2009 Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly
God's work, our hands...unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
2009 Synod Assembly >News > Second Plenary Features Peace Moments and Resolutions

Second Plenary Features Peace Moments and Resolutions
By Rev. Scott E. Olson

In Bishop Usgaard's report, he introduced the synod staff, including the "three-headed-monster," (left to right) Larry Iverson, Rev. Linda Gunderson, and Rev. Peter Reuss, working together on evangelical outreach and congregational mission efforts in the synod. Photo by Karen Surprenant

In keeping with the assembly theme, "Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace, the 2nd Plenary began after lunch with the introduction of special guest, Stan Noffsinger, General Secretary of the Church of the Brethren, one of the historic peace churches. Noffsinger, who also serves as vice president at-large for the National Council of Churches of Christ, relayed to voting members what it means to be a peace church and the work they are doing in encouraging national and worldwide organizations to eradicate violence. He will be leading a workshop on the Historic Peace Churches Saturday.

Following a report by the Credentials Committee, Mark Bradley presented the Report of the Treasurer. Bradley highlighted 2008 actual support, special program giving and giving to hunger as well as expenses and investments for the year. The audit report opinion was favorable. Voting members will vote on the proposed 2010 budget Saturday. The proposed 2010 budget of $2,267,000 represents a 4% increase over the revised 2009 budget.

Sharon Barnes, St. Olaf, Austin, presented a "Dwelling in the Word" moment based on Exodus 3.1-15, after which Bishop Usgaard relinquished the chair to Synod Vice President Shirley Gangstad in order to give his report. The bishop asked the assembly to remember pastors who have died in the past year and recognized the synod staff.

The body of Usgaard's report not only reflected the assembly theme but also his experiences from the Conference of Bishop's trip to the Holy Land in January. A video presented comments from some of the bishops as well as people they encountered during their visit. Bishop Usgaard mentioned several signs of hope in the region: two Israeli and Palestinian men who now call themselves "brothers"; Augusta Victoria Hospital; and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, a small church that operates eight strong schools. "You and the Lutheran church give them hope... and they are grateful," he said. "Thank you," he told the assembly.

After a short break, the assembly was treated to a Mosaic video about Augusta Victoria Hospital, operated by the Lutheran World Federation. Augusta Victoria provides medical care to Palestinians in Israel. It then received the Report of the Bishop – ELCA delivered by Rev. Stephen Bouman, Executive Director of the Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission unit. The report began with a message from Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson through video. As people of the ELCA, "We stand at the intersection of fear and hope" he said, "bearing Christ's presence compassionately and courageously." Using the Church in Ephesus as it matures through the New Testament as a framework, Bouman outlined how maintaining our "first love," the living of the gospel, will propel congregations in mission for "God's Work, Our Hands." "We must leave our enclaves and minister to our communities," he said.

Bishop Usgaard pointed out the new synod art contest centered on the ELCA's theme, "God's work, our Hands." The artwork will be used in various media.

More resolutions were then considered, beginning with 2009-03: Environmental Stewardship, which calls for action in congregations relating to stewardship of resources; it passed. The assembly declined to consider Resolution 2009-05: Teaching Intelligent Design after voting on a motion of objection to consider. Resolution 2009-09: Resolution to Require a Two-Thirds Vote asks the 2009 ELCA Church Council to add this provision to the rules for the 2009 Churchwide Assembly regarding changes in policy and practice for rostering. After debate and clarification the resolution failed with a vote of 218-251.

Returning to the order of the day, Bishop Usgaard called on Vice President Gangstad to recognize the retirements of six pastors from the synod this past year. Three seminarians received scholarships from the Fund for Leaders in Mission and five pastors received First Call Debt Retirement awards.

The Nominating Committee presented final ballot for consideration. A unanimous ballot was cast.

Moving to the worship space in the center of the hall, Bishop Usgaard received Rejoice!, Northfield as a congregation in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod.

Prior to the break for dinner, and closing out the 2nd Plenary, Rev. Darren Paulson, First, Lake City offered a "Dwelling in the Word" moment from Jeremiah 1.4-19, which included small group discussion. The assembly will meet as a Committee of the Whole for the 3rd Plenary to discuss the proposed ELCA statement on sexuality and ministry recommendations to be considered at the August 2009 Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis.