2005 Synod Assembly

Bishop, Treasurer Speak on Ministries Supported by Synod Strategic Plan

(Live Update added 2:20 p.m., Saturday, May 7, 2005)

The Rev. Harold L. Usgaard, bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, emphasized the importance of giving during his presentation Saturday.

Usgaard said the synod's budget, which has increased only slightly since 1998, is about more than dollars and cents.

Bishop Harold Usgaard -Photo by Pastor Todd Hawkins

"It is about ministry – about people called into God's marvelous light – to be joyful witnesses, to be Christ-centered disciples, to be strong leaders," he said. "I hope you can sense the ministry happening in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod."

Usgaard said the synod's proposed 2006 budget is about $2.3 million, an increase of 2.7 percent. He said most of the money raised, 52.5 percent, supports Churchwide activities.

The remaining 47.5 percent of the 2006 budget supports various goals from the synod's strategic plan, "Called into God's Marvelous Light." He said about $328,000 is allocated to focus on the intent "to be joyful witnesses." Another $262,000 is allocated to focus on the intent "to be Christ-centered disciples," while $503,000 goes toward the intent "to be strong leaders."

Among the many programs these dollars support is Natural Church Development. The program is just starting in seven local congregations.

"We have invested in training for leaders and mentors," Usgaard said. "We hope it will multiply each year, as congregations assess their ministry and identify opportunities to grow. As one participant says, 'We have prayed for renewal in our congregation for years – and now we see hope.'"

Speaking alongside the bishop were Kathy Bolin, who talked about the global mission efforts included in being joyful witnesses, the Rev. Craig Breimhorst, who talked about the power of prayer in being Christ-centered disciples, and the Rev. Justin Boeding, who talked about the benefits of pastoral debt relief in raising up strong leaders in the synod.

Usgaard cited other instances where synod dollars are touching lives and affecting ministries. He said Minnesota Food Share, Campus Ministry in Minnesota, and the Lay School of Theology are all benefiting from congregational donations.

"Thank you for your part, for your support," Usgaard told the other speakers and the Assembly. "Thank you for the privilege of sharing in ministry with you."

Questions posed after Usgaard's Fourth Plenary presentation inquired about particular synod budget items. Most questions sought explanation and clarification of these items, like ELCA Stewardship Support.

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2005 Assembly photo album