2015 HANDBOOK Rocky Mountain Synod 2015 Assembly May 1-3, 2015 Salt Lake City, Utah 0 ! THE ASSEMBLY: OUR LIFE TOGETHER The$2015$theme$is$a$continuation$of$our$year5long$theme:$Our$Life$Together.$As$members$of$the$ Rocky$Mountain$Synod,$we$are$Church:$$Better$Together!$This$coming$spring$we$will$gather$as$ the$Church$Together$May$153$at$the$Sheraton$Hotel$in$Salt$Lake$City,$Utah,$for$our$2015$Synod$ Assembly.$$$ $ Gathered$under$theme$“Our$Life$Together,”$we$will$spend$time$celebrating$the$many$ministries$ of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod,$collectively$making$decisions$for$how$we$will$move$into$the$ future,$and$spending$intentional$time$in$relationship$with$our$full5communion$and$ecumenical$ partners$in$ministry.$$ $ $ $ ! PRELIMINARY AGENDA Friday,(May(1 ( 8:30am –1:00pm Synod Council Meeting noon Deans join Synod Council 12:00pm 12:45pm 1:15 2:00 2:30 5:00 5:30 7:00 Registration opens Mission Developer Meeting (Sundance) New Voting Member Orientation Opening of Assembly Plenary Session 1: Our Life Together with our Full Communion and Ecumenical Partners Dinner Buffet open Toolbox Dinners Opening Worship: Our Life Together Saturday,(May(2 ( 8:30am 9:00 11:30 11:45 12:35pm 3:00 3:00 3:00 4:00 Celebration of Anniversaries of Ordinations, Consecrations, and Commissionings Plenary Session 2: Our Life Together as a Global Church Buffet Lunch Ethnic Ministries Lunch Plenary Session 3: Our Life Together as Faith Communities in Christ Off-site Excursions Youth Ecumenical Activity On-site Session 1: Living Lutheran in the Land of Latter-Day Saints: Lay Leader Panel On-site Session 2 Living Lutheran in the Land of Latter-Day Saints: Rostered Leader Panel 5:15 6:15 7:30 Community Conversations: Excursions Wandering Dinner/Display Festival Trivia Night Sunday,(May(3( $ 8:45am 10:00 Bible Study/Spiritual Practices Closing Worship: Many Voices, One Song 1 ! VOTING MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES$ $ 1.$ 2.$ 3.$ 4.$ Study$the$pre5assembly$materials.$ Attend$all$sessions$of$the$assembly.$ Participate$in$all$legislative$actions.$Vote.$If$the$issue$is$not$clear,$ask$the$chair$for$clarification.$ Share$the$information$and$actions$of$the$assembly$with$your$congregation.$This$can$be$done$by$ verbal$or$written$report,$or$both.$Help$your$congregation$to$know$about$their$work$of$ministry$ beyond$your$local$parish.$ $ Things(to(BRING(to(the(assembly(( (you(already(have(lots(of(bags(and(water(bottles,(so(be(green(and(bring(your(own!)( ( • • • • • ! Bible( Tablet(Device(/(Cell(Phone(/(Computer(for$materials$and$online$voting( Bag(for$materials$( Bottle$for$water$if$you$desire$ Offerings$as$listed$below.$One$check$may$be$designated$for$the$various$areas.$ OFFERINGS! FRIDAY'EVENING'OFFERING:' Betela'Seminary'in'Madagascar' $ For$many$years,$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$and$the$Lutheran$synods$in$northern$Madagascar$have$ accompanied$one$another$in$deepening$relationships,$prayer,$and$ministry$together$as$Companion$ Synods.$The$Friday$evening$offering$is$designated$for$Betela$Seminary,$for$its$work$in$training$leaders$ theologically$for$work$in$the$Malagasy$Lutheran$Church.$ $ SATURDAY'NOON'OFFERING:' ELCA'World'Hunger' $ For$work$throughout$the$world$on$behalf$of$the$entire$ELCA$to$feed$the$hungry$and$to$provide$ opportunities$for$hope$and$sustainability.' ' SUNDAY'MORNING'OFFERING:'' First'Third'of'Life'Faith'Formation'Strategic'Planning'Team$ $ In$February,$2015,$a$team$began$work$on$the$implementation$of$the$RMS$First$Third$of$Life$Faith$ Formation$Strategic$Plan,$looking$at$how$the$RMS'accompanies'and'equips'our'leaders'and' communities'in'faith'formation,'a'lifelong'journey'of'growth'in'our'relationship'with'Jesus'Christ.$ The$plan$comes$out$of$a$year5long$conversation$held$with$volunteers,$part,$and$full5time$professionals$ working$with$those$in$the$first$third$of$life.$It$lifts$up$the$guiding$principles$of$Vocation,$Accompaniment,$ Lutheran$Identity,$Deepening$Spiritual$Life,$and$Healthy$leaders.$The$team$will$focus$on$lifting$up$the$ importance$of$faith$formation$in$the$life$of$the$Church,$share$common$language$for$our$life$together,$and$ plan$and$encourage$programs$that$facilitate$faith$exploration$for$children,$youth,$and$families,$and$the$ leaders$that$work$with$them.$$ 2 ! ASSEMBLY GUESTS! $ $ $ Keynote(Presenter$ Presiding$Bishop$Elizabeth$Eaton$ Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America$ $ ( Musical(Guests$$ Wesley$Bell$Ringers,$Christ$United$Methodist$Church,$Salt$Lake$City$ Mount$Tabor$Lutheran$Church$Brass$Ensemble,$Salt$Lake$City$ Utah$Conference$Combined$Choir$$$ Joyful$NOIZ$Orff$Percussion$Band$and$Children’s$Choir,$Zion$Evangelical$Lutheran$Church,$Salt$Lake$City$ Praise$Team:$Our$Saviour’s$Lutheran$Church,$Salt$Lake$City$and$Shepherd$of$the$Mountains$Lutheran$Church,$Park$ City$ $ ( 3 ! ASSEMBLY LOCATION $ Sheraton(Hotel( 150(W(500(S( Salt(Lake(City,(Utah(84101$ (801)(401W2000$ There$is$no$cost$for$parking$at$the$hotel.$A$complimentary$hotel$shuttle$is$available$for$those$who$do$not$want$to$take$ the$Light$Rail$train$available$as$public$transportation$(see$below).$Call$the$hotel$to$make$arrangements$for$the$shuttle:$ (801)$40152000.$ Light$Rail$train$transportation$is$available$from$the$airport$to$downtown$Salt$Lake$City.$A$Light$Rail$stop$is$two$blocks$ from$the$hotel.$$Take$the$Green$Line$from$the$airport$to$the$Courthouse$stop,$and$walk$two$blocks$west.$ $ Take$the$Green$Line$Light$Rail$Train$from$the$Airport$to$Courthouse$Station,$then$walk$two$blocks$west.$Cost$is$$2.50,$ senior$fare$is$$1.25.! 4 ! BACKGROUND INFORMATION$ ( $ The$following$information$will$assist$each$voting$member$in$the$discharge$of$responsibility.$$Some$material$ is$taken$from$the$Constitution$and$Bylaws$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$and$will$be$identified$by$the$ symbol$RMSC.$ $ Evangelical(Lutheran(Church(in(America( The$church$was$constituted$on$January$1,$1988$from$the$previous$church$bodies$of$The$American$ Lutheran$Church,$Association$of$Evangelical$Lutheran$Churches,$and$Lutheran$Church$in$America.$$ Spanning$the$United$States$and$the$Caribbean,$the$ELCA$consists$of$65$synods.$$The$Rocky$Mountain$ Synod$is$one$of$five$synods$in$Region$2.$ $ ELCA(Regions( The$ELCA$is$divided$into$nine$regions,$which$are$points$of$connection$and$ministry$for$each$of$the$synods$ in$the$various$regions.$Regions$work$together,$especially$in$terms$of$the$call$process$for$rostered$leaders.