ontinue to be required f or some time. DB Investments Investment r eturns f rom 2012 t o the e nd of 201 4 have been solid, most notably in 2013 which had a great annual return of 15 .4%. W hile the BOM continued to support the asset allocation of the funds (60% equities, 40% bonds), as the best way to e nsure t he long-term growth o f t he f und, they did decide t o allocate a small portion of the fund ($ 4 m illion) in 2013 to a private firm that provides secured corporate loans (Wellington Financial LP). The intent of this investment was to provide greater diversification of the fund, be less correlated w ith public m arkets a nd t o p rovide an enhanced rate of return. In the fall of 2014 our international manager, Sky Investment Council advised us that they would be winding down their business operations. This notice proved timely as just prior to this news the BOM h ad d ecided to move half of the international portfolio from Sky to an international manager with less portfolio volatility. After a search for an international investment manager was conducted, Mawer Investment Management was selected to manage our international portfolio. In 2014, the BOM also decided to remove the currency hedge on the US portfolio to boo t returns as a result of the declining Canadian dollar. F.35 $17 m illion be cause it reduced t he v alue o f pl an liabilities. The investment returns a long w ith employer contributions improved the solvency funded pos ition by a bout $10 m illion be cause i t increased the plan assets. The improvement in our position illustrates the highly leveraged nature of this type of financial measurement, as no additional solvency c ontributions were made to plan du ring t his period of time. More and more, we hear voices in the DB Plan Funded Status Valuations were conducted at the end of 2012 and 2013. A valuation was not required to be done at the end of 2014 as a result of recent changes to the Alberta pension regulations. Annual valuations are now only required when a plan is funded below 85% on a going concern valuation basis. The LCC plan was funded higher than 85% on a going concern basis so a valuation would not have been required. However, with CUCA seeking to establish its own plan including the proportional transfer of liabilities and assets for its members, the regulators will require a valuation of the LCC plan. Information on the valuation has not been included in this report as the valuation has just been initiated at the time of writing. Solvency Valuation The so lvency valuations is an assessment of the funding a nd l iabilities of t he Plan a ssuming it i s wound up on the date of valuation. Recent valuations show the following results: Dec 31, 2012 2013 Solvency Ratio Deficiency 62% 80% $ 49 million $ 22.5 million The improvement i n t he s olvency pos ition of t he plan f rom t he e nd of 201 2 t o t he e nd 20 13 w as mainly the result of an increase in long-bond yields by about 0. 9%. Good investment experience, t o a l esser extent, al so contributed t o the improvement. The increase in bond yields improved our s olvency f unded position by a bout pension community questioning whether the solvency measurement makes sense. With longbond rates dropping by about 1% from the end of 2013 t o t he end of 2014, we e xpect t he valuation that is now being undertaken to once again show a significant increase in the solvency deficit. As has been noted before, t he 60 year low in long-bond returns continues to be a major challenge to pension plans. Bond yields are used to value the liabilities a nd t he lower t he e xpected bond y ields the higher the a mount o f money t hat m ust be s et aside to fund the benefits. Going Concern On a g oing c oncern b asis, t he v aluations done a t the end of 2012 and 2013 showed the following: Dec 31, 2012 2013 Going Concern Ratio 86 % 88% Deficiency $ 13.3 million $ 11.8 million The going concern deficiency is amortized and payable ov er a 10 y ear p eriod. S pecial pa yments were m ade t owards t he l iability o ver t he 2 012 t o 2015 period. Government Consultation Normally solvency deficits are required to be paid off over five years; however, the Alberta government enacted legislation to permit a moratorium on solvency payments until the end of 2012. S pecial payments for funding the going concern deficit still had to be made. When the solvency moratorium ended in 2012 we would have needed si gnificant i ncreases i n contribution levels. The increase would not have been financially sustainable for participating employers. Therefore the BOM worked throughout 2012 a nd 2013 with the Alberta g overnment to have ou r concerns heard. The process began by writing F.36 letters to government suggesting changes to funding r equirements. This r esulted i n m eetings with pe nsion regulatory s taff, t he S uperintendent and Deputy Superintendent of Pensions, Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister and the Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board. Unfortunately the release of the new Employment P ension P lans R egulation in A ugust 2014 did not provide the flexible funding options that we had hoped would be provided. The regulators however have extended a great deal of understanding to us and h ave not required us t o make solvency deficiency payments. While the government has not committed to anything specific, their aim is t he same as ours: t o ensure members receive their full defined benefit pension. This objective, however, needs t o be b alanced with our employers’ capacity to pay for both ongoing pension benefits and pension legacy costs. Impact of CUCA Leaving the LCC Plan While we expect the impact of CUCA leaving the LCC pension plan to be neutral - CUCA will be taking its proportional share of plan assets and liabilities- the valuation that we are required to do as a result of this action will be done in a lower interest rate environment than last year. As we have indicated before, the liabilities on the plan are valued based on long-bond rates and the lower the interest rate the higher the liabilities on the plan. While we are not expecting additional costs –since we are not funding the solvency deficit, we are expecting to show a larger solvency deficiency and a lower solvency ratio. Going Forward We ar e currently in a position of abeyance in terms of funding the solvency deficit. We are hopeful that ongoing dialogue with the government will result in long-term funding solutions which protect members and provides an affordable, financially stable solution for employers. W e also have to keep in mind the validity of requiring pension plans to use a point in time measurement su ch as so lvency, given t hat a 2% i ncrease in long–term interest rates w ould essentially result in the plan being fully funded. DC Investments During 2012 a review was und ertaken of the investment offered under the DC. In selecting the investments, the BOM took into consideration feedback f rom p lan m embers on their desire t o make i nvesting e asier f or those w ho e ither don ’t have the time, inclination or knowledge of investment, while also listening to those who indicated that they wanted to make their own investment decisions. The review resulted in a number of funds being discontinued and a number of ne w f unds being a dded (BlackRock LifePath target date funds, Connor, Clark and Lunn Q Growth F und a nd TDAM U .S. Market Index Fund). Organizational an d st ructural ch anges at Jarislowsky Fraser in 2013 including the departure of senior level staff m eant t he B OM o nce ag ain had t o r eview t he investment of ferings under the DC plan. A fter discussions and recommendations from both Sun life and our investment consultant, the BOM selected Beutel Goodman as the Canadian equity manager replacing Jarislowsky Fraser. A variety of communication channels were utilized t o i nform members o f the changes to t he DC plan and it’s investments including workshops, newsletters, informational m emos, webinar a nd de monstrations by S un L ife on how to u se their website to a ccess information a nd make investment decisions F.37 Group Benefit Plans The flexible benefit plan has operated relatively smoothly since its introduction on January 1, 2008 when it was introduced to provide employees with flexibility in their benefit choices, allowing members to tailor benefits according to individual needs. It also provides a mechanism for cost sharing of benefit costs between employees and employers. Administration Throughout t he 2012-2015 period, the Worker Benefit P lans w orked d iligently to reduce administrative costs. Eventually we came to the conclusion that there was no further opportunities to lower costs with the current consulting ar rangements. Late in 2013 we conducted an RFP t o see if w e obtain quality consulting ser vices at a lower c ost. W e a lso looked a t w hether w e c ould out source s ome of our i nternal s ystems a nd administration a nd if they could b e done at least as effectively at a lower price. E ffective M arch, 201 4 t he B OM appointed Ellement consulting to provide actuarial, investment and consulting services. The B OM e xpects t o s ave a bout 40% o f t heir annual c onsulting f ees w ith t he a ppointment of Ellement. The BOM also decided to outsource our internal a dministration and systems to Ellement effective January 1, 2015 since it would be cost e ffective a nd m ore e fficient f or them to handle our administration, Future Changes in 2015 and Beyond Pension As noted earlier in th is report n ew le gislation that we had hoped would provide updated funding options for the DB plan is unlikely to be enacted. The r egulators have r aised the issue of restructuring o ur pl an f rom a s ingle employer plan t o a multi-employer plan be cause t hat i s how we administratively and f unctionally operate. The BOM believes clarifying our status as a multi-employer p lan rather than a single employer plan h as m erit as it w ill en sure a ll stakeholders cl early u nderstand their rights an d responsibilities under t he plan. A consultative process on t his issue w ill be under taken i n the coming months. The BOM will also be investigating options for mitigating f uture m arket a nd lo ngevity r isks in the D B pl an by c onsidering a sset m ix c hanges and po tentially a nnuitizing a por tion o f the liabilities ( retiree and d eferred p ensioners) with an insurance carrier. F.38 During 2015 w e will work with CUCA to assist them with a timely and smooth transition in the establishment of their own pension plan arrangements. Pension and Benefit Challenges The Worker Benefit Plans have been since inception a suite of comprehensive pr ograms designed to p rotect active an d r etired m embers and their families from financial loss as a r esult of he alth i ssues and to pr ovide a source o f income i n old age. As a result of financial challenges in recent years we have had to reduce the programs provided to future retirees. However, i t is important for all members an d employers to understand: • That all employers collectively own the deficit on t he de fined be nefit pl an. A ll employers must pay for current and past employees w hom had defined benefit service. To do otherwise, could impact members ( active and retired) receiving their full DB pension. This legacy obligation c ontinues to exit even if a n employer decides that they will n o longer have a full-time pastor. • We are collectively obligated to pay for post-retirement benefits for those that retired when they were available. We have, however, been requiring retirees to pay more of the premium for these plans over the past few years. This still provides g ood co verage at f ar less o f a cost than t hat available i n t he m arket place. We understand the pressures employers are under to reduce c osts a nd we i n turn a re do ing the ut most t o d eliver pr ograms c ompetently i n the most cost effective manner possible. The B OM recognizes the importance of the pension a nd be nefit p rograms t o members a nd their families. It also recognizes the concerns of employers r egarding i ncreasing co sts. We feel that t he de cisions taken by t he B OM o ver t he last few years are fair and balanced. They meet our goal a nd commitment of providing an appropriate pension and benefits program that is valued by members, affordable to employers and members a nd s ustainable over t he l onger t erm. This will continue to be our goal when considering future changes. We thank-you for your understanding and assure you t hat we w ill c ontinue to c arry out our r ole prayerfully and conscientiously, asking for God’s wisdom and blessing on our efforts. Respectively Submitted, Dwayne Cleave, Executive Director, Worker Benefit Plans Dieter Kays, Chair, Board of Managers X. Treasurer: Dwayne Cleave The recent CCAA filing of the ABC District Corporation (ABC) is the most significant financial challenge our Synod has faced in its 27 years of existence. At the time of this writing it is still unknown whether ABC will be able to restructure its operations or have to liquidate. In the short-term, while we wait for the final decision on ABC to be made, LCC is continuing to maintain its financial