2007 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly
Called Into God's Marvelous Light...To tell the story!
2007 Synod Assembly > News > Fifth Plenary

Bishop Usgaard's report, more resolutions, commissioning end 2007 Assembly
By Rev. Scott Olson

The Assembly prayed for the 2007 Churchwide Assembly Voting members, including these shown, at the end of the Assembly. Photo by Rev. Todd Hawkins

The fifth plenary opened with the consideration of resolutions. Resolution 2007-06, Conference Meetings, which called for meetings only in years when there is an election of voting members to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly or whenever unusual matters require a meeting, was widely debated. The resolution, needing a two-thirds vote to pass, failed. The next Resolution 2007-07, Minimum Compensation and Benefits Guidelines, departed from previous yearly proposals by suggesting a range of salaries to be voted on every other year.

Bishop Usgaard, in his report to the assembly, quoted some thoughts of Bernhard M. Christensen as a framework for his remarks. “A Christian faith that liberates minds and lives…vital communities strengthened by diversity…inter-faith friendships…the love of Christ drawing us to God…called to service in the world. Those might be old values, but I think they very much apply today and to us as we consider opportunities for future ministry here in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod.”

Bishop Usgaard also referred to the synod’s strategic plan, “Called into God’s Marvelous Light,” when he stated “we glorify God by making a difference in this world. I hope we can do this in the coming years.” Then, Usgaard closed his report by telling the voting members, “I am so excited about the opportunities God has given to this synod…it’s people; I am so honored to serve as your bishop.” The assembly rose with a standing ovation in honor of Bishop Usgaard.

(full text of Bishop Usgaard's report)

Mark Bradley, synod Treasurer, asked for and received an approval of the synod budget.

Rev. Clark Cary, Chair of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Hunger Task Force, facilitated a preliminary presentation on hunger as prelude to the consideration of two resolutions, 2007-03, Petition for a Minnesota Without Poverty; and 2007-04, ‘A River of Giving’ to the World Hunger Appeal. The former urged the assembly to take steps to advocate and work for the ending of poverty in Minnesota. The latter asked that members of congregations in the synod give $1.00 each in both 2007 and 2008 with the goal of reaching a total of $500,000 by the end of 2008. Both resolutions passed.

After thanking assembly workers, the bishop closed the 2007 Assembly with the commissioning of the voting members to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly to be held in August in Chicago. Each voting member will carry with them to Chicago a prayer shawl as a concrete expression of prayer and support. The assembly collectively praised and thanked in advance those persons who will be seeking the leading of the Holy Spirit in the work of the larger church. Please hold them in your prayers.

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