$$$ $ The(Synod( The$territory$of$this$synod$is$the$states$of$Coloradod$New$Mexicod$Utah$(excluding$Washington$County)d$ Wyoming$(excluding$the$counties$of$Park,$Washakie,$Crook,$and$Weston)d$and$in$Texas$the$counties$of$ Brewster,$Culbertson,$El$Paso,$Hudspeth,$Jeff$Davis,$Loving,$Presidio,$Reeves,$Ward,$Winkler.$$ Congregations$along$several$of$the$borders$relate$to$a$neighboring$synod$with$congregations$in$closer$ proximity$to$them.$$ $ Purpose(of(the(Synod( To$participate$in$God's$mission,$this$synod$as$a$part$of$the$church$shall:$ $ "$ Proclaim$God's$saving$Gospel$of$justification$by$grace$for$Christ's$sake$through$faith$ alone,$according$to$the$apostolic$witness$in$the$Holy$Scripture,$preserving$and$ transmitting$the$Gospel$faithfully$to$future$generations.$ "$ Carry$out$Christ's$Great$Commission$by$reaching$out$to$all$people$to$bring$them$to$faith$in$ Christ$and$by$doing$all$ministry$with$a$global$awareness$consistent$with$the$ understanding$of$God$as$Creator,$Redeemer$and$Sanctifier$of$all.$ "$ Serve$in$response$to$God's$love$to$meet$human$needs,$caring$for$the$sick$and$aged,$ advocating$dignity$and$justice$for$all$people,$working$for$peace$and$reconciliation$among$ the$nations,$standing$with$the$poor$and$powerless,$and$committing$itself$to$their$needs.$ "$ Worship$God$in$proclamation$of$the$Word$and$administration$of$the$sacraments$and$ through$lives$of$prayer,$praise,$thanksgiving,$witness,$and$service.$ "$ Nurture$its$members$in$the$Word$of$God$so$as$to$grow$in$faith$and$hope$and$love,$to$see$ daily$life$as$the$primary$setting$for$the$exercise$of$their$Christian$calling,$and$to$use$the$ gifts$of$the$Spirit$for$their$life$together$and$for$their$calling$in$the$world.$ "$ Manifest$the$unity$given$to$the$people$of$God$by$living$together$in$the$love$of$Christ$and$ by$joining$with$other$Christians$in$prayer$and$action$to$express$and$preserve$the$unity$ which$the$Spirit$gives.$(RMSC$S6.02)$ $ $ $ $ $ $ 5 ( ( Synod(Council(Functions( "$ "$ "$ "$ "$ "$ "$ "$ "$ "$ "$ Be$the$Board$of$Directors$of$the$synod$and$serve$as$its$interim$legislative$authority$between$meetings$ of$the$Synod$Assembly.$ Exercise$trusteeship$responsibilities$on$behalf$of$the$synod.$ Recommend$program$goals$and$budgets$to$the$regular$meetings$of$the$Synod$Assembly.$ Carry$out$the$resolutions$of$the$Synod$Assembly.$ Provide$for$an$annual$review$of$the$roster$of$ordained$ministers,$lay$rostered$people,$and$of$other$ official$rosters$and$make$a$report$to$the$Synod$Assembly$of$the$actions$in$this$regard. Issue$letters$of$call$to$ordained$ministers,$deaconesses,$diaconal$ministers,$and$associates$in$ministry$ who$are$serving$in$specialized$ministry,$as$authorized$by$Chapter$7$of$the$constitution$and$bylaws$of$ the$ELCA.$ Promote$the$interests$of$the$ELCA.$ Provide$oversight$and$coordinate$the$work$of$the$Boards,$Commissions,$Committees$and$all$other$ synodical$entities.$ Determine$the$time$and$place$for$each$Synod$Assembly$and$oversee$the$agenda$and$program.$ Elect$the$representatives$of$the$synod,$who$are$to$serve,$in$addition$to$the$bishop,$ex5officio,$on$the$ governing$bodies$of$institutions$and$agencies$to$which$this$synod$relates.$ Elect$the$representatives$to$the$Regional$Council.$(RMSC$S10.03.01)$ Special(Assistance(Fund( A$Special$Assistance$Fund$has$been$developed$and$approved$by$the$Synod$Council$to$offer$financial$ assistance$to$voting$members$who$would$otherwise$be$unable$to$attend$the$assembly.$$Through$this$fund$ it$is$the$goal$and$vision$of$this$synod$that$a$more$representative$body$of$believers$be$developed$from$ across$the$synod,$regardless$of$socio5economic$circumstances.$$Members$of$congregations$selected$to$ be$voting$members$to$the$assembly$and$who$would$suffer$loss$of$daily$wages$while$attending$the$ assembly$are$qualified$to$receive$assistance$from$this$fund.$These$should$be$individuals$who$are$non5 salaried,$daily$wage$earners$without$the$benefit$of$paid$vacation$days.$Up$to$approximately$$200$per$ person$is$available.$$The$fund$is$not$necessarily$limited$to$people$of$color$and/or$language$other$than$ English.$The$pastor$of$the$congregation$should$submit$a$request$on$behalf$of$the$member,$whose$name$ may$be$kept$confidential.$$Dollars$will$be$made$payable$to$the$congregation$for$payment$to$the$member.$ The$pastor$must$state$the$employment$of$the$voting$member$and$the$amount$of$wages$that$would$be$lost$ during$the$days$of$the$assembly.$$The$pastor$will$be$asked$to$report$the$use$of$the$funds$to$the$Synod$ Council$using$the$form$that$will$be$provided.$$Any$taxes$will$be$the$responsibility$of$the$recipient.$$For$ further$information,$contact$the$synod$office.$ $ $ $ 6 ! GLOSSARY OF TERMS ELCA TERMS Augsburg(Fortress(•(Augsburg$Fortress$is$a$nonprofit$ corporation$that$provides$pastors,$educators,$worship$ planners$and$members$of$the$ELCA$with$products$and$ services$that$communicate$the$Gospel,$enhance$faith$ and$enrich$the$life$of$the$Christian(community$from$a$ Lutheran$perspective.( Conference(of(Bishops(•(The$65$bishops$of$the$ELCA$ meeting$for$prayer,$deliberation,$and$discernment.$ Church(Council(•(The$governing$board$of$the$ELCA,$ entrusted$with$the$business$of$the$ELCA$between$ triennial$churchwide$assemblies.$ Churchwide(•(Term$referring$to$any$ministry,$process,$or$ emphasis$carried$out$across$the$entire$ELCA.$The$term$ is$also$used$to$refer$to$the$headquarters$of$the$ELCA$in$ Chicago,$Illinois,$which$is$housed$in$the$ELCA$Lutheran$Center$near$O’Hare$airport.$ ELCA(•(Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America$(Denominational$title),$formed$by$the$1988$merger$of$the$ American$Lutheran$Church$(ALC),$the$Lutheran$Church$in$America$(LCA),$and$the$Association$of$ Evangelical$Lutheran$Churches$(AELC).$The$three$expressions$of$this$church$body$are$the$ congregations,$synods,$and$the$churchwide$organization$headquartered$in$Chicago.$The$ELCA$has$ over$4.2$million$members$in$about$10,000$congregations$(2010$figures).$ Full(Communion(•(A$relationship$between$Christian$denominations$in$which$each$fully$accepts$the$ validity$of$the$other’s$ministry$and$sacraments.$ Full(Communion(Partners(•(In$the$ELCA$this$term$refers$to$those$denominations$with$which$we$enjoy$ full5communion$relationships:$Episcopal$Church$USA,$United$Methodist$Church$USA,$Moravian,$ Presbyterian$Church$USA,$Reformed,$and$United$Church$of$Christ.$ Portico(•(Portico,$a$nonprofit$corporation$based$in$Minnesota,$provides$retirement,$health$and$related$ benefits$and$services$to$enhance$the$well5being$of$nearly$50,000$pastors,$rostered$laypersons,$ employees$and$their$families.