commitments to the LCC Seminaries, CUCA, and Overseas Mission Programs in (Central America, Southeast Asia, and Ukraine). LCC is reducing some of its administration and capital expenses out of necessity due to the fact that ABC by court order is currently unable to forward LCC its share of congregational mission remittances. We anticipate that the mission remittance issue to LCC will be resolved soon, because ABC congregations have been asked by both ABC and LCC to send the LCC share of missions directly to LCC. In the long-term, we don’t fully know yet the level of impact the ABC financial situation will have on the Synod. We do anticipate, however, that it may result in some significant change to our organizational and governance structure. We also expect that there will be some congregations in the ABC District who will start struggling financially, because of the losses sustained by their members in the Church Extension Fund. F.39 LCC has also been impacted financially (positively and negatively), by what has transpired in the world economy. The stock market has been volatile, but generally trending upwards, which resulted in higher than expected investment earnings for both the LCC Pension Plan and LCCFM Foundation. The LCC Pension plan experienced positive investment returns throughout the triennium period (9.90%-2014, 15.60%-2013, 9.80% 2012). The positive investment returns contributed to a marked improvement in the going concern funded status of the plan (estimated 95% funded as of December 31, 2014). Unfortunately, it was not all good news for the pension plan because a period of historically low interest rates has continued. Lower interest rates negatively impact the solvency funded status of the plan because it increases the value of pension liabilities. The combination of lower interest rates and us not contributing to the pension plan on a solvency basis resulted in minimal improvement on the solvency funded level of the plan. As of December 31, 2014 the estimated solvency funded status of the plan is still around 73%. Investment earnings on endowment funds held at the LCCFM Foundation have also been higher than our historical average. The increase in investment earnings meant more financial support for domestic and overseas mission, student tuition, student aid, and seminary operations. Despite our current challenge, we have faith that God will continue to provide our Synod with the financial resources needed to carry out our Lord’s great commission (Matthew 28:19). The rest of this report will be an illustration of the financial resources the Lord provided LCC the past triennium, with explanation of how those resources were distributed. Definitions Triennium – Three year period covering 20122015. Revenues District Remittances – Contributions LCC received from the three districts of Synod. The Districts historically forward LCC a 35-40% share of the mission remittances they receive from their congregations. District Remittances over the triennium were $3,943,039 or 51% of LCC revenue total. Designated Mission- Donations received from individuals and Foundations to support designated Mission and Social Ministry projects that augment our core mission programs carried out in Central America, Southeast Asia, and Ukraine. Designated Mission donations over the triennium were $1,439,993 or 18% of LCC total. Specified Revenue- Includes communication revenue generated from publishing the Canadian Lutheran magazine. Revenue derived from providing accounting and administration services to Worker Benefits, LCCFM, Central District, and the Central District Church Extension Fund. Rent charged to these individual entities for the office space they occupy is also a source of revenue to LCC. Specified revenue generated over the triennium was $956,765 or 12% of LCC total. Synod Events- Primarily comprised of the assessment revenue received from the three Districts, for holding the 2013 National Church Workers Conference and 2014 Synod Convention. It also includes donations received from individuals, corporation sponsorships, participant registration fees, and exhibitor revenue. Revenue for holding the 2013 National Youth Gathering was largely derived from the registration fees charged to youth participants. Synod Event revenue received over the triennium was $885,037 or 11% of LCC total. F.40 Direct Gifts/ Bequests - Direct gifts and bequests include cash, securities, mutual funds, and estate distributions. Generally these types of gifts are directed to LCC for an intended purpose. The most common purposes are overseas mission and theological education support. With the decline in our Church’s membership LCC is becoming more dependent on these types of gifts to maintain current ministry. We encourage all our congregation members to remember their Church when it comes to their planning of charitable gifts and/or estate gifts. Secular charities such as Cancer Care, Heart and Stroke, Children’s Wish etc. are all very important causes and worthy of support and Christians often are the most generous supporters. It is just important that you consider these charities get financial support from all of society while our Church only has its members. Eternal salvation is our world’s most important cause. Direct Gift and Bequest revenue received over the triennium was $573,622 or 7% of LCC total. Expenses Missions – Mission and Social Ministry activities directed outside of Canada in countries where LCC has received an invitation to proclaim the gospel. Currently LCC is actively proclaiming the gospel in Central America, Southeast Asia, and the Ukraine. In addition to proclamation LCC is also very active in training indigenous Pastors and Missionaries for the ministry. LCC also supports the indigenous Pastors and Missionaries with monthly salary and housing stipends. Social ministry, such as children feeding programs, purchasing school uniforms and supplies, providing school tutoring, and funding a medical and dental clinic is also conducted by LCC in these countries. Mission expenditures over the triennium were $2,242,160 or 29% of LCC total. Higher Education – Includes financial remittances provided to the two LCC seminaries for the training of students for the Pastoral Office. It also includes a financial contribution to CUCA for operating the Church Worker Program (Director of Parish Services, Lutheran Teacher, and Parish Nurse). Higher Education support over the triennium was $1,497,335 or 19.0% of LCC total. Administration- Includes salary and benefits for support staff, office supplies and equipment, and property operations. Administration costs over the triennium were $1,538,067 or 20% of LCC total. Program – Includes communication services and publications, evangelical supervision, Church relations throughout the world, LHI support, and financial resource generation. Program expenditures over the triennium were $1,154,827 or 15% of the LCC total. Synod Events- Primarily comprised of the travel, accommodation, meeting room, and meal expenses incurred by delegates & other participants who attend the Synod event. The expenses incurred for holding the three Synod Events in this triennium were $857,772 or 11% of the LCC total. The aggregate revenue generated from the three events exceeded expenses by approximately $27,265. Other Expenses – Includes Board of Directors, convention taskforces, synod commissions, International Lutheran Council assessment, capital improvement s, and a mixture of others. Other expenditures over the triennium were $450,755 or 6% of the LCC total. Respectively Submitted, Dwayne Cleave, treasurer Lutheran Church Canada F.41 Lutheran Church Canada - Triennium Financial Report Un-Audited Fiscal Year 2015 Jan-31 Revenue District Remittances $ 1,276,667 Designated Missions $ 450,000 Specified R evenue $ 272,093 Synod Events $ 290,351 Direct Gifts/Bequests $ 260,403 LCC Revenue $ 2,549,514 $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,317,654 455,767 520,195 565,166 152,111 3,010,893 $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,348,718 534,226 164,477 29,520 161,108 2,238,049 $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,943,039 51% 1,439,993 18% 956,765 12% 885,037 11% 573,622 7% 7,798,456 100% Expenses Mission Higher Education Administration Program Synod Events Other LCC Expense $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 776,998 486,333 530,804 375,763 267,904 84,796 2,522,598 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 731,465 493,639 544,519 369,871 589,868 192,243 2,921,605 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 733,697 517,363 462,744 409,193 173,716 2,296,713 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2,242,160 1,497,335 1,538,067 1,154,827 857,772 450,755 7,740,916 Surplus (Deficit) $ 26,916 $ 89,288 -$ 58,664 $ 57,540 -$ -$ 2015 50,855 23,939 -$ -$ 2014 140,143 50,855 -$ -$ 2013 81,479 140,143 Fiscal Year Opening Net Un-Restricted Assets Closing Net Un- Restricted Assets Audited 2014 Jan-31 Audited 2013 Jan-31 Triennium % Total 29% 19% 20% 15% 11% 6% 100% F.42 G. 1 LUTHERAN LAYMEN’S LEAGUE CENTRAL DISTRICT Greetings to all pastors, delegates and visitors from the Central District LLL. We are an Auxiliary Organization of LCC and wish to help Lutheran Church Canada in any way possible by using available workshops and resources that LLL has developed over the years. LLL wishes to present the Gospel and provide relevant materials to equip people to share their faith. Our motivation is to love others as Christ loves us through outreach, caring, service and conducting this mission with honesty, transparency and dependability. LLL has many programs available to the individual and groups. These are: JC Play zone-computer play and games for children. Project Connect- Outreach using booklets concerning many beliefs and ideas of present day. Emigos en Christo- Nicaragua mission to provide computer skills and booklets to University students and High School Students. Men’s Network- a men’s Bible study on topic of importance today. Women’s groups also use them. Mission U provides: • • • • Workshops to help individuals prepare for outreach in their own families and communities. In 2012 one was held in Regina at Prince of Peace In 2013 Answering the Tough Questions was held in Saskatoon at Faith 2015 Mission U 203-Sharing the Gospel in a Digital Age will be held in Saskatoon at St. Paul’s on May 2, 2015. If you are interested in any of these programs talk to us at the LLL display. May we be of service to you? Contact Steven Klinck 1-800-555-6236 Calvin Ulmer, President Central District LLL G.2 Central District LWMLC At our 2013 Central District LWMLC convention in Brandon, the Manitoba and Saskatchewan District LWMLC and Ontario Sonset District LWMLC merged into one District, called the Central District LWMLC. Geographically we spread from the Saskatchewan west border to Nipigon, Ontario just East of Thunder Bay, similar to our LCC Central District. We have 10 Zones and 59 active societies. We have three regions to help serve these zones and societies. One committee member from each area of Christian Growth, Communication, Christian Mission and Member Development and Pastoral Councillors to serve in the Saskatchewan, Manitoba and North Western Ontario regions. As good stewards of our mite monies, we have engaged in using the Go To Meeting online software to hold our quarterly Board meetings. The board meets once a year in the fall to hold a face to face board meeting and retreat to equip the board members to grow in His Word. We Grant LAMP Airplane Refurbish Christian Centre for Child Development Happy Face, Rancheria, Nicaragua LAMP Missionary and Pilot Start-Up funding Our Saviour LWMLC, Dryden, ON "Bibles for Outreach" Lutheran Bible Translators "Vehicle for Rev Michael and Kara Kuhn Cameroon" Dryden Food Bank, Dryden, ON Mission Opportunity Grant Aurora Lutheran Bible Camp, Thunder Bay Total Mission Grant 12,500.00 Our total Mission Grants goal for this current 2013 – 2016 triennium is $50,000. have paid out to date, $31,866.30. 