Eastern Washington - Idaho Synod
Council Meeting
submitted by Stephanie Tesch, Representative to Synod Council
Greetings in Christ’s love.
Last spring at the Synod Assembly I was elected as the Cluster G representative to Synod Council
Following is a recap of the EWAID Synod Council meeting.
Synod Report by Bishop Wells
Much of the Bishop’s time has been spent working in the field following the human sexuality decision made at the ELCA national assembly last summer.
A wide range of other topics were addressed:
- Task force to address possible loss of financial support.
- Task force to design a process for electing a new synod bishop in the 2011.
- Goals being developed to reflect actual work related to the Synod’s
Guiding Principles.
- Other business and information.
Call Process
Mark Nelson, Ass’t to the Bishop, reported on work being done with congregations in the call process.
Director of Evangelical Mission
Susan Berg reported on the new position of Director of Evangelical Mission who will be working across the EWAID Synod in the areas of evangelism, mission, outreach, and stewardship. Helga Jansons has been hired to fill this position. She will offer training and council. She will be an Ass’t to the Bishop, but paid by the National Church.
Synod Assembly
Karla Olson shared plans for the 2010 EWAID Synod Assembly in Boise as well as plans for 2011 thru 2013 assemblies.
Beacon at Southridge - Boise
David Olson described the progress of the Beacon at Southridge and problems with funding related to the national financial crisis. The Beacon board is now looking at a phased in process. The options will be presented at the January Synod council meeting.
Synod Guiding Principles
The council worked through a process to develop concrete goals for the guiding principles. Five areas are already at work and 5 more will be addressed at the January Synod council meeting.
The 5 goals that are in phase are:
-Good Shepherd Grant process (Tri Cities)
- Beacon at SouthRidge
-DEM - Direct to mission team review
-YVHOM -Yakima Valley ministry at Tree of Life with a Spanish speaking congregation
Our 10 hours of meeting time were more than full of worship and work.
Contact and Visit
The next Synod council meeting is January 29 & 30 in Spokane. If you have questions or comments please call me at 509-942-9120 or by E-mail at ksrevel@charter.net.
In the next few months I would like to meet you and worship with your congregation. If you prefer a Sunday let me know,Otherwise I’ll contact you. If you would send me your Newsletter on a regular basis I’d really appreciate it.
I am looking forward to serving as your cluster representative
Choose Joy,
Eastern Washington – Idaho Synod
Synod Council Meeting
Synod Council met at Messiah Lutheran in Spokane on February 6 & 7, 2009. Routine business was handled and reports heard. This report will attempt to present the important and new material as clearly, yet briefly as I can.
Region 1 office has undergone a restructuring. Shelly Wickstrom, Region 1 Coordinator for Ministry Leadership, reminded us that the ELCA church has three expressions: Congregations, Synod and Churchwide. Regions are geographic partnerships and ours was one of the most ambitious and largest of the ELCA. Unfortunately it has never realized the planned vision and some of the synods in the partnership were no longer able or willing to support the entity as it existed. Also, some parts, notably mission development, were spread too thinly to be as effective as we would have liked. As a result the office has been reduced from nine to three staff members centered on the financial support office. They will be moving to smaller office spaces soon.
ELCA churchwide will be funding a full time staff member of the Synod as Director of Evangelical Mission instead of the position previously shared by Region 1 and Montana Synod. We are completing a job description for this position and will post the position soon. We hope to have the person hired by summer, perhaps even before the next Synod Assembly.
We watched a brief DVD and heard a report presented by Craig Settladge, the Director for Mission Support, Synodical Relations from churchwide ELCA. His message was one designed to help understand the importance of and where undesignated benevolence to ELCA goes. At present our synod has given 37-38% of undesignated benevolences received to ELCA. This puts us near the national average. Interestingly enough, two of the least wealthy synods in the U.S. (which are in Appalachia) are among the highest percentage givers. Our synod congregations average 5.8% of their budgets as undesignated benevolence – about average. Many Appalachian congregations give 15- 20% and their synod average is well above 10%. Bishop Wells pointed out that if we could raise our congregation average from the 5.8% to 8% of budget for undesignated benevolence; we could raise our Synod gift to the goal 55% without altering our present budgeted amounts.