$The$vision$of$the$Board$of$Pensions$is$for$those$they$serve$to$lead$ healthy$lives$and$achieve$financial$security.$ Presiding(Bishop(•(The$pastor$elected$by$the$churchwide$assembly$to$lead$the$ministry$of$the$entire$ ELCAd$currently$serving$is$Presiding$Bishop$Elizabeth$Eaton.(( Region(2(•(One$of$9$regions$of$the$ELCA$and$includes$5$synods.$$ ( SYNOD TERMS( Bishop(•(The$pastor$elected$by$the$Synod$Assembly$to$lead$a$synod$of$the$ELCAd$currently$serving$the$ RMS$is$Bishop$Jim$Gonia$ Conference(•(A$geographical$grouping$of$congregations$within$the$synod.$Ten$in$the$RMS:$Wyoming,$ Utah,$North$Colorado,$Boulder5Broomfield,$Metro$East,$Metro$West,$Metro$South,$Southeast$Colorado,$ North$New$Mexico,$and$Border.$ DEM(•(Director$for$Evangelical$Mission$who$is$called$by$churchwide$to$serve$in$the$Rocky$Mountain$ Synod$(Pastor$Stephanie$Quick$Espinoza$in$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod)$ Executive(Committee(•(Four$officers$and$four$at5large$members$of$the$Synod$Council.( Office(of(the(Bishop(•(Located$in$Denver,$Colorado,$where$the$bishop$and$staff$facilitate$our$ministry$ together.$The$Office$of$the$Bishop$is$on$the$campus$of$the$RMS(Lutheran(Center$at$7375$Samuel$ Drive,$Denver,$CO$80221.$ RMS(•(Rocky$Mountain$Synod$( Synod(•(In$the$ELCA,$one$of$65$geographical$units$or$expressions$of$the$church.$ Synod(Council(•(The$elected$leaders$of$a$synod,$including$laity$and$clergy,$the$vice$president,$secretary,$ treasurer,$and$bishop.$ Synod(Ministers(•(Persons$serving$in$the$Office$of$the$Bishop$who$serve$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$and$ partner$with$the$bishop$to$make$connections,$provide$leadership,$and$facilitate$our$ministry$together.( 7 ( LEADERSHIP TERMS( AIM(•(An$Associate$In$Ministry$is$a$rostered$lay$person$who$has$ been$theologically$trained$and$commissioned$to$enable$ others$in$their$Christian$lives.$They$serve$in$congregations$ and$other$ministries.$ Candidacy(•(The$process$by$which$those$discerning$a$call$to$ ministry$are$supported$and$guided$through$the$process$of$ Entrance,$Endorsement,$and$Approval$as$they$prepare$for$ ministry$vocations$as$rostered$leaders. Deaconess(•(Women$who$are$seminary$trained$consecrated$ leaders$who$commit$their$lives$to$ministry$of$mercy$and$ servant$leadership.$ Dean(•(A$pastor$chosen$to$lead$one$of$the$Conferences$within$a$ synod.$ DM(•(A$Diaconal$Minister$is$a$rostered$lay$person$who$is$ theologically$trained$and$consecrated$to$serve$a$specialized$ ministry,$lived$out$in$both$church$and$world.$ Interim(•(A$rostered$person$who$is$serving$a$ministry$between$ two$called$persons.$ Intern(•(A$seminary$student$who$is$on$staff$of$a$ministry$in$ training$for$concluding$his$or$her$theological$education.$ Lay(Person(•(A$person$who$is$not$a$member$of$the$clergy.$ Lay(Roster(•(Those$who$serve$the$church$as$Associates$in$ Ministry,$Diaconal$Ministers,$and$Deaconesses$are$members$ of$the$Lay$Roster.$ Mobility(•(The$process$of$matching$the$gifts$of$rostered$leaders$ with$a$new$ministry$opportunity.$ Officers(•(The$officers$of$the$synod$are$the$Bishop,$Vice$ President,$Secretary,$and$Treasurer.$ On(Leave(From(Call$(rostered$clergy,$AIM,$Diaconal$Minister$or$ Deaconess$who$is$currently$without$a$call$to$a$ministry.)$ Roster,(Rostered(•(The$Roster$is$the$official$list$of$all$the$pastors,$ associates$in$ministry,$deaconesses,$and$diaconal$ministers$in$ the$ELCA.$A$leader$who$appears$on$this$list$is$said$to$be$ “rostered.”$ Vision(and(Expectations(•(A$document$that$states$the$conduct$ expected$of$all$rostered$leaders$in$the$ELCA$and$with$which$ rostered$persons$must$comply.( ( The(Rocky(Mountain(Synod(is(comprised( of(63,736(baptized(members((2013(figures)( in(162(congregations.(By(state:( (((((COLORADO( 111( (((((NEW(MEXICO( ((22( (((((TEXAS( ((((5( (((((UTAH(( ((10( (((((WYOMING( ((14( ( RELATED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS Seminary(•(The$theological$educational$institutions$that$trains$clergy,$Diaconal$Ministers$(DM),$and$ Associates$in$Ministry$(AIMs).$There$are$9$Lutheran$Seminaries$in$the$US.$ PLTS(•(Pacific$Lutheran$Theological$Seminary$(Berkeley,$CA)$is$the$Seminary$in$the$territory$of$Region$2$ CLU(•(California$Lutheran$University$is$the$one$ELCA$university$in$Region$2,$one$of$27$ELCA$Colleges$ and$Universities$nationwide.$ $ ASSEMBLY TERMS Memorial(•(A$document$which$is$considered$by$the$voting$members$of$a$Synod$Assembly,$asking$the$ Churchwide$Assembly$to$take$a$position$or$initiate$an$action$related$to$a$specific$issue.(Memorials$are$ adopted,$or$they$fail.$ Plenary(•(A$full$session$of$all$voting$members$in$which$business$is$conducted$and$reports$are$heard.$ Reference(and(Counsel(•(This$committee$reviews$all$resolutions$and$memorials$prior$to$their$ consideration$at$an$assembly.$ Resolution(•(Requests$for$actions,$priorities,$or$positions$are$brought$before$the$assembly$in$the$form$of$ a$resolution.$Resolutions$are$adopted,$or$they$fail.$ Visitor(•(Any$person$who$attends$an$assembly$to$observe,$not$as$a$voting$member.$ Voting(Member(•(At$an$assembly$of$this$church,$an$individual$elected$to$listen,$discern,$and$decide$on$ behalf$of$the$whole$church.$(The$term,$“delegate”$is$not$used$in$relation$to$assemblies.)$ $ $ 8 ! RULES OF PROCEDURE 1.$ To$the$extent$consistent$with$these$rules$of$procedure,$Robert's(Rules(of(Order$latest$edition$ shall$govern.$ 2.$ The$voting$members$of$the$assembly$shall$include:$ $ $ A.$ B.$ A$minimum$of$one$lay$member$elected$by$each$congregation$with$fewer$than$175$ baptized$members$and$a$minimum$of$two$lay$members$elected$by$each$congregation$ with$175$or$more$baptized$members,$normally$one$of$whom$shall$be$male$and$one$of$ whom$shall$be$female.$ In$addition,$based$upon$baptized$membership$records$for$the$previous$year$ $ (1)$ (2)$ Congregations$having$membership$of$650$to$1,199$baptized$members$shall$be$ allowed$one$additional$lay$voting$member$(male$or$female).$ Congregations$having$membership$of$1,200$or$more$baptized$members$shall$be$ allowed$two$additional$lay$voting$members$(one$male$and$one$female).$ $ C.$ D.$ E.$ F.$ $ $G.$ $ $ H.$ I.$ J.$ 3.$ In$the$selection$of$voting$members,$congregations$are$urged$to$be$aware$of$the$matter$of$ inclusiveness$of$persons$of$color$and/or$persons$whose$primary$language$is$other$than$ English.$ All$ordained$ministers$under$call$or$on$leave$from$call$on$the$roster$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$ Synod.