10,000.00 12,500.00 755.14 5,000.00 2,500.00 5,000.00 1,744.86 50,000.00 Plans are in the process for the next Central District LWMLC convention which will be held in Dryden, Ontario on June 3 – 5, 2016 at the Best Western Hotel. Our theme is Christ is our Rock, with bible theme verse Psalm 62:1-2. Saturday afternoon will be Mission breakout sessions, featuring Mission Grant recipients sharing their stories of how the Mites monies received made a difference in their Mission Projects. As the official auxiliary of Lutheran Church Canada, it is our responsibility to support the work of our church. We always appreciate the support we receive from our Pastors, congregations and our District Counsellors. Special thanks to Rev. Doug Taylor, Rev. Richard Beinert and Rev Robert Grout who are serving as our LWMLC District counsellors during the 2013 – 2016 triennium. We are currently working with LWML-Canada in recognition that our organization needs a structural change. A committee has been struck to prepare a report for the LWML-Canada convention at Waterloo, ON July 10-12, 2015. For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 63:1-2 Arlene Kish, President, Central District LWMLC H. 1 CONCORDIA LUTHERAN MISSION SOCIETY REPORT St. Paul wrote concerning those who supported his ministry: I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. (Phil. 1:3-5) We too give thanks for all of you who are partners in the gospel through your prayers and support of mission projects funded by the Concordia Lutheran Mission Society. Partners in the Gospel I have said the following to our CLMS Board of Directors: “We have a partnership in the Gospel. We are partners in mission. I don't only mean this for the ten of us on the Board; we are partners in mission with all who pray with us and give their gifts of finances and time and talents. Without them and their response to the grace of God in their lives, we would have no purpose for existing as a board. But also without us, they would not have the opportunity to give to missions in the specific ways we provide. So it is not just about us; it is about all of the partners: board and donor members working together in God’s mission to save the world.” In a similar way we have a symbiotic relationship with Lutheran Church—Canada and its Districts. Being an Auxiliary of LCC we exist to aid the Synod, specifically in programs that extend the ministry and mission of the Synod. In other words, though we are an independent organization, we have no purpose apart from LCC and its mission program. If Synod did not establish missions in other countries we would have no LCC missions to support. At the same time, we have a privileged role to play, since we are able to provide one-third or more of the funds for many of Synod’s mission projects. We are indeed in partnership with you. Projects We raise funds each year for specific projects primarily presented to us by our Synod’s Committee for Missions and Social Ministry Services through its executive director, the Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel. We also invite proposals from Districts for their mission endeavors. Our commitment is that every dollar given goes directly to the project designated with no deduction for operational expenses. If a project is oversubscribed, the excess will normally be applied to similar projects in the same mission area, carried over to a similar project in the following year, or reassigned to other projects. Operational costs are often absorbed in part by board members or by donors who specify operational costs. While the construction of the seminary building at Usatua, a suburb of Odessa, Ukraine was a primary concern in a previous triennium, that project was mainly completed, and our focus these past three years has been on the seminary program itself and other outreach in support of the mission of the Synod of Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Ukraine (SELCU). We no longer receive grants from the Schwann Foundation to assist in this. Because of the political instability in the country a seminary program was not in operation in 2014 but the SELCU has determined to begin a new class in September 2015. It has been our privilege to support a budding mission in South East Asia, new churches in Thailand and Cambodia. Our larger focus has been in Central America with the birth of the Iglesia Luterana Sinodo de Nicaragua and the outreach of this mission-focused church into Costa Rica and Honduras. We have also supported the PAT (Pastors with Alternative Training) program in Canada. These pastors reach out to ethnic or multi-cultural people in our own communities. A Foreign Students’ Fund was established for the purpose of helping a pastor from one of our mission fields receive greater theological training in Canada in preparation for more effective leadership in his own country. This has begun with the arrival of Pastor Alexey (Oleksiy) Navrotsky and his family in Edmonton last September 2014. He will be among us until mid-2016 when his studies will hopefully be completed. Trends in Donations The project budgets for CLMS were $109,465 in 2011, $118,550 in 2012, $121,420 in 2013, and $135,000 in 2014. In 2011 all project needs were funded. In 2012 all projects except one were completely funded; therefore $2,905 was carried over to 2013 to fully fund our commitment to the PAT program. Generous donors subsequently funded this early in the year. In 2013 our income did not meet our projected goal, and we had to carry over $16,000 on three projects into the 2014 year. We are however filled with thankful hearts that we have been able to fund all of our 2014 projects because of the generosity of our regular and new donors in 2014. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Plus we were able to fund a proposal for Seminary Building Maintenance in Ukraine with $3,150 we drew from Schwann Foundation funds designated for that purpose. In 2013 our projects income decreased, following a general trend of decreasing income in recent years. We haven’t fully analyzed the reason for this. There were, of course, several major disasters in 2013, which may have caused some donor fatigue. We are also aware that our donor base is aging and declining. We may well face a similar decrease with the current economic climate in 2015. But God is faithful and we trust Him to provide for His mission. Our challenge is to seek ways to reach a younger generation of people who also want to actively participate in missions, and to do so with current technological means, social media, etc. Direct Donor Requests Our Development Committee uses three mail appeals annually and one appeal in the Concordia Mission Advocate as our main fundraising vehicles. We have made several attempts to send out appeals via email but have not yet perfected the process. For 2015 we will work with a new Donor Management system, which should help us with this. We also work in cooperation with the Lutheran Foundation to help people who wish to leave a bequest for CLMS. A brochure for this, along with a general “Become a Partner in Mission” brochure, can be found at our Convention displays or can be posted in our congregations. We are always seeking ways to increase the number of names on our contact list, realizing that our donors represent less than one percent of our LCC membership. I invite all of you to fill out a form at our booth at the Convention. While we do not appeal directly to congregations, we are sure there are many mission-minded individuals who would enjoy the opportunity to participate in specific mission projects by partnering with us. Our most effective brochures have been our annual Projects Brochures briefly outlining the mission projects we are supporting that year. Look for them in your congregation’s display area. Our Ministries and Projects Committee solicits project proposals primarily from Synod’s mission executive, but also from emerging church entities, and occasionally from District mission executives and from sister Synods in the ILC. We prayerfully seek God’s guidance as we prioritize projects and set a projects budget. It is our constant desire to be led by the Holy Spirit in this work. The Ministries and Projects Committee also seeks to gather information on the progress of funded projects and report this to H. 2 our donors as well as to the church through our website. Our Mission Education/Communications Committee seeks to facilitate this sharing of information. We ran into a significant snag when our website crashed in 2012, which became a blessing in disguise. Our current website www.concordiamissions.org is much easier to navigate and use. We have in the past year been able to post more mission stories and reports than ever before. The challenge is, of course, obtaining such information from the field. You can sign up for updates as they appear on our website by going to the bottom of our home page and complete the process to Subscribe to receive Email updates. LCC’s Best Kept Secret What is surprising as you move about our Synod is the number of people who are not aware of the tremendous blessings God has showered on our Synod’s mission work abroad in the past decade and a half. I’ve begun calling CLMS and our Synod’s mission work in general “LCC’s best kept secret.” At a recent mission festival, a longstanding active member of one of our congregations said, “Why have I not heard of this before? I want to support this.” I didn’t have an answer for her. With our limited resources we do what we can to get the word out. But there is always more that can be done. That is why we are desirous of having volunteers who are conversant with current social media communications and other ways of spreading the word of what God is doing through LCC missions. We attempt to attend as many conventions in the Synod as we are able without incurring significant expense. We have a display banner, power point presentation and brochures to bring our mission and story to conventioneers. We also produce some resources for groups to use in promoting any particular project. 2015 CLMS Projects After prayerful consideration the following projects were adopted for 2015: Canada 1501 – Foreign Student Fund $20,000 1502 – GTA Southeast Asian Broadcast Ministry 8,000 Costa Rica 1503 – Children’s Christian Education Program 6,000 1504 – Mission Facility Rentals in Cartago & San Jose 12,000 Honduras 1505 – Mission to Olanchito 6,000 Nicaragua 1506 – 2015 Reformation Countdown Seminars 2,280 1507 – Children’s Feeding Program 8,000 1508 – Children’s Christian Education Program 8,700 1509 – Children’s Vacation Bible School 6,900 1510 – Deaconess Support 8,000 1511 – Desks for Children’s Education Program 4,000 1512 – Mission Centre Agricultural Project 5,000 1513 – Mission Facility Rental in Rivas 6,400 1514 – New Mission Start in Managua 12,000 1515 – Mission Rentals in Sebaco 6,000 Thailand 1516 – Support for Missionary Rev. Chujit 9,500 Ukraine 1517 – Bible Study Outreach in Dnepropetrovsk 1,100 1518 – “Days of Faith” Conferences 2,900 1519 – Ministry to Village of Bogomazi 1,800 1520 – Outreach to Odessa Students 1,260 1521 – Prison Ministry to Nikolayev 1,260 1522 – Seminary Program in Odessa 2,000 1523 – Summer Camps and Winter Youth Conference 6,900 Our 2015 Projects total is $146,000—a bold and challenging goal in light of the current financial situation in our Synod. But we trust in God’s provision and see an even greater need for supporting the mission opportunities God has given our church in these times. More detailed project descriptions can be found in the new 2015 Mission Projects Brochure, our Concordia Mission Advocate in the May/June edition H. 3 of the Canadian Lutheran, as well as on our website at www.concordiamissions.org. There is also an online Donate facility there with the “Support Projects Now” button. CLMS Board working as a Team Our CLMS Board meets only once annually in a faceto-face meeting. The purpose is to review and plan the work of the society in the year ahead. We rotate through the three districts seeking a host congregation for our Annual Meeting. This triennium we have held our annual directors meetings in all three Districts. In 2013 we met at the Synod offices in Winnipeg, but were hosted by Redeemer Lutheran Church in Portage la Prairie, MB for our Annual Meeting and Mission Festival with Pastor Assefa Aredo, our first PAT graduate, as our mission speaker. In 2014 we met at the Providence Renewal Centre in Edmonton, with Bethel Lutheran Church, Sherwood Park, AB hosting our Annual Meeting and Mission Festival with Rev. Roland Syens (former missionary to Ukraine) as our speaker. In 2015 we met at the Guelph Bible Conference Centre, and were hosted for our Annual Meeting and Mission Festival by Faith Lutheran Church, Kitchener with Dr. Leonardo Neitzel speaking on the current challenges and opportunities of LCC missions. In 2016 it is our hope to meet again in the Central District. Our sincere thanks to the congregations and pastors who have hosted us this past triennium and to our speakers who have shared the news of our Synod’s mission endeavors and challenged and encouraged us to support them. We also have at least two online meetings each year. The largest part of our on-going work together happens by email or Skype. 