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In order to understand more about issues important to the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, which often have inadequate floor-time during the assembly, participants were invited to attend one of five hearings. In the session titled, “Money and Ministry in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod," synod treasurer Mark Bradley and synod minister Larry Iverson explained the synod’s budget, especially the allocations to ministry partners, which are ministries supported by the synod. They also talked about the challenges facing mission funding at the synodical and churchwide levels. In particular, they noted that, although congregations are receiving increased support from their members, giving to synods has fallen or, at best, flat. Reflecting the recent ELCA commitment to studying scripture, Rev. Jay Dahlvang and Rev. Mark Wilhelm, ELCA Associate Executive Director, Educational Partnerships and Institutions, discussed the Bible Book of Faith initiative with a standing-room-only group. The 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly overwhelmingly endorsed this initiative and Augsburg Fortress Publishers are working with ELCA theologians to develop materials for congregational use. The synodical goals of the initiative are: act locally; learn from each other; become a Book of Faith congregation; use the resources provided; have Enrichment and Training Events in 2009; and bring the initiative into families. Dahlvang will serve as the volunteer Synod Advocate for the Book of Faith Initiative. The hearing, “God’s Work, Our Hands” also reflected a theme from the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Drew Genzler, ELCA representative and Director of the ELCA Advocacy Department and the ELCA Washington Office, shared some of the work of the ELCA. After mentioning the Book of Faith Initiative, the draft of the Social Statement on Human Sexuality, and a re-tooling of the ELCA’s website, Genzler engaged in a question and answer session. Hoping to shed some light on a continuing question in the synod, synod council member John Petersburg and Rev. Sandy Rothshiller, ELCA Board of Pensions, led a hearing on “What Does a Pastor Cost?” Most of the questions centered on the Board of Pensions benefits and how they are funded. The hearing was particularly relevant given a pending Resolution 2008-03: Health Insurance Cost. Rounding out the hearings was a subject near and dear to many people – as evidenced by the large gathering - “Children, Youth and Family Ministry.” Presented by the synod’s Children, Youth and Family Task Force, those gathered heard about the work of the task force, which has resulted in recommendations. The discussion included budgeting and funding as well as congregational support of a synodical worker. |