$ All$ordained$ministers$from$church$bodies$with$which$a$relationship$of$full$communion$has$ been$declared$and$established...shall$have$voice$and$vote$during$the$period$of$the$ ordained$ministers’$service$in$a$congregation$of$this$synod.$ Ten$percent$of$the$retired$clergy$on$the$roster$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$as$well$as$ ten$percent$of$the$retired$lay$rostered$leaders.$ All$retired$ordained$ministers$on$the$roster$of$this$synod$who$are$currently$serving$as$ interim$pastors$and$all$ordained$ministers$on$leave$from$call$on$the$roster$of$this$synod$ who$are$currently$serving$as$interim$pastors$and$who$are$in$attendance$at$the$assembly.$ All$associates$in$ministry,$deaconesses$of$the$ELCA,$and$diaconal$ministers,$under$call$or$ on$leave$from$call,$of$the$official$lay$rosters$of$this$synod$shall$be$voting$members.$ The$lay$officers$of$the$synod$and$the$lay$members$of$the$Synod$Council$shall$be$voting$ members.$ Retired$rostered$leaders$on$the$roster$of$this$synod$other$than$those$selected$to$ represent$the$ten$percent$representation$(see$F$above),$shall$have$the$privilege$of$voice$ but$not$vote$at$all$meetings$of$the$Synod$Assembly.$$The$Bishop$of$the$Evangelical$ Lutheran$Church$in$America$and$such$other$official$representatives$of$this$church$as$may$ be$designated$by$the$Church$Council$shall$also$have$voice$but$not$vote$in$meetings$of$the$ Synod$Assembly.$$Ordained$clergy$on$other$denominational$rosters$serving$in$shared$ ELCA$ministries$in$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$shall$have$voice$but$not$vote$in$meetings$ of$the$Synod$Assembly.$$Like$privileges$shall$be$accorded$to$those$additional$persons$ whom$the$Synod$Assembly$shall$from$time$to$time$designate.$ $ The$Privilege$of$the$Floor$ $ A.$ B.$ C.$ The$Presiding$Bishop$of$the$Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America$and$such$other$official$ representatives$of$this$church$as$may$be$designated$by$the$Church$Council$shall$also$have$voice$ but$not$vote$in$meetings$of$the$Synod$Assembly.$ Ordained$clergy$on$other$denominational$rosters$serving$in$shared$ELCA$ministries$in$the$Rocky$ Mountain$Synod$shall$have$voice$but$not$vote$in$meetings$of$the$Synod$Assembly.$ Like$privileges$shall$be$accorded$to$those$additional$persons$whom$the$Synod$Assembly$shall$from$ time$to$time$designate.$Like$privileges$shall$be$accorded$to$persons$in$connection$with$their$reports,$ such$as$chairpersons$of$synodical$committees,$representatives$of$the$institutions$and$agencies$ related$to$or$officially$recognized$by$this$synod$and$the$president$of$the$Synodical$Women’s$ Organization$of$the$ELCA.$ $ $ $ $ $ 9 $ 4.$ 5.$ 6.$ The$Chairperson$of$the$Synod$Assembly$shall$be$the$Bishop$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod.$ The$Secretary$of$the$Synod$Assembly$shall$be$the$secretary$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$ The$bishop,$in$consultation$with$the$Synod$Council,$shall$appoint$a$Committee$on$Reference$and$ Counsel$to$review$all$proposed$changes$or$additions$to$the$Constitution$and$bylaws$and$other$items$ submitted$which$are$not$germane$to$items$contained$in$the$stated$agenda$of$the$Synod$Assembly$ 7.$ Other$committees$to$serve$the$Synod$Assembly$shall$be$appointed$by$the$bishop$ 8.$ With$the$consent$of$the$Assembly,$the$chairperson$shall$have$the$authority$to$call$items$of$business$ before$the$Assembly$in$whatever$order$he$or$she$considers$most$expedient$for$the$conduct$of$the$ Assembly’s$business$ 9.$ In$the$elections$to$be$held$at$this$Assembly,$a$majority$of$votes$cast$shall$be$necessary$for$election$ 10.$ Candidates$nominated$from$the$floor$may$complete$the$standard$Application$for$Nomination$form.$A$ biography$abstracted$from$the$Application$can$be$distributed.$No$other$documents$from$the$ candidates$will$be$permitted$to$be$distributed$ 11.$ Any$proposal$to$appropriate$funds,$whether$by$amendment$to$the$budget$or$otherwise,$which$is$ presented$to$a$meeting$of$the$Synod$Assembly$without$the$approval$of$the$Synod$Council,$shall$ require$a$two5thirds$vote$of$the$assembly$for$adoption.$(RMSC$S7.32.14)$ 12.$ Speeches$during$debate$on$any$items$before$this$assembly$shall$be$limited$to$three$minutes.$ $ $ $ ! GUIDELINES FOR THE CONDUCT OF BUSINESS$$ $ The$assembly$is$meant$to$be$a$meaningful$experience$for$all.$$Everyone$should$feel$free$to$participate.$$ Good$order$at$an$assembly$is$not$intended$to$restrict$participation$but$to$protect$the$rights$of$each$voting$ member.$$The$following$guidelines$(from$Robert's$Rules$of$Order,$Newly$Revised)$are$to$help$in$ understanding$the$business$proceedings.$$The$Bishop$hopes$they$will$be$of$assistance$in$enabling$you$to$ participate$in$the$necessary$business.$ $ Obtaining(the(Floor$5$Prior$to$a$voting$member$speaking$in$the$assembly,$whether$to$make$a$ motion$or$to$engage$in$debate,$it$is$necessary$to$obtain$the$floor.$$When$no$one$else$"has$the$floor,"$the$ voting$member$may$address$the$chairperson$saying,$"Bishop$Gonia."$$If$recognized$by$the$chair,$the$ voting$member$is$then$entitled$to$speak,$first$stating$his/her$name$and$congregation.$ $ Making(a(Motion$5$When$presenting$a$motion$to$the$assembly,$a$copy$must$be$written$out$and$ given$to$the$secretary.$ $ Amendments(to(Motions$5$When$a$motion$brought$before$an$assembly$does$not$meet$with$ ready$acceptance$by$all$the$voting$members,$and$if$it$can$be$made$more$suitable$or$acceptable$in$an$ altered$form,$a$proposal$to$modify$the$wording$can$be$introduced$by$making$a$motion$to$amend.$ $ "Previous(Question"$5$To$move$the$"previous$question"$is$to$bring$the$assembly$to$an$immediate$ decision$as$to$whether$debate$on$a$motion$should$cease.$$It$is$not$debatable.$$If$adopted,$the$assembly$ proceeds,$without$further$debate,$to$vote$at$once$on$the$pending$question(s).$$A$two5thirds$vote$is$ required$to$close$debate.$ $ ! IN CASE OF EMERGENCY$ During$plenary,$go$to$a$microphone$and$announce$the$emergency,$as$those$in$attendance$most$always$ include$persons$with$medical$training.$$ $ $ $ To(contact(the(synod(staff(during(the(assembly,(please( use(one(of(the(following(cell(phone(numbers:( ((((((Janice((303W803W5012( ((((((Cheryl((303W949W3450( 10 ! HOSPITALITY Childcare$is$available$during$the$3$plenary$sessions$as$well$as$worship$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ (An(information(table$will$be$open$through$Saturday$afternoon.$$Questions$regarding$schedules,$break5 out$rooms,$and$excursion$transportation$can$be$directed$there.$$A$bulletin$board$for$announcements$and$ prayer$requests$will$also$be$at$the$information$table $ ! ASSEMBLY CHAPLAINS Friday:$$Rev.$Jeffery$Louden$ Saturday$and$Sunday:$$Rev.$$John$Sandstrom$ The$chapel$is$located$in$the$Sundance$Room$ $ ! SPECIFICS FOR 2015$ Known$items$of$business$for$this$assembly$are$listed$below.$$Other$items$may$yet$arise$from$Executive$ Committee$recommendation,$Synod$Council$recommendation,$or$from$the$Committee$on$Reference$and$ Counsel.$ $ 1.( Elections:(An(election(will(take(place(for(the(position(of(Secretary,(voting(members(to(Churchwide( Assembly,(and(various(boards(and(committees.( ( 2.( Adoption(of(the(Budget(for(2015(and(2016((Time(is(set(aside(for(the(consideration(and(discussion(of( the(budget(prior(to(the(time(set(for(adoption.(The(budget(shows(the(interdependence(that(exists( between(congregations,(the(synod(and(churchwide(agencies.( ( $ $ 3.( Resolutions:((Resolutions(received(after(the(deadline(will(be(reviewed(by(the(Reference(and(Counsel( Committee(and(presented(to(the(assembly(for(consideration.( ( 4.( Other(business(matters(pertaining(to(items(brought(before(the(assemblyh(motions(germane(to(the( specific(issue(under(discussion(are(made(and(acted(upon.( ( 5.$ Business(not(related(to(the(agenda(can(come(to(the(assembly(through(the(Committee(on(Reference( and( Counsel,( RMSC( S7.32.11( states:( A( Reference( and( Counsel( Committee( .( .( .( shall( review( all( proposed(changes(or(additions(to(the(constitution(and(bylaws(and(other(items(submitted(which(are( not(germane(to(items(contained(in(the(stated(agenda(of(the(Synod(Assembly.$ 11 ! SYNOD OFFICERS & SYNOD COUNCIL ( Synod(Officers( $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ $$$$Jim$Gonia$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Earline$Bohling$$$$$Jody$Brammer5Hoelter$$$$$$$$$$Dennis$Reynolds$$$$ $$$$Bishop$and$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Vice$President$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Secretary$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Treasurer$ Presiding$Officer$ ( Synod(Council( The$Rev.$Kathleen$Armstrong$ The$Rev.$Martha$Atkins$ Diana$Biggs$ The$Rev.$Ronald$Bock$ Terry$Cole$ The$Rev.$Larry$Davis$ Debra$Elstad$ Jerry$Ethridge$ $ $ ! $ The$Rev.$Kaila$Hochhalter$ Joan$Jacobson$ Susan$Mitchell$ The$Rev.$Zachary$Parris$ Betty$Pepin$ The$Rev.$Dana$Peterson$ Hannah$Purkey$(Youth$Rep PEOPLE Reference(and(Counsel(Committee$ $ The$Rev.$Steve$Leiser,$chair$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$Ruth$Hoffman,$Lutheran$Advocacy$Ministry5$NM$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$Peter$Severson,$Lutheran$Advocacy$Ministry5CO$ $$$ Ms.$Joan$Jacobson,$Synod$Council$ $$ The$Rev.$Joshua$Bruns$ Parliamentarian$ $ Kirby$Glad,$PRP$ $ Board(and(Committee(Team(Leaders$ Campus$Ministry$Committee$–$The$Rev.$Bruce$Kuenzel$ Candidacy$Committee$–$The$Rev$Ann$Hultquist$ Congregation$and$Leadership$Health$–$$Bishop$Jim$Gonia$ Congregational$Ministries$Board$–$Rich$Nelson$ First$Third$of$Life$Team$–$Andy$Sprain$ Global$Missions$Synod$Coordinator5$The$Rev.$Alena$Lamirato$ Companion$Synods$Coordinator$–$The$Rev.$Brad$Doty$ Hunger$Network$–$Carol$McDivitt$ Lutheran$Advocacy$Ministry$–$Susan$Bolduc$(CO)$and$The$Rev.$Chuck$Exley$(NM)$ Lutheran$Men$in$Mission$–$Jim$Monkman$ Youth$Discipleship$Team$(YDT)$–$The$Rev.$Paul$Judson$ Mission$Strategy$|$Mission$Imagination$|$Mission$Generosity$–$The$Rev.$Stephanie$Quick$Espinoza$ Women$of$the$ELCA$–$Carol$McGill$ 12 ASSISTANTS TO THE BISHOP Bishop Jim Gonia [email protected] STAFF OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD OFFICE OF THE BISHOP Pastor Sarah Moening [email protected] "$ "$ "$ Transitions (call process, interim ministry) Faith Formation Healthy Congregations PUBLIC MINISTRIES Ruth Hoffman [email protected] Director -- Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM (funded in part by ELCA) ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF "$ "$ "$ "$ Peter Severson [email protected] Director -- Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO (funded in part by ELCA) Cheryl Almquist [email protected] Pastor Kent Mueller (4/5 time) [email protected] "$ "$ Administration & Technology Transitions (call process, interim ministry) Lutheran Center Facilities Events "$ "$ "$ "$ "$ "$ "$ Janice Ladd-Horkey [email protected] Pastor Ron Roschke [email protected] "$ Finances Staff Support Maria Sutton (half-time) [email protected] "$ "$ "$ "$ "$ Candidacy & First Call Theological Education (new leaders) Shared Ministries (agencies, educational partners, disaster relief) Campus Ministry Global Mission Call Process Candidacy Roster Records Administration Staff Support Email & Web Communications Event Support Hospitality Receptionist Erin Power, DM (half-time) Synod Minister for Hospitality & Mission [email protected] "$ "$ "$ "$ Event Arrangements (Assembly, Theological Conference, Youth Gatherings) Prayer Life Hospitality Outreach Mission Interpretation ELCA REGION 2 STAFF: Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza Director for Evangelical Mission [email protected] (funded by ELCA) "$ "$ "$ Margy Schmitt Ajer [email protected] (funded by the ELCA) New and Renewing Congregations Stewardship Ethnic Ministries ELCA Region 2 Coordinator ( 13 New(to(the(Rocky(Mountain(Synod(since(last(Assembly( $ Carmen$Miranda,$Albuquerque,$NM$ Kristi$Koppel$–$Our$Savior,$Alamogordo,$NM$ Jorge$Luis$Espinoza$Pérez5$Jesús$de$Nazaret,$Aurora,$CO$ Russell$Britton$–$Bethany,$Cherry$Hills$Village,$CO$ Jared$Carson$–$Peace,$Las$Cruces,$NM$ Laura$Carson$–$Peace,$Las$Cruces,$NM$ Paul$Rosin$–$All$Saints,$Austin,$CO$ Matthew$Barnhouse$–$Mount$Hope,$El$Paso,$TX$ Tim$Drom$–$Augustana,$Denver,$CO$ Sonja$Sandquist$5$Holy$Trinity,$Littleton,$CO$ Emily$Ewing$–$Christ$the$King,$South$Jordan,$UT$ Rachel$Larson$5$Trinity,$Laramie,$WY$ Paul$Svingen$–$Bethany,$Cherry$Hills$Village,$CO$ LaVonne$Johnson5Holt$–$St.$Mark,$Roswell,$NM$ Christopher$Heller$–$Messiah,$Albuquerque,$NM$ Gordon$Sandquist$–$Lutheran$Church$of$the$Holy$Spirit,$Centennial,$CO$ Shauna$Hannan$–$Professor$PLTS,$Berkeley,$CA$ Erin$Power$–$Office$of$the$Bishop$ Dave$Barber$–$Bethel,$Windsor,$CO$ R.$Adam$Berndt$–$Cross$of$Hope,$Albuquerque,$NM$ $ $ Congregation(Anniversaries( $ 1965$ 50$ Christ$the$Savior$Lutheran$Church$ $ Aurora,$CO$$ 1965$ 50$ Our$Saviour$Lutheran$Church$ $ $ Fort$Collins,$CO$$ 1965$ 50$ Atonement$Lutheran$Church$ $ $ Lakewood,$CO$$ 1965$ 50$ Faith$Lutheran$Church$ $ $ $ Eaton,$CO$ 1965$ 50$ Ascension$Lutheran$Church$ $ $ Cheyenne,$WY$$ 1990$ 25$ Community$of$Joy$Lutheran$Church$ $ Rio$Rancho,$NM$$ 1990$ 25$ Trinity$Lutheran$Church$$ $ $ Monument,$CO$ $ ( Deceased(Rostered(Leaders(since(the(last(Assembly( $ The$Rev.