2015 Board of Directors This year’s Board members include Rev. Cliff Haberstock of Edmonton, AB (President); Jon Oberholzer of Waterloo, ON (Vice-President and Mission Education); June Barlund of Stony Plain, AB (Secretary); Barbara Fooks of Kitchener, ON (Treasurer); Reg Zotzman of New Westminster, BC (Director of Development); Julie Thompson of Penticton, BC (Assistant Director of Development); Rev. Roland Syens of Kitchener, ON (Co-Director of Ministry & Projects); Marilyn Witte of Edmonton, AB (Co-Director of Ministry & Projects), and Lisa Jackson of Waterloo, ON (Assistant Director of Mission Education). The Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan serves as Advisor to the Board with his vast experience and contact with our mission fields.These Directors are a working board who, with the help of some other volunteers, carry out all the work of the Society. We have no paid staff, and we work hard at keeping our operational costs to a minimum. We do that to ensure that when funds received are designated for a mission project no deduction is made for operational expenses; the entire amount is sent to the project. Operational expenses are primarily covered by donations specified for operations, with small amounts occasionally required from funds directed to “wherever needed.” Luther’s Heavenly Shower Martin Luther once urged his beloved Germans to make use of God’s grace and Word while they had it, for the Gospel is like a heavenly shower which travels across the earth, bringing refreshment to the hearts of men and then moving on to a new area. He said, “God’s word and grace is like a passing shower of rain which does not return where it has once been.” It had been with the Jews, but was lost. Paul brought it to Greece, and it was largely lost. It spread over Europe and now is largely there in name only. It came from Europe to flourish in North America. Now we are privileged to bring the Gospel Word to other parts of the world. May we not lose it ourselves, but boldly proclaim it in our communities through our congregations. And may we take hold of the opportunity to take and spread the Gospel to areas H. 4 of the world that are hungering for God’s grace in Christ Jesus. Having had the personal opportunity to visit and travel around His Church in Nicaragua, I can testify how amazing it is to see the Gospel bearing fruit in the lives of God’s people there when there seems to be such resistance to it in our affluent society. Thank you for your support of our Synod’s mission through your prayers and faithful offerings, as well as your support of mission projects through the Concordia Lutheran Mission Society. We hope to have a display booth at every District Convention. Drop by our booth to see our material and talk missions. We will have bookmarks for all and you might find some candies there! Our Vision: Empowered by God’s own mission to save the world, the mission of Concordia Lutheran Mission Society is to enlist the prayers, gifts and energies of God’s people in Lutheran ChurchCanada to share the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever God provides opportunity. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Cliff Haberstock, President CANADIAN LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF REPORT Greetings in the name of Christ our Lord. As the executive director of Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), it is my pleasure to bring greetings to the 2015 convention of the Central District of Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC). CLWR turned 69 this year, and as always, our mission and vision support a world where people live in justice, peace and dignity. Inspired by God’s love for humanity, CLWR challenges the causes and responds to the consequences of human suffering and poverty. This report highlights work made possible through your generous support over the past three years. Working with LCC and the Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de Nicaragua CLWR continues to collaborate with LCC and the Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de Nicaragua (ILSN) in support of a children’s education program, as well as a health and dental clinic in Chinandega. This program allows the deaconesses of the Church to tutor hundreds of elementary-aged children in classes like math and science. It has enhanced the lives of the students involved and has resulted in the parents of the children becoming more engaged with the Church as they take a keen and active interest in the future of their children’s education. CLWR and its partners are beginning to examine future plans for these programs and how we can best ensure that these activities are sustained for the long term. H. 5 In January 2014, I was pleased to attend the ILSN convention and meet clergy and lay people, including the Church deaconesses who serve as community liaison representatives for the children’s education program. Working with developing communities Our five-year, $12 million community development program, generously funded by the Canadian International Development Agency and Lutherans from across Canada, came to an end in 2013. Together, we changed the lives of thousands of rural families in Bolivia, Peru, Mozambique, Zambia and India. Some of that work includes: • • • supporting safe water sources like wells, and improved sanitation systems such as proper latrines to stop the spread of disease; providing livestock, seeds, farm tools and training in sustainable agricultural practices to prevent hunger and support people as they make a living by producing and selling food; supporting education around gender equality and democratic practices to advance community leadership, governance, advocacy and self-sufficiency In mission for refugees Since the merger of the Canadian International Development Agency with the Department of Foreign Affairs, there have been few opportunities for CLWR to submit new developmentoriented proposals because more government resources have been shifted to shortterm humanitarian projects. In response, CLWR has proactively changed our focus to supporting refugees in camps and urban settlements, where there is great need and where we already have experience delivering aid. In January 2014, CLWR received a $2 million grant from the Canadian government to provide 10,000 Syrian refugees with gas heaters, gas bottles and refills, and winter clothing and carpets to keep out cold and moisture. Three hundred families received upgrades to their housing to create warmer and more sanitary living conditions. In partnership with Canadian Foodgrains Bank, of which CLWR is a member, monthly food vouchers were distributed to 8,500 refugees and vulnerable Jordanians. In September 2013, CLWR launched a special appeal for sweaters for people displaced by the ongoing conflict in Syria. Your response was overwhelming! Over 70,000 sweaters were sent in three shipments to the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan. H. 6 In December 2014, we received $1.2 million in funding from the Canadian government to help 11,200 people displaced by the violent humanitarian crisis in Iraq. Our project responds to harsh weather conditions with heaters, kerosene refills and blankets for winter, and new mattresses and hygiene kits during the dry and hot summer. We are also supporting small-scale renovations to 500 households to make shelters more livable, including installing walls, windows, fans and drains. Emergency relief Your ability and willingness to support those affected by natural and human-made disasters seems immune to fatigue. Over the last three years, you have graciously and generously responded to appeals for those affected by drought in East Africa and the African Sahel, and by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines (for which we received over $645,000 in donations). We also received over $480,000 in donations from Canadian Lutherans to support Syrians displaced by civil war. At home in Canada, you reached out during the floods in Thunder Bay (June 2012) and in southern Alberta (June 2013). Your gifts enable us to support the work of partners as they deliver both immediate assistance and long-term redevelopment aid. We Care quilts and kits We are grateful for the continued support demonstrated by LCC congregations for the We Care quilts and kits program. During the last three years, 14 overseas shipments were completed to places such as Nicaragua, Kenya, Mauritania, Jordan and Tanzania. They included over 21,500 We Care kits, 18,900 baby bundles and almost 45,000 quilts and blankets, many handmade! Refugee Sponsorship Another way Lutheran congregations and groups continue to respond to the call to be in mission is through refugee sponsorship. In the fiscal years of 2012-13 and 2013-14, their efforts have enabled 167 refugees from places such as Afghanistan, Colombia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and Sudan to begin new lives in Canada. Moreover, CLWR has assisted congregations and groups wishing to sponsor refugees to complete a further 51 applications through its status as a sponsorship agreement holder in the federal Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. CLWR provides support for congregations embarking on a refugee sponsorship through its satellite offices in Vancouver and Waterloo. I invite you to make contact with them to find out how you can become involved in this important ministry. Youth Engagement In August 2012, we created a new youth engagement coordinator position that has led to the formation of a formal network of youth and young adults knowledgeable in international relief and development issues, and committed to achieving positive social change. CLWR has strengthened its presence at workshops and many regional and national youth gatherings, including the 2013 LCC youth gathering in Winnipeg. In 2013, several LCC youth and young adults participated in the very successful Youth Global Encounter to Peru and the 2014 Youth Summit in Winnipeg. I want to conclude by expressing my sincere appreciation for the growing financial commitment of LCC Central District members to the work of CLWR. Sincere gratitude is also extended to Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee for his inspired leadership in his role as advisor to our Board. This report has presented some highlights of the ongoing work of CLWR. To learn more about what CLWR is doing to make a difference in people’s lives, please visit www.clwr.org. H. 7 May God continue to bless the work of CLWR and the LCC, its staff and supporters, and the people around the globe whom we serve together. Respectfully submitted Robert Granke Executive Director H. 8 L.A.M.P. – LUTHERAN ASSOCIATION OF MISSIONARIES AND PILOTS, INC. - Canada L.A.M.P. - L’ASSOCIATION LUTHERIENNE DES MISSIONAIRES ET AVIATEURS INC. LAMP MINISTRY INC. - U.S.A. Submitted by Ron Ludke Executive Dir. LAMP is… The official title of our organization is referenced in the Letters Patent, registered with the Deputy Registrar General of Canada, signed and dated in Ottawa on July 9, 1976. We are L.A.M.P. – LUTHERAN ASSOCIATION OF MISSIONARIES AND PILOTS, INC. and L.A.M.P.–L’ASSOCIATION LUTHERIENNE DES MISSIONAIRES ET AVIATEURS INC. LAMP Ministry Inc. was incorporated in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA and received 501(c) 3 from the IRS in 2003. LAMP and the airplane logo are our registered trademarks in both Canada and the USA. LAMP offers exciting and strategically planned cross-cultural mission opportunities. LAMP is committed to provide… • Spiritual witness and nurture within remote northern communities • A spiritually enriching experience for donors and volunteers In partnership with LAMP… Sending Churches • Create renewed mission awareness • Help prepare members for mission work • Become prayer partners for the missionaries H. 9 Missionary Volunteers • Grow in personal faith, witnessing skills, leadership skills and cross-cultural understanding “In judging the amount of time we were there, the people who benefited most were ourselves...” Donors and Prayer Partners • Become partners by financially and prayerfully supporting cross-cultural ministry • Are an integral part in the mission as they pray and share financial resources • Become encouraged as they hear faith-building stories of how God is working through people’s hearts and lives Communities • Work towards developing local Christian leaders • Implement Christian education through VBS, youth and sports programs, Bible study and worship • Foster cross-cultural relationships and grow in personal faith • • Very few churches are staffed Sunday school and regular church programs are rare The needs of people in the North are many… • Poverty and social problems have taken a toll • Suicide, drug and alcohol rates are high LAMP missionary volunteers and staff from Canada and the United States… • Provide Vacation Bible Schools and Christ-centered sports camps • Minister to people in the North on a daily basis while on site • Continue to minister to people in the North through technology such as Facebook, Skype and chat rooms • Pray for the First Nations people • Generously contribute financially • Experience cross-cultural missions • Prepare for a lifestyle of mission work at home and abroad LAMP’s Vision H. 10 We anticipate gathering together on the last day, when we will behold “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9) From our Executive Director Dear Members and Stakeholders: The population in remote areas of northern Canada continues to grow much more rapidly than that of the rest of North America. Because of the young population and current birthrate, half the population in northern Canada is under the age of 14. Traditional churches that existed in the North are closing, because of lack of clergy. There are virtually no Sunday Schools or child-evangelism programs in the North. The work that LAMP does is often the only Christian witness provided to the children and youth in northern Canada. Elders and Christians in these communities know and trust LAMP as a faithful Lutheran organization that has supported Christian ministry in the North for nearly 50 years. LAMP currently provides active Christian ministry in over 50 communities in the far