The council approved a number of Synod Calls to Clergy, approved a change of insurance carrier to Church Mutual, approved update of Synod Budget for the current year and the proposed new budget to be brought to Assembly. Bp. Wells and Pr. Mark Nelson asked that no increase be given to their salaries in light of the economic situation. Small cost of living increases were given to the two staff persons. A merit increase was proposed to account for extra duties they will absorb as a result of the Region 1 restructure. Our support of Region 1 will be considerably reduced, of course. Receipts last year were less than budgeted expectations by only a small amount and we were satisfied with the years work. Extra monies were spent to have the larger Assembly with “Super Saturday” last year and it seems to have been a success.
We heard a report about our senior housing project near Boise, now known as “The Beacon at Southridge”. A the close of the previous Council Meeting we learned that the money in our SHARE Fund could not be used as collateral for a $1.5 million bridge loan to keep the project operating until full financing was obtained. That obstacle was overcome. MIF has purchased the property. The city of Meridian has approved all zoning changes and permits required to proceed. The developer is doing the work on the infrastructure (roads, sewer, water, etc.)
However, the entire financial funding picture has changed. While 100% financing has been the norm for projects like this for the past ten years or so, it is no longer available. MIF is unable to participate further in the project. A commercial company was consulted to assist in finding suitable financing for the $44 million project. The recommended solution is a HUD-252 govt. insured loan. It seems to be the best option but will only fund about 90%. This means we must find a way to get participation for the other 10% and some expenses which amounts to $7.5 million. This news caused a considerable amount of discouragement. We have no access to that kind of money, and while it could be borrowed, the only interest rate available would be prohibitive. Optimism still exists and steps are being taken to attempt to raise the needed funds. Some of the possibilities are: (1) Hold a Capital Fund Drive, see how much we can come up with. (2) Seek “Angel Investors” who would give a reasonable interest rate. (3) Find people who own property who are willing to encumber it as collateral. (4) Using our Guiding Principles, look for creative solutions.
Our experience in the attempt to use the SHARE fund as collateral suggested that we may want or need to invest that money in more ways than our By-Laws now allow. We may wish to make a broader range of investments than limiting ourselves to the ELCA Foundation. For instance, we may want to make a loan to Lutherhaven or Luther Heights for capital improvements or an emergency repair. Of course our Beacon at Southridge is a place where we could make use of the money with fair return and only minimal risk beyond keeping it in the ELCA foundation. We will meet with the Fund shareholders and contributors to get their opinion and present a Resolution to the Synod Assembly to allow the Synod Council to become the manager of the SHARE Fund and allow for its more flexible use.
Synod Assembly is May 1 – 3 in Yakima. There are only two week-ends between Easter and the Assembly to hold cluster meetings to get a preview discussion and clarification of the business issues such as the Resolutions and budget. There are also a number of people to be elected to Synod positions and Churchwide committees. Registration needs to be completed for voting members as soon as possible. Registration packets contain nomination information and nominations are preferred to be received early.
I will make myself available to answer questions by email or in person if requested.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Vertrees, Cluster “G” Voting Member of Synod Council
TVertrees@verizon.net
Eastern Washington- Idaho Synod, ELCA
Synod Council Meeting, Sept. 2008
The Synod Council of the EWAID Synod met in Spokane on Sept. 19th and 20th with the Executive Committee meeting on Sept. 18, 2008. The Executive Committee heard reports, decided on which items needed Council action and formed an agenda for the Council Meeting. An excursion was then taken to Sandpoint, ID where a tour of the Luther Heights senior housing project being completed by First Lutheran of Sandpoint is being completed. Much of the style, room sizes and facilities are similar to the planned project in the west Boise area (actually southern Meridian, ID) now being referred to as “The Beacon at Southridge”. Preliminary plans for the zoning, permits, and financing are well underway for this project. Unless the current problems in the lending economy hold us up, we could be ready to break ground by the end of the year. On Saturday, the Council heard a fine presentation by Ecumen staff, Pope Architects, and their construction company expert. They are prepared to build the structure and have a proposed schedule with opening in November 2010 with a guaranteed cost of $130/sq. ft.
We learned that the organizational level which has existed between ELCA Churchwide and our Synod is being restructured. The six synods who composed Region 1 have found that the cost of the staff and operation is not being supported by the members. So far, we know that the financial accounting section will still serve us, but the Mission, multicultural outreach staff, library, and some other services will be discontinued. Darius Larsen has accepted a call to serve a parish in his Montana hometown and Stacy Kitihara has joined the faculty of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. We will be without these experts in mission and multicultural outreach. There is a possibility, however that our Synod may obtain its own staff member dedicated to the mission work previously done by Darius. This position could be funded by a new program being developed at Churchwide level. The Synod Council passed a resolution requesting this staff addition.