$Max$Diemer$8/29/2014$ The$Rev.$John$“Jack”$Schmidt$11/4/2014$ The$Rev.$Stephen$Ingram$11/5/2014$ The$Rev.$Walter$Schultheiss$1/5/2015$ The$Rev.$Arthur$Becker$1/23/2015$ The$Rev.$Anne$Marie$Maldoon$3/4/2015$ The$Rev.$Donald$Simonton$3/17/2015$ The$Rev.$James$Drury$4/7/2015$ $ $ Holy(Closure(of(a(Congregation( $ Lutheran$Church$of$the$Resurrection,$Holy$Closure$2/15/2015$ $ $ $ $ ( ( ( ( ( ( ( 14 Rostered(Leader(Anniversaries( $ 25$ The$Rev.$ Sandra$ Hanawalt$ $ The$Rev.$ Ann$ Hultquist$ $ The$Rev.$ Milton$ Jensen$ $ The$Rev.$ Tyg$ Taylor$ $ The$Rev.$ Paul$ Ziegler$ 30$ Mr.$ Mark$ Filbert$ $ Ms.$ Joyce$ Higgs5Spruth$ $ Ms.$ Beverly$ Johnson$ $ The$Rev.$ Scott$ Beebe$ $ The$Rev.$ Brian$ Bergum$ $ The$Rev.$ Ronald$ Bockhaus$ $ The$Rev.$ David$ Brock$ $ The$Rev.$ Michael$ Lemke$ $ The$Rev.$ Anne$ Morawski$ $ The$Rev.$ Robert$ Moss$ $ The$Rev.$ Philip$ Wangberg$ $ The$Rev.$ Carol$ West$ 35$ The$Rev.$ Paul$ Anderson$ $ The$Rev.$ Bonita$ Bock$ $ The$Rev.$ Nelson$ Bock$ $ The$Rev.$ Jack$ Damien$ $ The$Rev.$ Nathan$ Doerr$ $ The$Rev.$ Barbara$ Linder$ $ The$Rev.$ Richard$ Mayfield$ $ The$Rev.$ Mark$ Twietmeyer$ 40$ The$Rev.$ Bob$ McNamara$ $ The$Rev.$ John$ Pederson$ $ The$Rev.$ Paul$ Svingen$ $ The$Rev.$ Donald$ Thurn$ $ The$Rev.$ Tink$ Tinker$ 45$ The$Rev.$ Paul$ Dirks$ $ The$Rev.$ Don$ Fahrenbrink$ $ The$Rev.$ Duane$ Ferchen$ $ The$Rev.$ Ervin$ Hesterberg$ $ The$Rev.$ Thomas$ Lange$ $ The$Rev.$ Keith$ Long$ $ The$Rev.$ Larry$ Sydow$ 50$ The$Rev.$ Ronald$ Beckman$ $ The$Rev.$ Bruce$ Bergquist$ $ The$Rev.$ Bill$ Bruggeman$ $ The$Rev.$ Robert$ Butler$ $ The$Rev.$ Jim$ Engel$ $ The$Rev.$ Paul$ Gilbertson$ $ The$Rev.$ Hal$ Nilsson$ $ The$Rev.$ Jay$ Spoonheim$ $ The$Rev.$ Robert$ Tyce$ $ The$Rev.$ James$ Wiberg$ 55$ The$Rev.$ Bill$ Behrens$ $ The$Rev.$ Ben$ Elger$ $ The$Rev.$ William$ Hershey$ $ The$Rev.$ Russell$ Lee$ $ The$Rev.$ Ben$ McCracken$ $ The$Rev.$ Paul$ Schairer$ $ The$Rev.$ Edwin$ Swenson$ 7/15/90$ 1/13/90$ 11/10/90$ 12/26/90$ 1/1/90$ 5/14/85$ 11/1/85$ 4/5/85$ 6/16/85$ 9/28/85$ 12/9/85$ 9/22/85$ 2/17/85$ 2/23/85$ 9/23/85$ 8/18/85$ 6/30/85$ 6/8/80$ 10/26/80$ 10/26/80$ 11/9/80$ 6/29/80$ 7/27/80$ 1/20/80$ 7/27/80$ 7/13/75$ 10/12/75$ 7/27/75$ 6/29/75$ 5/15/75$ 8/9/70$ 6/7/70$ 6/14/70$ 2/8/70$ 9/13/70$ 7/19/70$ 5/31/70$ 6/13/65$ 6/20/65$ 6/10/65$ 6/9/65$ 6/20/65$ 6/27/65$ 6/9/65$ 6/27/65$ 6/5/65$ 6/20/65$ 7/10/60$ 1/1/60$ 6/15/60$ 6/5/60$ 9/18/60$ 9/21/60$ 6/10/60$ 15 $ 60$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 65$ $ 70$ 75$ $ $ $ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ The$Rev.$ Robert$ Ben$ Charles$ Fred$ Dwight$ Victor$ Lloyd$ Sigurd$ William$ Obed$ John$ Ray$ Arthur$ Clarence$ Vogel$ Bartell$ Carlson$ Castor$ Ellefson$ Hoops$ Lorensen$ Nelson$ Puder$ Sunde$ Hoeger$ Tiemeyer$ Becker$ Leslie$ 8/28/60$ 6/19/55$ 5/15/55$ 1/1/55$ 5/29/55$ 7/24/55$ 7/6/55$ 6/19/55$ 9/4/55$ 6/19/55$ 6/25/50$ 4/25/50$ 2/4/45$ 6/9/40$ $ 16 ! RESOLUTIONS & MEMORIALS ( ( #1(RESOLUTION( Addressing(Mental(Health(and(Wellness( Whereas(the$ELCA$social$Statement$Caring'for'our'Health:'Our'Shared'Endeavor$reminds$us$that$ responding$$to$those$who$were$sick$was$integral$to$the$life$and$ministry$of$Jesus$and$has$been$a$central$ aspect$of$the$Church's$mission$throughout$$its$history,$and$ Whereas,$one$in$five$people$in$the$US$experiences$a$serious,$diagnosable$mental$illness$in$the$course$of$ any$given$year*$and$this$incidence$of$mental$illness$crosses$all$demographic$lines$such$as$gender,$race,$ religion,$age,$socio5economic$status$as$well$as$rostered$status,$and$ Whereas$many$people$in$our$congregations$are$personally$affected$by$mental$illness—their$own,$a$family$ member's$or$close$friend's,$and$ Whereas$the$stigma$of$mental$illness$causes$many$of$us$to$suffer$alone,$unable$or$afraid$to$ask$for$the$ help$and$understanding$we$need$from$our$fellow$Christians,$$ Therefore,(Be(It(Resolved:$that$the$Rocky$Mountain$$Synod$here$gathered$in$assembly$expresses$its$ love$and$concern$for$all$people$struggling$with$mental$health$conditions,$and$urges$its$rostered$leaders$ and$congregations$to$commit$to$identifying$and$utilizing$educational$materials$and$programs$which$will$ equip$them$to$respond$compassionately$and$effectively$$to$the$needs$of$those$experiencing$mental$health$ challenges,$and$ Be(it(Further(Resolved,$that$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$Council,$in$consultation$with$the$Office$of$the$ Bishop$appoint$a$task$force$of$lay$and$clergy$to$assist$in$identifying$and$recommending$resources$to$ address$mental$health$and$wellness$in$our$congregations$and$communitiesd$ *1$NAMI$(National$Alliance$on$Mental$Illness)$$http://www.nami.org$ Implications$of$Resolution$(if$adopted):$ 1.$ What$is$the$financial$impact$of$this$resolution$on$the$synod$budget?$If$expenditures$are$required,$ what$are$the$sources$of$income$anticipated$to$accomplish$the$purpose$of$the$resolution?$$This( resolution(will(require(allocation(of(staff(time(from(the(Office(of(the(Bishop(for(facilitating(( the(formation(and(convening((of(the(task(force.(As(is(currently(being(done(with(other(task( forces(such(as(the(Earth(Stewards(task(force,(meetings(can(be(convened(inexpensively(via( computer/internet(technology.((Since(most(printed(resources(are(a/so(available(online,( costs(of(obtaining(them(are(negligible.( ( 2.$ What$are$the$personnel$implications$within$our$synod$(or$churchwide)?$Who$will$be$responsible$$ for$implementation$of$the$resolution?$Will(require(the(staff(person(responsible(for(Healthy( Congregations(to(convene/work(with(Mental(Health(and(Wellness(Task(Force.(Task(Force( will(be(responsible((for(implementation(with(staff(assistance.((It(is(not(anticipated(that(this( responsibility(would(demand(more(than(two(or(three(hours(per(month(of(staff(time,(nor( that(the(task(force's(charge(should(take(more(than(one(year(to(complete.(Given(these( parameters,(we(estimate(cost(of(staff(time(to(be(around($1500.( ( 3.$ How$does$this$resolution$enhance$and$forward$the$mission$of$the$church$and$our$synod?$$ Reinforces((our(theological((understanding(of(all(people(as(beloved(children(of(God( needing(understanding,((compassion(and(accompanimenth(will(equip(leaders(and( congregations(better(to(minister(with(people(who(have(mental(health(conditions(both( within(and(without(our(congregationsh(will(help(members(with(mental(health(conditions((to( believe(and(experience((themselves(to(be(accepted,(included,((and(valued(as(members(and( participants(in(our(churchh(will(help(to(address(stigma,(which(is(the(single(greatest(barrier( to(wellness(for(people(with(mental(health(conditions.( 17 $$ $ Submitted(by(the(Rev.(Nelson(Bock( Our$Savior's$Community$Organizing$Ministry$ Representing$Our$Savior's,$Denver$ CoWsigners( Frank$Tapy$$ $ Jane$Fillmore$ $$ Jan$Tapy$ James$Bertelsen$ Deborah$Wangering$ Rev.$Barbara$Lemke$ Rev.$John$Petty$$ Rev.$Kevin$Maly$$ Rev.$Ted$Fritsche!$$ Rev.$Bonita$Bock$ Rev.$Dena$Williams$ Rev.$Emily$Cardin$ Rev.$Julie$Brooks$ Rev.$Kaitlyn$Trussel$ Rev.$Kari$Reiquam$ Rev.$Laurie$Jeddeloh$ Rev.$Nathan$Doerr$ Rev.$Penni$Walsh$ Terri$McMaster,$AIM$ Rev.$Tina$Yankee$ Travis$Johnson5Esparza$ Rev.$Paul$Carlson$ $ $ 18 $ $ #2(RESOLUTION( Making(US(Aid(to(State(of(Israel(Contingent(on(Halt(to(Settlement(Construction( ( WHEREAS$the$Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America$(ELCA)$in$assembly$in$2005$adopted$ “Churchwide$Strategy$for$Engagement$in$Israel$and$Palestine,”$to$build$“a$movement$that$will$strengthen$ 1 the$resolve$of$political$leaders$to$find$a$peaceful$and$just$solution$in$the$Holy$Land”$(I.A) ,$by$way$of$a$ “cessation$of$all$settlement$activitiesd”$(II.B.1.b)$and$$ $ WHEREAS$the$United$Nations$has$determined$that$Israeli$settlements$are$illegal$under$international$law$ because$they$violate$Article$49$of$the$Fourth$Geneva$Convention,$which$prohibits$the$transfer$of$the$ 2 occupying$power’s$civilian$population$into$occupied$territoryd $and$$ $ WHEREAS$peace$groups$in$Israel$and$the$U.S.—such$as$the$Israeli$Committee$Against$House$ Demolitions,$B’Tselem$Israeli$Information$Center$for$Human$Righyts,$Jewish$Voice$for$Peace$and$Peace$ 3 Now—assert$that$settlement$construction$is$an$obstacle$to$peace d$and$$ $ WHEREAS$Israel$continues$to$build$more$settlements$on$Palestinian$land,$with$Israeli$Housing$Minister$ Uri$Ariel$estimating$more$than$700,000$settlers$in$the$West$Bank$in$March,$2015$(Jerusalem$Post,$March$ 4 5 3,$2015, $),$living$in$more$than$125$Israeli5approved$settlements$and$additional$100$“settlement$outposts” $ therefore$be$it$ $$$$$ (RESOLVED$that$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$of$the$Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America,$meeting$in$ Assembly,$urges$the$Congress$of$the$United$States$to$make$future$U.S.$aid$to$Israel$contingent$on$Israel’s$ halt$to$all$settlement5building$in$the$West$Bank$(including$East$Jerusalem)d$and$be$it$further$ $ (RESOLVED$that$members$of$our$synod’s$congregations,$be$encouraged$to$contact$their$Congressional$ Representatives$and$Senators,$asking$them$to$apply$this$condition$to$future$U.S.$aid$to$Israel.$The$Peace$ Not$Walls$working$group$in$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$will$provide$information$and$resources$for$this$ advocacy$on$the$synod$website:$www.rmselca.org/world/peace_not_walls.$$ $ Submitted$by:$Jan$Miller$(Representing$Peace$Not$Walls,$Rocky$Mountain$Synod)$ Implications of Resolution (if adopted): Signers:$ Kaitlyn$Baldrige,$515545158165$ What is the financial impact of this resolution on the synod Pastor$Bonita$Bock,$303586051467$ budget? If expenditures are required, what are the sources of Pastor$Ted$Fritschel,$303597453504$ income anticipated to accomplish the purpose of the resolution? Frank$Gunn,$303$74358822$ None Barbara$Hanst,$303544351397$ Melanie$Ferraro,$303568157430$ What are the personnel implications within our synod (or Jan$Miller,$303539952845$ churchwide)? Who will be responsible for implementation of the Ann$Rutkofsky$303598856019$ resolution? No personnel implications - Members of Dorothy$Stenman,$303586155839$ congregations, Peace Not Walls working group will provide Doug$Wheeler,$303547756284$ resources and information for implementation. Jo$Ann$Wacker5Farrand,$303575852309$$ Natalie$Walter,$303592158067$ How does this resolution enhance and forward the mission of the church and our synod? Our resolution places the Rocky Mountain Synod in solidarity with Palestinian Lutherans who seek an end to suffering under Israel’s occupation and and end to settlement construction on their lands. 1 Churchwide Stragegy for Engagement in Israel and Palestine: http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/PNW_Strategy.pdf 2 "Fourth"Geneva"Convention,"Article"49:"https://www.icrc.org/ihl/WebART/380D600056"" "B’Tselem,"The"Israeli"Information"Center"for"Human"Rights:" http://www.btselem.org/topic/settlements"" 3 4 Jerusalem Post, March 3, 2015: http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Housing-minister-sees-50-percentmore-settlers-in-West-Bank-by-2019-352501 5 "B’Tselem:"http://www.btselem.org/settlements/statistics"" 21 #3(MEMORIAL( Designating(Lay(Rostered(Voting(Members(for(Churchwide(Assemblies( ( ( Whereas,(the$Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America$(ELCA)$maintains$rosters$of$ ordained$ministers,$and$three$lay$rosters:$$commissioned$associates$in$ministry,$ consecrated$diaconal$ministers$and$consecrated$deaconessesd$and$ Whereas(at$least$60%$of$the$voting$members$of$churchwide$assemblies$shall$be$ composed$of$laypersons,$with$the$remaining$voting$members$being$ordained$ ministersd$and$ Whereas,$persons$on$one$of$the$three$lay$rosters$who$serve$as$voting$members$at$ churchwide$assemblies$are$counted$in$the$ratio$of$lay$voting$members$of$said$ assembliesd$and$ Whereas$the$number$of$(non5rostered)$lay$voting$members$is$reduced$when$members$ of$the$lay$rosters$fill$those$voting$seats,$reducing$representation$from$the$majority$voice$ of$our$church$(non5rostered$members)d$and$ Whereas,$the$perspective$of$the$lay$rostered$leader,$whose$combination$of$theological$ education$and$call$to$diakonia,$serving$on$the$boundaries$between$Church$and$World,$is$ a$unique$voice$in$conversations$regarding$our$Churchd$and$ Whereas,$both$ordained$and$lay$rostered$voting$members$at$assemblies$are$serving$ congregations,$agencies$and$organizations$related$to$the$ELCA$and$bring$that$ perspectived$$ Therefore,(Be(It(Resolved,$that$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$memorialize$the$2016$ ELCA$Churchwide$Assembly$to$amend$ELCA$governing$documents$to$designate$voting$ members$at$synod$and$churchwide$assemblies$be$made$up$of$at$least$60%$non5 rostered$lay$voting$members,$with$the$remaining$voting$members$be$rostered$leaders$ drawn$from$all$four$ministry$rosters$of$the$ELCA,$reflective$of$the$current$ratio$of$ ordained,$consecrated,$and$commissioned$leaders$of$that$synod.