north. Each year, we reach over 5000 children, youth and adults with the Gospel message. LAMP employs nearly 500 volunteer missionaries each year. These volunteer missionaries commit to serve for a minimum of five years. LAMP provides-cross cultural training, a culturally appropriate curriculum, and support in the mission field. Our missionaries are extremely committed and gifted. Their love for the people, and the people’s response to the VBS teams, has borne much fruit, as thousands of children happily tell of Jesus love for them. LAMP’s committee on year-round ministry has put forth several proposals to support Christian missions in these communities throughout the year. Many volunteer mission teams make multiple trips to the communities they have committed to serve. This summer, we worked with two First Nations men living in northern communities in Manitoba. We began to outline a program to seek and mentor local mission partners. We believe that these mission partners can greatly assist LAMP in its goal to provide yearround ministry in northern communities. LAMP is actively seeking to call additional full-time mission staff to meet the demand of many more communities that are asking LAMP to serve them. There is an opportunity to do so much more ministry in northern Canada. There is a need to provide year-round ministry in communities we serve. However, without staff living in the North this will be impossible. LAMP is in a very strong financial position. This will allow us to go forward with confidence bringing on staff as God calls them. Thank you for you faithful partnership in missions. H. 11 In Christ’s service and yours, Ron Ludke Executive Director / Missionary Pilot Canadian Board of Directors: Mrs. Sue Folger – Lakeville, MN Dr. Al Anderson – Mayne, BC Mrs. Joan Gehrke – Lodi, WI Mr. Keith Bohlken – Condor, AB Dr. Kent Kaiser – St. Paul, MN Rev. Harry Huff – Owen Sound, ON Mrs. Dana Naumann – Portage, MI Rev. Gery Luck – Fullarton, ON Mr. David Schneeberger – Fergus Falls, Mrs. Judy Luckhardt – Stony Plain, AB MN Rev. Marv Ziprick – Sherwood Park AB Dr. Cory Shea – Weehawken, NJ U.S. Board of Directors: Note: Financial statements available upon request We believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ can heal and transform people and communities. Through LAMP you can help. Below is a pie chart of expenses related to the ministry of LAMP including Canada and the USA. This chart includes the value of an estimated 73,000 hours that volunteers sacrificially give in order to provide encouragement and hope to people in Northern Canada. It also includes an estimated $240,000 that the volunteers tell us they pay directly that is not part of the direct expenses of LAMP. We are very blessed to have such committed volunteers. H. 12 Breakdown of Cost for the Ministry of LAMP Including Volunteer Time & Expense Contribution 7% 5% 13% 43% 22% 10% Volunteer's Time Value Expenses Paid Personally By Volunteers Spiritual Witness and Nuture Donor/Volunteer Enrichment Fundraising Administration H. 13 News from the Mission Field: Sometimes it's just as easy as giving a simple reminder. November 03, 2014 This past spring, one of LAMP’s long-time volunteers got in touch with Cross the World, a faithbased ministry located in north-central Minnesota. This organization provides hand-crafted wooden crosses free of charge. Our volunteer received wooden crosses from Cross the World, and distributed them in her LAMP community. Upon returning from the mission field, she spoke about how God worked through this sharing. She wrote that they gave some crosses away during their fund-raising. A person who received one of the crosses said, “My husband died three weeks ago, and I am so lost.” [The woman] held the cross to her heart and said, “Bless you for sharing." While in the community, the LAMP team went door-to-door. "After spending time in prayer with the Lord, we set out, knocking on doors and offering the cross, saying, “We would like to bless you with this cross,” which opened up conversations with people [such as] we never imagined. No one turned us away and many asked for prayer." A Special Thank You from Kincolith, BC August 10, 2014 Hello, I am from Kincolith. I just wanted to touch base with your organization & express my gratitude for the group that was here in July. My grandchildren were so excited going to the daily programs that your team put on. The group, I believe, was from Spokane, Washington. They were awesome with our children, we found them very friendly, kind & full of life & that really showed in the children. We were so happy to share our salmon with the group & we were even more grateful they accepted it. We usually have other groups come to our community & we love to share our seafood if we can & some don't eat it or even try it. I know for a fact that the children are looking forward to seeing the groups come back. I know I am! As a grandmother, I see the anticipation in my young grandchildren. Thank you ever so much for the work you all do & for sending the people here to teach our children about the Bible. Love & prayers, Arlene H. 14 Shining for Jesus in Canada-July 31, 2014 LAMP VOLUNTEER ELLEN KEHE – Grace Lutheran Chapel, St Louis, MO Ellen Kehe, a frequent short-term missionary with LAMP [Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots], brings the Gospel to villages in the remote northern regions of Canada. Ellen has a heart for reaching children and has conducted VBS mission trips through LAMP for the past 11 years. Though she faces challenges in villages that have not heard of Christ’s love, she -- along with countless others -- shines the light of God’s Word in dark places. Ellen writes: “LAMP is a fantastic organization that tries to do the impossible. With few people and few resources, they are trying to shine the light of God’s love to remote, dark areas all over northern Canada. They are a faithful few who trust in a God who fed 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish. They know nothing is impossible with God.” The fact is, the need is even greater now than in years past: “Each summer, LAMP has more requests for teams than there are teams available to go. The villages up north are experiencing a baby boom, and there continues to be hopelessness as evidenced by a high alcoholism rate and a very high suicide rate. These villages desperately need the light, love, and hope of Jesus Christ! I feel blessed to be able to coordinate volunteers so we can reach as many people as possible, and I look forward to celebrating in heaven with many Cree Indian believers.” H. 15 H. 16 CENTRAL DISTRICT THEOLOGICAL LAY SCHOOL REPORT 2012-2014 The Central District Theological Lay School exists in order to provide learning opportunities for the laity of the Central District so that they are prepared to give an answer for the hope that they have within them in this rapidly changing world. To that end, the Lay School is held yearly bringing in local speakers as well as those from across North America. In 2012, the Central District Theological Lay School was held in Regina, Saskatchewan. The school featured Dean Mark Dressler teaching on the liturgy for two days, Rev. Jeremy Swem teaching for three days about primary points of doctrine from the Lutheran Confessions, and then the weekend session was taught by Dr. Steven Chambers. The Lay School in Saskatoon was cancelled because of low enrollment. Rev. Mark Dressler was called to be the principal of St. Matthew’s Lutheran School in Stony Plain, AB, so Rev. Jeremy Swem was appointed the dean in 2013. The 2013 Lay School scheduled for Winnipeg, MB was to include sessions by Dr. Chambers, Rev. Robert Bugbee, Rev. Richard Beinert and Rev. Swem, but it was cancelled due to low enrollment. 2014 brought the Lay School back to Regina with a shortened schedule. The Lay School titled Called, focused on Christians and their vocations. Rev. Swem taught one session on the Christian and death, and Rev. Giese taught one evening on the Christian, movies, and the Catechism. The weekend session involved Rev. John T. Pless unfolding the Catechism and Christian vocation. Over 20 laity attended the session with a few traveling from Saskatoon and Manitoba to hear Professor Pless speak. Pastor Jeremy Swem H. 17 Lutheran Community Care Centre The Lutheran Community Care Centre is a social ministry organization of the Lutheran congregations in the Thunder Bay area. In 2014 we marked 35 years of social, developmental and spiritual services to people in the northern region of Ontario. facilities. Even when verbal communication has been diminished through strokes or short term memory is lost to Alzheimer’s disease it is evident when people feel the comfort and the joy of the Gospel again proclaimed to them. Our Street Reach Ministries, delivered in part with the generous support of the Central District, ministers to those who are on the fringe of society. The majority of people who come by are First Nation individuals. Almost all who come are poor. Many have experienced traumatic events in their life. Some struggle with addictions or unhealthy relationships. Our resource centre is located at 633 Simpson Street, a rougher part of town, yet if we want to reach people with the good news of God’s love for them, this is where we need to be. In the past three years the Care Centre has been entrusted with more responsibility from the Ontario provincial government in delivering services to adults with a developmental disability. We continue as the access point for adults with a developmental disability, known as Developmental Services Ontario, for the northern region which covers the Districts of Sudbury, Manitoulin, Algoma, Thunder Bay, Rainy River and Kenora. The Passport Program, which provides direct funding to individuals to purchase community participation supports and respite services, is growing ever larger with 1200 individuals participating and 12 million dollars distributed by the Care Centre. The agency is now tasked with providing transitional planning for youths with a developmental disability that are soon to leave children’s residential services as they reach adulthood. We administer an emergency fund for temporary supports when crisis situations arise for adults with a developmental disability for the northern region as well as a fund for specialized equipment and training for the service sector. We still have very hands on services such as case management and advocacy services for adults with a developmental disability in Thunder Bay and along the north shore of Lake Superior as far as Marathon, Ontario. Most of the 265 individuals we serve live relatively independently in the community. Help is offered with housing, access to health care, money management, socialization and legal issues. Our general Social Service program is available to a broader clientele including individuals on social assistance, isolated seniors, persons at risk of homelessness, and those needing support to maintain their housing in the community. About 150 people are supported each year. As some governmentadministered programs close local offices, such as Veteran Affairs, the personalized and flexible approach of our Social Service program is sought out for help in accessing needed services. Through all this Lutherans are showing its care and compassion for our neighbours in the community. Through weekly involvement in the lives of these people, the Street Chaplain, Pastor Neil Otke, can build a trusting relationship and eventually be a support to them with their spiritual concerns and questions about the Christian faith. Sometimes a transformation in an individual’s life takes a long time. Sometimes the change is quick. Recently Pastor Neil was talking about a young man who newly joined a gang and was intimidating the other people at Street Reach Ministries. The next day he was there seeking the safety and acceptance of the people at Street Reach because he had gotten into trouble with leaders of the gang. God continues to protect and bless our work among the lost or ignored people on the street. Coordinated Lutheran institutional chaplaincy in the Thunder Bay area dates back to the late 1950’s. Thunder Bay is a regional centre for health care and has a large number of long term care facilities. The Pastoral Care Program through the Lutheran Community Care Centre carries on this long standing ministry. Audrey Kahkonen completed 14 years of faithful service as Pastoral Care Worker in 2013. Our current Pastoral Care Worker, Liisa Lahtinen, makes about 100 visits each month covering 9 different facilities. Twelve worship services are coordinated at those facilities each month with local clergy and volunteers helping out. We look for opportunities to connect the individuals and their families with a local congregation for ongoing pastoral care. There are so many precious moments of faith building and nurturing relationships that the Pastoral Care Worker experiences as songs, devotions, and a listening ear is brought to the people in these Respectfully submitted, Michael Maunula Executive Director Lutheran Community Care Centre www.lccctbay.org H. 18 MANITOBA/NORTH WESTERN ONTARIO CHURCH WORKERS CONFERENCE LUTHER