2011 SD Synod Assembly – 6/11/11
Here's my live blog from day 2 of the SD Assembly - April 11th, 2011
2:34 pm
Well, we're ahead of schedule and just have the closing blessing after Vibrant Faith. So, I'm going to sign off. I'll post some final thoughts tonight!
2:20 pm
Roe Eidsness presented the final faith story. His topic was devotions. Now Vibrant Faith is beginning.
2:12 pm
Looks like the Synod Assembly Evaluation will be first.
2:11 pm
Paul Hill and David Anderson are up next. It's the final Bible Study Session from Vibrant Faith Ministry.
2:09 pm
Resolution 6 passed. Now it's up to representatives to go back to their congregations and make it happen.
We've voted on all the resolutions and now move on to other business. I'm not sure what it is yet.
2:04 pm
Resolution 4 passed handily, unamended.
A sixth resolution was added. It calls each congregation in our Synod to increase giving to Nicaragua and Cameroon by 1% and to encourage congregations to send small groups or individuals to our companion synods.
1:49 pm
Ok, I got some clarification. It looks like Church Wide has already established that we will only work through one major statement at a time. I knew that whereas statements define and frame the therefore statement, I just wasn't certain the source of or implication of that statement.
There has also been an amendment proposed to the resolution to add phrasing that doctrine be involved in our social statements. I think it's unnecessary as we always use doctrine when framing them.
1:35 pm
Resolution 2 has passed, now on to Resolution 4. I'm struggling with how I feel about the first Whereas statement. I'm a bit apprehensive about sending this to Church Wide with the phrase "to acknowledge the preference that only one major document be in process at any one time." While I can see the intent, I don't feel like we ought to hamstring ourselves to only be able to officially work through one major issue at a time. That's really the only part I struggle with. I'm Ok with us asking Church Wide to review things before the next social statement, after the Genetics statement.
1:30 pm
Resolution 2, the compensation guidelines is on the floor. No one's moving to the mics, so will go right to a vote.
1:27 pm
Synod Council is recommending that the Church Wide Assembly be changed from bi-annual to tri-annual.
He's also speaking on Resolution 4. The Synod Council is recommending (in line with the LIFT recommendation) that after the genetics statement, we not review any Social Statements until our process for them is reviewed.
1:19 pm
It sounds like Jeff is going to go over the Genetics Social Statement. There have been lots of rumors that the Statement was going to instruct farmers regarding the crops they grow. Right off the bat, he's said that it doesn't. We are simply called to be stewards of nature and take into account how the choices we make affect each other.
He's also discussing the Malaria Initiative that is being spearheaded by former Bishop Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl.
1:16 pm
We just voted on the 2012 Mission Plan. It passed. Now Rev. Dr. Jeff Sorenson is presenting the SD Synod Church Council Report. I'm a fan of Jeff. He's very intelligent and well-spoken.
1:10 pm
Both nominees were elected with a voice vote. Congrats!
1:08 pm
The selections committee has two more elections to do. Bishop Zellmer says they will be quick. They are Synod Council Youth Rep and the Lutheran Social Services Board of Directors. There are no additional nominations, so we'll vote.
1:06 pm
Kurt Osborne (a fellow Brookings resident) just reported the credentials. I didn't not them. Basically there are a bunch of Lutherans in one place.
12:21 pm
Lunch time!
12:15 pm
Each congregation will also get a faith chest. The big gist of the presentation was how congregations can help families and members create meaning around those milestones as we encounter them. It was good.
12:03 pm
In talking about the stories we tell to remember milestones, the Ark of the Covenant was mentioned. Now all I can think about is Indiana Jones.
12:01 pm
Thank God there are people who enjoy and are good at accounting! The treasurer's report is done. Vibrant Faith Ministries is discussing the Mission Trip Module that each congregation will be receiving. It is part of the Milestone Ministry.
11:47 am
The budget has had to be adjusted this year because of changes in the financial situation of the Synod. The Synod had budget expecting $2.5 million but only received $1.8 million.
11:43 am
The Treasurer's Report is beginning. I'm not sure what they've been up to the last 20 minutes or so. I got into a conversation with the pastor from my dad's home town. We've met before and discussed Resolution 5 from yesterday.
11:15 am
Break's been over for a bit. Vibrant Faith Ministry is doing the morning Bible Study. The Faith Interpreter Story was presented by Teresa Nygaard. I had an opportunity to speak to her while we were "getting some fresh air." She has a great story and a heart for the people of Nicaragua.
I also had a good opportunity to talk to Ron Rossing who's involved with the Luther House of Study. That conversation was the reason I got back to blogging a little late. It sounds like they'll be providing a great opportunity for education for Seminary Students, people interested in ministry, current pastors and lay leader. I posted their page below, I think it's worth a look.
10:25 pm
Break time.
10:22 am
Watching a video about the Luther House of Study. It's a joint ministry between Augustana College and Sioux Falls Seminary. Sounds like something that would benefit the ELCA if we had many of them all over the place.
10:10 am
Lutheran Outdoors finished their presentation. On to the report from Augustana College.
9:33 am
Pastor Lane Nelson is going to present for Lutheran Outdoors of South Dakota. Now we'll get to hear a bit about our camps.
9:25 am
Communion's done and worship is wrapping up. There will probably be a quick break and then plenary will start.
8:59 am
The new red hymnal is the ELW! I couldn't remember before. I assume that makes me a mediocre Lutheran, at best.
8:55 am
Bishop Zellmer is installing our new Synod Council Members.
8:52 am
There's a band for the music for worship this morning (yay!). They just played a song out of the new red hymnal (ugh).
8:49 am
Day two of the SD Synod Assembly kicked off with a prayer breakfast this morning at 6:45 am. I was not here. Not because I don't like praying or breakfast, but because I don't like having to be ready for and starting my day before 7 am.
Opening worship started at 8:15 am. We have the pleasure of hearing Bishop Eaton preach. The gist of her sermon is to be willing to get away from the ark. We need to be willing, as a church and individuals, to step away from the things that make us feel safe so that we can serve the needs of those around us.