$$$ $ ( ( $ $ $ $ ( ( ( ( ( ( ( 19 Implications(of(Resolution((if(adopted):( 1.( What$is$the$financial$impact$of$this$resolution$on$the$synod$budget?$If$expenditures$are$required,$ what$are$the$sources$of$income$anticipated$to$accomplish$the$purpose$of$the$resolution?$$$$$There' is'no'foreseeable'financial'impact.'( ( 2.( What$are$the$personnel$implications$within$our$synod$(or$churchwide)?$Who$will$be$responsible$ for$implementation$of$the$resolution?$$$$$Implementation'of'this'would'require'changing'current' ELCA'governing'documents,'which'would'be'the'task'of'the'Office'of'the'Secretary'and'Church' Council,'with'a'vote'needed'at'Churchwide'assembly.''At'the'Synod'level,'it'would'be'the' responsibility'of'Synod'Council'and/or'Synod'staff'to'calculate'and'promote'the'correct' designations'of'the'voting'member'slots.( ( ( 3.( How$does$this$resolution$enhance$and$forward$the$mission$of$the$church$and$our$synod?$$$$This' resolution'reflects'the'Rocky'Mountain'Synod’s'commitment'to'empowering'and'equipping'lay' leaders'as'equal'and'necessary'voices'in'making'decisions'and'implementing'our'mission'of' being'Christ'in'the'world.''This'resolution'seeks'to'honor'all'those'called'to'formal'service'to'the' Church'as'equal'partners'in'ministry'for'the'sake'of'the'Gospel,'and'seeks'to'forward'the'mission' of'the'Church'by'raising'up'those'called'to'Diakonia'as'a'critical'to'how'we'do'ministry'in'new'and' st creative'ways'the'21 'century.'( $ $ Submitted(by(Erin$Power,$Diaconal$Minister$ $ $ $ $ $ $ co5signers:$ Ro$Fesser,$Diaconal$Minister$ Cynthia$Biddlecomb,$Associate$in$Ministry$ Jan$Krakow,$Associate$in$Ministry$ Laura$Carson,$Associate$in$Ministry$ Virginia$Postle,$Associate$in$Ministry$ Dorothy$Stenman,$Associate$in$Ministry$ Judy$Lounsberry,$Associate$in$Ministry$ Joan$Kuehn,$Associate$in$Ministry$ $ $ 20 #4(RESOLUTION( Called(to(Set(the(Captives(Free:(A(Call(to(Increased(Awareness(and(Action(to( Confront(the(Practice(of(Human(Trafficking( $ Whereas,$trafficking$in$persons$for$coerced$sex$and$labor$is$a$global,$widespread,$and$illegal$practice$ which$violates$basic$human$rights,$including$the$United$Nations$Declaration$of$Universal$Human$Rightsd$ (1)$ $ Whereas$the$prophets$cried$out$against$the$exploitation$of$the$poor$and$of$laborers$who$are$not$treated$ fairly$and$compensated$justly$(Job$24:1512)$and$Jesus$in$Luke$4:18$claimed$his$mission$from$Isaiah$61$to$ 'to$bring$good$news$to$the$poor,$to$proclaim$release$to$the$captives$and$recovery$of$sight$to$the$blind,$to$ let$the$oppressed$go$free.'$ $ Whereas$an$estimated$14518,000$persons$are$trafficked$each$year$into$the$United$States$(2)$in$addition$ to$the$estimated$more$than$100,000$child$and$adult$victims$who$come$from$within$the$U.S.$(3),$often$in$the$ communities$where$we$live,$work,$and$worship,$and$there$are$an$estimated$27$million$adults$and$13$ million$children$around$the$world$who$are$victims$of$human$trafficking,$$(4)$ $ Therefore,(Be(It(Resolved:$that$the$Synod$Assembly$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$encourage$its$ members,$congregations,$and$various$expressions$of$the$church$to$create$awareness$and$engage$in$ education$about$the$issues$of$trafficking$in$persons$and$advocacy$efforts$to$end$this$criminal$and$abusive$ practice,$ $ Be(it(Further(Resolved,$that$the$congregations$and$organizations$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$be$ encouraged$to$Identify$and$support$systems$and$organizations$that$are$providing$avenues$of$escape,$ recovery,$and$restoration$of$victims$of$trafficking$and$be$encouraged$to$form$partnerships$with$local$ agencies,$task$forces,$law$enforcement,$and/or$justice$organizations$that$are$engaged$in$advocacy,$care,$ and$resource$development$to$combat$human$trafficking$and$its$effects$on$victims.$ $ Be(It(Further(Resolved,$that$the$Office$of$the$Bishop$support$the$Synod's$Advocacy$Offices$in$making$ Human$Trafficking$legislation$a$priority$and$inform$the$congregations$and$members$of$such$legislation$and$ its$progress$in$the$state$legislatures$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$as$practicable$and$support$such$ legislation$which$advances$the$prosecution$of$traffickers$and$the$protection$and$care$for$trafficking$victims.$ $ Be(it(Further(Resolved,$that$the$Office$of$the$Bishop$support$efforts$of$volunteers$to$form$a$Human$ Trafficking$Task$Force$that$would$assist$in$building$awareness,$education,$advocacy,$and$action$within$ our$synod,$and$make$use$of$electronic$communication$to$broaden$participation$in$such$a$task$force$and$ limit$"costs"$to$volunteer$time.$ $ Footnotes:$ 1$5Human$Trafficking$Statistics$$1$$Polaris$Project$www.cicatelli.orgd$ US$Dept.$of$Health$and$Human$Services,$US$Dept$of$Justiced$Free$the$Slaves$ 2$5$isanctuary.orgd$National$Human$Trafficking$Resource$Center$2011$ 35$TraffickingHope.orgd$"Teen$Girls$Stories$of$Sex$Trafficking$in$the$U.S."$ABC$News/Primetime.$February$ 9,$ 2006.$Accessed:$December$$26,$2010.$ 4$5$US$Department$of$State$2013$TIP$(Trafficking$$in$Persons)$Report,$p.7d$ Skinner,$E.$Benjamin.$2008.$A$Crime$So$Monstrous:$Face5to5Face$with$Modern5Day$Slavery.$New$York,$ NY:$Free$Press.$ $ Implications$of$Resolution$(if$adopted):$ 1.$$$What$is$the$financial$impact$of$this$resolution$on$the$synod$budget?$If$expenditures$are$required,$what$ are$the$sources$of$income$anticipated$to$accomplish$the$purpose$of$the$resolution?$ $ The(advocacy(function(will(fit(within(the(established(parameters(of(the(activities(of(the(Advocacy( Offices,(recognizing(the(need(to(prioritize(time(and(efforts(among(current(and(future(issues.( (( As(the(task(force(is(essentially(a(volunteer(effort(using(electronic(communication,(the(cost(factor( is(negligible.( $ 2.$$$What$are$the$personnel$implications$within$our$synod$(or$churchwide)?$Who$will$be$responsible$for$ 22 implementation$of$the$resolution?$ $ This(will(fall(on(congregations(and(concerned(members,(writers(of(the(Synod(newsletter( (volunteer(submissions),(the(Bishop(and(the(Policy(Committee,(Synod(Advocacy(offices,(and(task( force(volunteers,(no(new(personnel.( $ $ 3.$$$How$does$this$resolution$enhance$and$forward$the$mission$of$the$church$and$our$synod?$ $ Being(Called(to(Set(the(Captives(Free(follows(both(Old(and(New(Testament(calls(for(justice(and( care(for(the(oppressed.( $ $ Submitted$by$$ Pastor$Timothy$Bettger.$Nancy$Rowles$ The$Social$Ministry$Commission,$St.$Paul$Lutheran$Church,$Calhan,$CO.$ $ 23
© Copyright 2024