VILLAGE, KENORA, ONTARIO OCTOBER 6-9, 2014 As our Lord has called us to gather together as His people, we came together at Luther Village to grow in the knowledge of His Word, be strengthened by one another and to share with one another our trials and struggles, as well as our joys and hope in Christ our Lord. There were 17 in attendance for the conference, and 12 unable to attend. We began our time together as we gathered in God’s Word for our opening Worship service. President Prachar was the preacher and Rev. Cameron Schnarr the liturgist. Sessions began on Tuesday morning with devotions, followed by the presentation by Rev. Thomas Winger on his commentary on Ephesians. We were truly blessed to have D r. Winger come again to share with us the insights God gave him while writing this commentary. Throughout his presentations God showed us the importance of understanding the true meaning of His Word. How this effects our lives as His people, but also how it changes our lives. Dr. Winger’s presentations were held throughout the day on Tuesday and concluding on Wednesday morning. A short business meeting was conducted, we closed with devotions and lunch before heading back to our earthly homes, our families and members of God’s Church. Our next Conference will be held at Luther Village September 28th – 30th, 2015. All glory and praise to God our Father, His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, through Whom we have been enlightened in every way. In Christ’s service and love, Rev. Harold Borchardt, Secretary/Treasurer H. 19 LUTHERAN BIBLE TRANSLATORS OF CANADA Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada is an independent, pan-Lutheran mission organization and recognized Listed Service Organization of LCC. The Mission of Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada is to help bring people to faith in Jesus Christ through Bible Translation and literacy work. To carry out this mission, LBTC: conducts linguistic research; translates the Bible; facilitates literacy; promotes Scripture use; trains indigenous people; cooperates with local governments and educators, national church leaders and the local community; involves Lutherans in Canada in building awareness through recruitment; and by seeking partnerships for prayer, financial support and encouragement. Some Current Statistics World Language and Translation status 6 Billion - Current world population 6,912 languages currently spoken in the world (SIL Ethnologue) 2,454 languages with all or a portion of the Bible 1,998 language/translation projects in progress 2,393 language groups with probable need of translation LBT's Response (Including LBTC) 47 LBT missionaries, 32 LBT associate missionaries 19 LBT US Service Center full time staff, 2 LBTC full time staff 2 LBT US Service Center part time staff, 1 LBTC part time staff 17 Countries in which LBT is working 26 Bible translation programs in process 50 Scripture Engagement and related programs in progress 4 Language Development programs in progress 52 Different language groups involved 80 Total LBT programs 31 New Testament and other translations completed as of 2008 giving 7 Million people access to God's Word. From the above statistics, one can see that God has blessed the work of LBT/LBTC since its beginning over 50 years ago. (LBT was founded in 1964, LBTC in 1974.) We think it vital that this work continue so that the saving Word of God made available to millions of people who do not yet have God’s word. It is worth noting that LBT/LBTC is rather unique in the world of Bible translation in that we intentionally work within the structure of Lutheran church bodies. We seek to equip Lutheran churches around the world with the Word of God; almost all of our work is carried out within the context and structure of a Lutheran church. This has a great advantage in that there is already a plan to use the translation before the project even begins. Scripture use follows naturally upon the completion of a translation. For the most part LBT/LBTC works in Africa. There are many opportunities for Bible translation and literacy now, most notably in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Botswana and Cameroon. The challenge before us is great. Not only are there hundreds of translations needed, but Bible translation and literacy work is quite challenging. The average time to complete a New Testament project is 12-15 years. It requires thorough preparatory training and well as fairly long term commitment. LBTC has four Canadian missionaries and their families working on long-term projects in Cameroon and Botswana. Martin and Joan Weber are moving their translation teams closer to completing a lectionary in the Kwanja language. Mike and Kara Kuhn welcomed their third child, Gloria Joy, in October, and are currently on an educational furlough. Eshinee and Rob Veith are continuing their work among the Wayeyi people in Botswana. LBTC plans to continue its recruitment efforts in Canada but is also looking at other ways of fulfilling its mission and reaching its goal. Recent discussions in Cameroon have opened up the possibility of supporting and equipping Cameroonians and others for projects there. H. 20 Like all charitable organizations, LBTC depends on the prayers and financial support of Lutherans throughout Canada. We thank all or you for your many years of support for this ministry. And we ask you, the pastors, teachers and leaders of the Church to continue to promote and fund this vital ministry. Not only this, you can inspire young men and women to consider this missionary vocation. Thank you and the Lord be with you! Rev. Dr. Jim Keller Executive Director Lutheran Bible Translators of Canada 137 Queen St S Kitchener, ON N2G 4E3 [email protected] 519-742-3361 1-866-518-7071 Ways to serve as an LBTC missionary Language Survey Specialist Completing a language survey is the first step in the translation process. Language Survey Specialists help determine the needs of language groups where Scripture is not available. They ask questions like: “How many speakers are there?” “Are the children being taught the language?” The answers to these questions and others help determine a group’s translation needs. Translation Advisor In translating, the biblical texts are carefully studied and then written into the heart language of the people. The translation advisor forms relationships with a team of national people who commit themselves to translating God’s Word accurately, beautifully and clearly into their own language. He or she then leads them through the many steps needed to bring the translation to publication. Literacy/Scripture Use Specialist Literacy specialists train and equip national coworkers to teach others to read and write their own language. Closely tied to literacy is Scripture Use. Scripture Use specialists help develop and advocate activities that encourage the use of translated Scriptures in churches and homes. Vernacular Media Specialist These specialists assist indigenous people in the production of audio/visual and other tools to spread God’s Word. They employ a variety of tools to make Scripture available to those who may not be reached through written text. The focus is on non-print media such as audio recordings of Scripture, dubbing existing video, writing scripts in the vernacular to accompany film strips, videos and more. Ethnomusicologist Many churches and congregations in other cultures use Western hymns, liturgies and worship styles in their services. They may believe their own music is inappropriate for worship. The Bible says we should “make a joyful noise unto the Lord”. The ethnomusicologist helps national people set Scripture in their own language, to their traditional music styles, developing worship songs that speak to the hearts of the people. Worship is more meaningful when people express themselves in their own way. They sing and worship God with more elation. Missionary Kid Tutor For many missionary families, teaching their children is a full-time effort. Having a tutor provides these families with the opportunity to be more fully involved in their primary mission such as translation, literacy or Scripture Use. Tutors do all the things any teacher would do, but without the structure of a traditional school setting. In international settings, creative, hands-on teaching is the way to go! H. 21 REPORT OF LUMINHOS-FORMERLY LUTHERAN CARE SOCIETY OF SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN On behalf of LuMinHos-formerly Lutheran Care Society in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan-I would like to express my sincere thanks for LCC’s generous yearly contributions to this worthwhile mission. LuMinHos has provided spiritual care through its Chaplains in hospitals in Saskatoon for many years. At this point, Rev. Ron Bestvater is fulfilling this call, on a reduced pay rate with an exceptionally high work load, but with great love and care. Pastor Ron is more and more becoming ‘the pastor’ to many people in hospitals in Saskatoon who are from the outlying areas. Sadly, with the closure of some rural churches, there are fewer home congregations with resident pastors who can minister to these patients, and increasingly, their families. The Board of Directors of LuMinHos is working hard to employ Rev. Ron at 100% salary from the 65% of the past years. With the help of many people and the Synods, this is possible and most desirable. We truly appreciate the contribution Lutheran Church–Canada continues to make annually and we hope to be able to count on it in the coming years. In His Service, Renate Bishopp, Board Member H. 22 LUTHERANS FOR LIFE – CANADA Triennial Report to the Central District convention April 13th – 16th, 2015 By the time of this convention, LFL-C will have celebrated 12 years of existence. What began as a small group in Ontario soon morphed into a national organization. With members in all of our affiliated districts, we have shown minimal growth but have a strong group of dedicated people who stand up for life issues and core biblical beliefs. Our mandate is educate fellow Lutherans through the Word of God, such as abortion, stem-cell research, chastity, and end of life issues. The current hot-button item in Canada is assisted suicide or euthanasia. The opponents like to use more sophisticated and polished clean sounding phrases such “dying with dignity” “aid in suffering” “assisted death” and so on. This is a topic that not only plagues Christians but affects non Christians as well. This is an area that has presented a real challenge for LFL-C to provide information based on scripture, which runs contrary to secular thinking. We often find ourselves in debates or battles that are not winnable. Those in support of euthanasia seem to have the media convinced and running interference on their behalf. Autocratic Judges and clever lawyers seem to grab all the public attention and many people are convinced that suicide is the way to go. This is exactly why we exist today to bring the opposite message to counter the world view. We continue to support the scriptural position of natural life to natural death. We strongly encourage Lutherans to talk to their pastor, read Scripture, and to pray about difficult end of life issues. LFL-C has numerous resources to guide you into making good choices. This is where we can be of valuable assistance. Remember, God is a loving and forgiving God, and understands your dilemma. LFL-C has helped to support the annual Love Life conference in Edmonton. We have information booths at many District and National conventions where important information is available on pro-life issues. We have attended the NYG offering our youth vital biblical information on such issues as chastity, and other life issues related to teens and young people. We support and work with Word of Hope, a crisis pregnancy help line which assists people in post abortion predicaments. LFL-C participated in the March for Life held in Ottawa in 2014. About 30 – 35 Lutherans joined us including several Youth from the East District. There were approximately 23,000 walkers. We plan to again participate in 2015. We feel this is a worthwhile endeavor, as it gives us the opportunity to witness to the Sanctity of all human life, and support pro-life issues. You are invited to join us in future walks, or participate in your Province with local walks, and to become active in community pro-life events. Submitted on behalf of current board members: Secretary Judith President Cliff Pyle Obelnycki Treasurer Alan Schmitt LMC Coordinator Linda Welke Pastoral Advisor Rev. James Luke Members at Large Rev. David Mellecke, Rev. Richard Juritsch, Marian Obeda H. 23 MALABAR MISSION SOCIETY www.malabarmissionsociety.org For 25 years the Malabar Mission Society, formed in 1988, h as pr ovided f inancial s upport t o t he G ospel Workers for their outreach ministry among the people along t he Mal abar co ast i n Kerala S tate, I ndia. T he Gospel Workers, pastors and ev angelists, are p art of the I ndia E vangelical L utheran C hurch ( IELC). T he Gospel Workers, along with the churches and mission stations, form the Malabar Mission Circle. Recently a 32 page booklet “Your Entry