2008 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly
A Synod at Table with the Hungry
2008 Synod Assembly > News > Recognizing Good Work in Disaster Response, Giving

Recognizing Good Work in Disaster Response, Giving
By Mary Thrond

Congregations recognized for exceptional giving to ELCA World Hunger. Photo by Rev. Peter Soli

The final plenary on Saturday afternoon featured an update from Cindy Johnson on the role that Lutheran Disaster Response has played in the lives of those who were affected by the devastating floods in southeastern Minnesota in August 2007. She emphasized that LDR’s mission has been to bring a normal routine, comfortable housing and manageable stress levels to the afflicted.

Johnson shared the words of a man named Bruce who said LDR’s presence has helped to provide a comforting reassurance and peace to his community.

To date LDR has coordinated 7,227 volunteers of all faiths in clean-up and rebuilding, providing a total of over 50,000 man hours. Over 400 homes have been repaired and 104 homes are currently being repaired. Johnson said 365 cases are still opened and LDR will be present until the final case is closed.

Derek Burke of First Lutheran in Rushford expressed gratitude to LDR, Johnson and everyone who has volunteered. He said the blessing that has come from this disaster is the outpouring of care shown by strangers, who became instruments of God’s love.

Business for the plenary included approving the synod budget. Treasurer Mark Bradley presented the proposed 2009 budget. A motion was made and seconded to amend the proposed budget by lower the funding amount to Luther Seminary by $10,000 and to the church colleges by $5,000 and raise the funding for Lutheran Campus Ministries by $15,000. Voting members who spoke in favor of the amendment felt that the seminary and church colleges have sources of revenue that LCM does not have, and LCM provides a way to maintain an important presence at state colleges. A voting member who opposed the amendment reminded the assembly of the large debt many students have when they complete their seminary studies. After discussion, the vote passed on a counted ballot with 210 in favor and 114 opposed.

The final action of the assembly was to recognize the congregations receiving World Hunger River of Giving Awards: Ascension Lutheran, Albert Lea; Shiloh Lutheran, Elmore; Round Prairie Lutheran, Glenville; Faith Lutheran, Wabasha; St Luke’s Lutheran, Goodhue; St John Lutheran, Mapleton; Trinity Lutheran, New Richland; Cross of Christ Lutheran, Houston; Fountain Lutheran, Fountain; Hosanna Lutheran, Rochester; and Trinity Lutheran, Ostrander.

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