to a W orld of Service” was p ublished to illu strate t he work a nd a ctivity i n Malabar and beyond. In 2011 Dr. Miller wrote, Two Decades of Service, The Story of the Malabar Mission Society, a 9 4 p age history o f t he Mal abar Mission S ociety. B oth p ublications a re a vailable fo r distribution. The Malabar Mission Newsletter, published 2-3 times a year, highlights the recent activities in Malabar and beyond. The Malabar Mission Society assists the Gospel Workers in sharing the Good News of Jesus in their communities. T he Gospel Workers and E vangelists reach ou t t o t he H indu and Muslim people t hrough Vacation Bible Schools, Bible correspondence schools, Reading Rooms and M edical in stitutions a t Wandur and Malappuram. Since the IELC has limited funding the Malabar Mission Society provides a small salary subsidy for the Gospel Workers and assists them with outreach activities in their villages. In recent years some funding was pr ovided t o r epair s ome c hurch facilities. Recently the Gospel Workers of the Malabar Mission C ircle formed the Malabar Gospel Mission Society to “undertake evangelistic work in the Malabar area”. Annually a Family Convention is held, as well as Leadership Seminars for Sunday School Teachers and Evangelism. These seminars equip the Gospel Workers an d lay p eople to s hare the G ospel in th eir community. The opportunities to share the love of Jesus are great! The Open Door (for men), a student library and reading room in Kannur, was established in 2001. Since 2004 the Vanitha ( women) F riendship Center, i ncluding a Chapel, Reading Room, residence for staff, Conference Room, literature storage and kitchen, was established i n K annur. D aily t he F riendship C entre provides an opportunity for many college students to visit this centre and learn about Jesus. Staff greet and assist the students to find materials and share their love of Jesus. An ESL (English as a Spoken Language with accent r eduction) was c onducted i n 2007, 20 09 a nd 2012. Another ESL is scheduled for October 2015 at the Otten English School, Wandur. Volunteer teachers are needed. In April, 2014 t here were 20 Vacation Bible Schools held with 921 s tudents (455 Hindus, 57 M uslims and 409 Christians). These children heard and experienced the Gospel. Praise God! Anantapur, in Andhra Pradesh State, has seen tremendous gr owth with many M uslims a nd H indus baptized. The 5 L eaders, 3 4 G ospel W orkers an d others regularly visit several hundred villages showing the “Jesus” film and preaching in public meetings, as well as freely distributing many Gospel portions, tracts and booklets. In August 2014 more than 70 participated in a Muslim Converts Meeting. Support is needed for this powerful work of the Holy Spirit. Rev. S . R esalayyan i s no w s erving t he new mission station at N aduvil an d C hengalai, where a C anadian businessman assisted with constructing a new church building. M ay G od bl ess t his work a s t he G ospel i s shared in the community. The Rev. Dr. Roland Miller, missionary from 1953 to 1976 in Malappuram, Kerala, India, served as Project Officer from 1988 until January 31, 2008. The current Project Officer is Rev. Carlton Riemer, former missionary i n India, from Stillwater, Oklahoma. He communicates r egularly with R ev. I . Titus, cu rrent India Agent, who supervises the work and distribution of funds. Annual visits are made to the Gospel Workers and churches of the Malabar Mission Circle. We give thanks for t he f aithful pr ayer s upport a nd financial support for this outreach ministry in India. Rev. Howard Ulmer, President [email protected] I. 1 A PRIMER OF PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE A. Purpose of Parliamentary Law and Procedure The purpose of parliamentary procedure is to carry out the aims of the assembly in orderly and fair manner t o expedite business, to i nsure justice and f airness t o all, both t he majority and t he minority. It is not the purpose of parliamentary procedure to make the conduct of business in an assembly difficult, or t o entangle a n assembly i n t echnicalities, or t o provide a channel f or i ndividuals to flaunt their parliamentary knowledge. B. Basic Steps of Parliamentary Procedure The chairman and members of the assembly should be acquainted with and observe eight basic, essential parliamentary steps to take care of convention business in an orderly and fair manner. They are: MEMBERS: 1. Address the Chair. “Mr. Chairman” (or Mr. President) 2. Awaits recognition by the Chair. 3. Make the motion. “I move that…” 4. Second the motion. (unless not required) CHAIR: 5. States the motion. (or rules it out of order) 6. Calls for discussion. (unless motion is undebatable) “Is there any discussion?” or “Are there any remarks?” Ample opportunity must always be given for expression of opinion and discussion. 7. Takes the vote. (or “Puts the question”) First calls for the affirmative vote, then the negative. (A tie vote defeats the motion, since a majority is required to adopt – unless the motion requires a 2/3 vote.) 8. States the results. The motion is carried, or the motion is lost. The vote does not go into effect until the results are announced. I. 2 BASIC PARLIAMENTARY PRICIPLES FOR THE DISTRICT CONVENTION 1. A District convention is a parliamentary assembly called to deliberate and to make decisions. From time to time it defines the privileges, the rights, and the duties of the members of the District and sets up or changes the framework of the District organization. It hears the reports of its officers, board, d epartments, and committees as t o w hat t hese h ave d one w ith th eir c onstitutional a nd convention directives and receives and passes on proposals for their future. 2. Al voting delegates have equal rights, privileges, and obligations. 3. The vote of the majority decides. The will of a District convention is determined by the taking of a vote. 4. Free discussion of every proposition or resolution presented for decision is an established right for all d elegates, v oting a nd a dvisory. T he c onvention has t he r ight t o de cide w hen i t ha s he ard sufficient di scussion. This r ight, how ever, s hould be e xercised w ith r estraint. I t may well be precipitated by parliamentary manoeuvres which exhaust the patience of the convention. 5. Both proponents and opponents of a given proposal have rights which must be safeguarded. The decision belongs t o the majority, but t he right to discuss, the right to be heard, and t he right to oppose should be upheld. A member of the majority on one question is often a member of the minority on another. 6. The simplest an d m ost d irect p arliamentary procedure f or accomplishing a pu rpose w ould be followed rather than taking devious routes multiplying technicalities. 7. Every delegate has the right to know what question is before the convention and what its effect will be, for every action taken by a deliberative body should be taken knowledgeably. 8. Voting delegates a not bound and are not to be bound by previous instructions of their home or neighbouring congregations, or caucuses, or of other delegates. While delegates should make every effort to become acquainted with the issues, the Bylaws stat: “Congregations shall not require the delegates to vote in accordance with specific instructions, but every delegate shall be permitted to vote according to his/her own conviction. Delegates are nevertheless responsible to their parish, whom they represent, and shall attempt to discover the sentiment of the members thereof.” I. 3 PROPOSED SPECIAL STANDING RULES 1. The chair shall see that the agenda is followed as closely as possible. 2. Resolutions of each floor committee shall be prioritized by number and shall normally be presented in the numerical sequence. 3. Each member of the convention, when recognized by the chair, shall state his/her name and home congregation. 4. The 3-minute rule shall apply for all who speak from the floor. 5. Instead of a voice vote on the motion before the convention, the chair shall ordinarily call for the raising of the right hand. 6. If a substitute motion is moved and seconded it will be considered by the assembly for discussion at the same time as the original motion. When the vote is taken, the assembly will first vote on the substitute motion. If the substitute motion passes, the original motion dies. If the substitute motion fails, the original motion is put for a vote to the assembly. 7. Questions o f p rivilege sh all b e ad dressed i n w riting t o t he chair, o r its ap pointee, i nstead o f consuming convention time. 8. In t he ses sions o f the l ast d ay t he p resident sh all h ave t he p rivilege o f c alling u p f or act ion resolutions which in his judgement must be acted upon by convention before adjournment. 9. Resolutions p repared by t he f loor c ommittees w hich a re not acted up on by c onvention b efore adjournment die. The subject matter may be reintroduced at the next convention by means of an overture. 10. The preface, preamble, and whereas sections shall be considered an integral part of the resolution or overture, and as such, subject to the same serious consideration and adoption in all its parts an the main motion itself. 11. Unless co vered b y t hese standing r ules, of the convention, p arliamentary pr ocedure s hall be governed by Roberts Rules of Order, newly revised (1971) edition. I. 4 CONVENTION GLOSSARY Ad Hoc Committee: Special committee with a limited assignment and a limited life. Advisory Delegate: A certified member of the convention with the right to speak but without vote. However, if appointed to a floor committee, entitled to vote there. Agenda: List of items of convention business “to be done”. Alternate: A full-time substitute to take the place of a delegate to the convention, if necessary. Amend: To change or modify a resolution or motion. Appeal: An appeal from a decision of the chair requires that the decision be referred to the convention for its immediate decision by a vote. Audit: Official examination and verification of accounts. Bylaw: A rule of the Synod or District ranking immediately below the constitution in authority and above standing rules. Chair: The presiding officer of the convention, usually the President, or temporarily a Vice-President. Constitution: The statement o f t he b asic p rinciples and s tructures of t he S ynod, t he h ighest continuing authority created by the association of congregations, pastors, a nd teachers constituting t he S ynod. The S ynodical C onstitution i s a lso the constitution of all of its Districts. Division of the House: A vote taken by rising to verify a voice vote at the call of the chair or at the request of a voting delegate. Floor committee: A working group of convention voting advisory delegates to whom the processing of a s hare of convention business is entrusted for recommendation in turn to the convention proper. General Consent: An informal method of disposing of routine and generally favoured proposals by assuming approval of a request unless immediate objection is raised. Handbook: A m anual c ontaining t hey S ynodical A rticles of I ncorporation, the S ynodical Constitution, and the Bylaws and the District Bylaws. In Order: Correct from a parliamentary standpoint at a given time. Lay on the Table: To set aside a motion or a proposed resolution for consideration in the indefinite future. If adopted, it usually kills consideration of an action on the main motion by postponing it without a set time to take it up again. If this is not the intent, the motion should be not to table but to postpone, preferably to a set time. I. 5 Majority: More than half the votes cast. The Synodical Constitution provides: “All matters of doctrine and of conscience shall be decided only by the Word of God. All other matters shall be decided by a majority vote:. This means a simple majority in all instances except those which involve a proposed constitutional amendment; these require a two-thirds affirmative vote of all votes cast. Out of Order: Not correct from a parliamentary standpoint at that particular time. Overture: A r ecommendation, pr oposed resolution, o r p etition s ubmitted by a m ember congregation of the Synod, or other group recognized in the Bylaws. Parliamentarian: A person or persons designated by the Chair to advise him on the applicability of parliamentary principles and procedures in a given situation. Pending: Not yet decided. A pending motion is one that has been stated by the Chair but is not yet disposed of by vote. Point of Order: Any delegate may promptly call attention to the fact that the rules of the district or its convention are seemingly not in force by saying, “I arise to appoint of order”. Upon hearing the point made, the Chair rules as to its validity. Postpone: To defer action on a question or proposed resolution (1) indefinitely or (2) until a certain specified time. Preamble: The introductory part of a resolution or report, usually in the form of whereas. The assembly has the right to amend these since they are part of the resolution when presented together with the resolves. Previous Question: A motion calling for the previous question stops all discussion or debate if twothirds o f the voting delegates vote “Aye” after a motion has been made and seconded to call for the previous question. When two-thirds of the voting delegates have responded Aye, the Chair must immediately call a vote on the motion pending before the convention. Privileged Motion: A motion, such as a recess, to fix the time of the next session and to change the order of the day. It takes precedence over all other motions. Putting the Question: The taking of the vote by the Chair. Question: A subject or point of debate or a resolution being or to be voted on. Quorum: The fewest number of delegates that can be present and still permit business to be transacted. Report: Usually t he f ormal a ccounting g iven by a n of ficer, a boa rd, a d epartment, a committee, o r a co mmission o f t he d ischarge o f its r esponsibilities u nder t he Constitution and Bylaws of the District, such as accounting to be evaluated by the delegate convention of the District. Rescind: To annul or to cancel. To undo or reverse a previous decision. I. 6 Resolution: A formal proposal submitted previously in writing by convention floor committee for action by the convention. Seriatim: In a series; one after another. Substitute Amendment: When a full paragraph, section, or resolution is dropped and another is inserted in its place. Table: To set aside a motion or a proposed resolution for consideration in the indefinite future. If adopted it usually kills consideration of an action on the main motion by postponing it without a set time to take it up again. CONVENTION FLOOR COMMITTEES A. NUMBER The Bylaws of the District list the following committees to serve the Conventions of the District as they are in session: Number 1: The Committee for Convention Arrangements; Number 2: The Committee on Elections; Number 3: The Committee on District Administration, Agencies, Conference Minutes and Essays; Number 4: The Committee on Goals and Resources to review the Work Program and projected capital expenditures; Number 5: The Committee on Constitutional Matters; Number 6: The Committee on Special and Sundry Matters. B. MEMBERSHIP 1. A balanced membership and representation of clergy and lay accredited delegates, as appointed by the President. 2. A chairman to: a. Call the meetings of the committee to order at a designated time and place. b. Receive and transmit to the floor committee its business. c. Recognize committee members who desire to speak, as well as other delegates and guests who desire to speak to an issue before the floor committee. d. Explain what the effect of a motion will be. e. Restrict discussion at any one time to the question before the committee. f. Arrange for any open hearings that may be necessary for his committee and conduct them. g. Act as the floor committee representative spokesman whenever necessary. h. Present the committees report to the convention or designate the Secretary or another member of the committee to do so. i. Move the adoption of any report or resolution that the committee presents to the convention, if he so chooses. j. Appoint a Secretary from the membership of the committee. I. 7 B. MEMBERSHIP (Continued) 3. A Secretary to: a. Act in the absence of the Chairman. b. Keep a record of the business that was assigned to the committee and maintain a record and check list of their disposition by the committee. c. Take notes so that he/she may furnish the exact wording of a motion. d. Draft r esolutions in a s b rief a f orm a s possible, in a pos itive a nd no t a ne gative f orm, i n language as simple as possible. e. Number the committee’s resolutions consecutively. f. Authenticate all records of the committee by his/her signature. C. PURPOSE AND USE 1. By District resolution only the President refers reports, overtures, proposals, petitions and other matters to convention and committees. 2. The D istrict delegate co nvention em ploys a v ariety o f f loor committees w hich e nable t he convention t o c omplete i ts w ork more e ffectively a nd e fficiently. T he f unctions of t he f loor committees are on behalf of the entire District and its convention to save time, to clarify issues, to co-ordinate policies, t o i ncrease t he volume of business w hich a c onvention can ha ndle, a nd to facilitate responsible decision-making. 3. The floor committee is a standing reference committee for its assigned area through which all new business must be introduced and filtered rather than to allow a delegate to bring up any motion or business at any time. A longer time may be devoted to each subject. D elicate and troublesome questions may be studied or investigated without undue publicity. Better use can be made of the resource persons and of broad representation from the district’s membership. 4. When the floor committee needs to gather factual material, a subcommittee of two or three members can often times do this more rapidly than can be done by the entire group. 5. In floor committee hearings, non-delegates as well as delegates can be permitted to express their views before the floor committee reaches a decision. This may involve oral or written reports or exposition for the benefit of the committee. After that, open hearings may be held, if necessary. 6. Resolutions for consideration by the convention can be worked out in executive sessions of the floor committee rather than taking the time of the entire convention for the process. 7. Generally, g ood c ommittee m eetings w ill b e he ld a nd w ill be pr oductive i f t he f ive “ P’s” a re followed: The right Place The right Plan The right Problem The right People The right Process J. 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 RESOLUTION 2015-5-01 TO AMEND THE CENTRAL DISTRICT BYLAWS REGARDING CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ALBERTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ MEMBERSHIP (Ref. Overture 2015-5-02) WHEREAS representation on the Concordia University College of Alberta (CUCA) Board of Governors was changed at the last synodical convention (Resolution 14.2.01A “To Clarify Membership on the Board of Governors, Concordia University College of Alberta [CUCA]”); and WHEREAS references in our Central District Handbook need to be revised in order to reflect these changes; therefore be it RESOLVED that the following revisions be made to the Central District: Handbook: Article 3 Membership Processes 3.1 Conventions M. Elections “In every election balloting shall continue until every position has been filled by majority vote. The order for elections shall be: President; Vice- Presidents by each region; lay members on the Board of Directors by each region; Circuit Counsellors; members on the Board of Regents, Concordia University College, Edmonton; Nominating Committee; and representatives to Synod’s Committee for Convention Nominations.” 3. BOARD OF REGENTS, CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, EDMONTON The Convention shall elect one lay person to the Board of Regents, Concordia University College, Edmonton. Committee #5 Rev. Daryl Solie, Chairman J. 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 RESOLUTION 2015-5-02 TO MERGE THE KATEPWA AND QU’APPELLE CIRCUITS (Ref. Overtures 2015-5-01; 2015-5-04; 2015-5-05) WHEREAS a “circuit” in Lutheran Church-Canada is “an association of congregations established by a convention of a district” (LCC Statutory Bylaws); and WHEREAS Synodical bylaws state: “Each circuit shall consist of 7 to 20 congregations involving an aggregate communicant membership from 1,500 to 10,000. Exceptions to these requirements and limitations can be made only by the president upon request of a district board of directors;” and WHEREAS the Katepwa Circuit [4 congregations & 2 pastors] and the Qu’Appelle Circuit [7 congregations & 2 pastors] have grown smaller in recent years; therefore be it RESOLVED that the Katepwa Circuit and the Qu’Appelle Circuit be merged into a single circuit; and be it further RESOLVED that the newly structured circuit be called the Qu’Appelle Circuit; and be it finally RESOLVED that the Central District bylaws be amended appropriately. Committee #5 Rev. Daryl Solie, Chairman J. 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 RESOLUTION 2015-5-03 TO REQUEST THE COMMISSION ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS & STRUCTURE TO CHANGE LCC STRUCTURE (Ref. Overture 2015-5-03) WHEREAS The 1993 Synodical Convention appointed a Task Force on the Nature and Structure of Synod (93.3.09) which was received and acted upon in 1996 (96.3.03A); and WHEREAS the 1996 Report of the Task Force on the Nature and Structure of the Synod has listed their recommendations and reasons for changes to the structure of the Synod; and WHEREAS the 2002 Synodical Convention declined overture 3.10 (“TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PRESENT STRUCTURE OF LUTHERAN CHURCH–CANADA”) (Res. 02.3.14); and WHEREAS the present organizational structure does not resolve the uncertainties as to where responsibility for a particular function should properly rest between the Synod and Districts; and WHEREAS the new structure could bring greater financial stability and unity within LC–C; and WHEREAS in many aspects District Conventions duplicate matters carried out by Synodical Conventions; and WHEREAS there is duplication in boards and services to the congregations that could be rectified with a different structure which would allow for better stewardship of personnel and money, thereby enabling the church to direct more funds with less personnel to the proclamation of the Gospel; and WHEREAS in light of the recent insolvency of the Church Extension Fund in the AlbertaBritish Columbia District; and WHEREAS valuable time, energy and resources would be misspent in creating yet another Task Force; and WHEREAS according to the Handbook of Synod, there is already a process for the ongoing review of the structure of Synod, namely the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure, which is mandated by the Bylaws of Lutheran Church– Canada to provide such assistance in reviewing the structure of Synod, to wit: J. 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 “in the area of structure, the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure shall— a. Conduct a continuing review of the organizational structure of the Synod, including its Districts and its circuits, and make proposals to succeeding Conventions for improvement; b. Act as a resource committee to convention floor committees on all proposals to alter the Synodical structure; c. Serve as a resource committee to districts with regard to organizational structure.” (Bylaw 2.103 a.); therefore be it RESOLVED that the Central District request the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure to begin immediately the work of developing and presenting a new structure for the Districts and Synod of Lutheran Church–Canada which addresses the current financial and organizational concerns first addressed by the Task Force on the Nature and Structure of Synod (93.3.09) and remain to the present day; and be it finally RESOLVED that the Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure present a specific model for restructuring to the 2017 Synodical Convention for approval and subsequent implementation. Committee #5 Rev. Daryl Solie, Chairman J. 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 RESOLUTION 2015-5-04 TO RATIFY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ APPROVAL OF NEW/AMENDED CONGREGATIONAL CONSTITUTIONS WHEREAS the synodical bylaws of Lutheran Church-Canada state: “A member congregation which translates, revises or amends its constitution or adopts a new constitution shall submit such translation, revision, amendment, or new constitution to the district president, who shall direct it through existing channels for review. Upon favourable action by the board of directors of the district, the congregation shall be notified that the changes are valid and approved and that the congregation is empowered to function under the new or changed constitution. Such actions shall be submitted to the next convention of the district for ratification” (1.15b); and WHEREAS the Committee on Constitutions of the Central District has reviewed and approved the new and amended constitutions of the congregations listed below; and WHEREAS the Central District Board of Directors has approved the new and amended constitutions of the congregations listed below; therefore be it RESOLVED that the Central District Convention ratify the new and amended constitutions of the following congregations: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Regina, SK (amended) Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Winnipeg, MB (amended) Christ Lutheran Church, Neepawa, MB (amended) Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Winnipeg, MB (amended) St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Roblin, MB (amended) Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw, SK (amended) Zion Lutheran Church, Yorkton, SK (amended) Christ Lutheran Church, Red Lake, ON (amended) Committee #5 Rev. Daryl Solie, Chairman
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