Bp. Wells reported that he was able to attend Mission Developers Training along with Pr. Helga Jansons of our cluster’s AMST and Pr. R. Sansgaard of the Treasure Valley. We are pleased to have these people trained to help us grow new ministry. Also, Bp. Wells was able to tour the new Coyote Ridge Correctional facility and, having experience in prison ministry, told us of the importance of the institution having a really good Ecumenical Religious Studies building. We would call it a chapel, but the State cannot build a structure for a single religion or denomination. They can build a building shell but others have to provide everything inside. We are being asked to budget or find benevolence of $64 per church, the cost of a yard of concrete to aid in making this a place where inmates can feel welcome and know the love of God. Synod Council voted to give the offering at the 2009 Assembly toward this mission project.
Most of you know that Pr. Jillian Ross has resigned and left as our leader in the Yakima Valley Hispanic Ministry. While YVHM presently has no assigned clergy, it is my hope and prayer that the mission is not dead. We have people there and some lay leadership that has potential to develop. However, funding from Churchwide that has enabled us to pay a Rostered person’s salary is no longer available. If YVHM is to continue, we need to continue to support it with our benevolence – and with greater vigor. As a Synod committed to mission, we must not let this mission start fail.
We were alerted about two issues which are upon us, but about which we do not have clear answers. One is the Initiative concerning Physician Assisted Suicide that will appear on the November ballot. The regional Roman Catholic Church has asked that we take a stand to defeat the initiative. We ask that you give diligent thought and prayerful consideration to your voting choice. Another issue has to do with a recent law and practice of older men and women to cohabitate but for financial reasons, not marry. There is a request that the church develops a blessing for these committed pairs and much thought is being given to the acceptability of such action. One problem that comes to mind, however, is whether the same kind of blessing should be made available to same sex couples. There are wide differences of opinion about this among lay and clergy in our denomination.
The Synod budget is about in the same shape as a year ago, when benevolence was able to meet the budget requirements. The 2008 Synod Assembly was well received and considered successful. It cost about $18,000 more than previous assemblies, but still was a bit less than anticipated. We can’t afford such extravaganzas every year, but will be able to pay for that one. 2009 Assembly will be held in Yakima and plans are well underway. People who would like to present a workshop there are encouraged to contact the chair, Pr. Carol Nelson, of Yakima. The Council heard a report from the Elections Chair regarding problems experienced in voting using the electronic system. The difficulty arose in dealing with slates with many candidates and voting for more than one winner. A solution to the problem which allows us to continue to avoid paper ballots (except in electing a Bishop) but which alers themethod traditionally used to eliminate candidates slightly. We will explain and be ready at the next Assembly.
Two congregations in Spokane, Emmanuel and St. Paul’s, have been planning a merger and the council accepted their letter of intent to close, merge and form a new congregation. They are already worshiping and performing mission activities as a single unit.
The next Lutheran Youth Gathering will be held in New Orleans, next summer. 25,000 registrations have already been received. It should be a memorable event.
We on Council are very excited about our proposed mission project in the Boise area. This $44 million project is unique for sponsors like our Synod. The possibilities for future ministry to seniors and funding for mission has stirred great excitement among those of us who which allows us to continue to avoid paper ballots (except in electing a Bishop) but which alters the method traditionally used to eliminate candidates slightly. We will explain and be ready at the next Assembly.have been kept abreast of the progress. Groups around the whole U.S. have shown interest in this endeavor. We may be a model for others to do similar projects. We experienced a “bump in the road” when we discovered, during our meeting, that we could not use our endowment as collateral for a bridge loan to be paid back when the entire project is financed, (likely by MIF and Thrivent). Work continues. Keep those working in your prayers.
Tom Vertrees, Cluster “G” voting member of EWAID Synod Council
EASTERN WASHINGTON-IDAHO SYNOD, E.L.C.A.
Synod Council Meeting and Assembly Report - April 17-20, 2008
Your Synod Council met on Thursday, April 17 and spent a very full day completing discussions and business to catch up and prepare for the Synod Assembly business meeting on April 18. We heard reports from Synod Staff and Officers who provided the following pertinent information for distribution.
1. There will be Kaleidoscope workshop events Sept 18 in Moscow, ID; Nov. 8 in Wenatchee; and Dec. 4 in the Tri-Cities, as well as additional ones on the West side. Susan Berg, our Synod VP recently attended one of these events about practices to be more welcoming and skills in multi and cross-cultural acceptance. She recommends attendance if possible and reference books, “Sacred Acts” and a new one by Bradley Schmeling; “On Being Gay and Ordained”.
2. Bishop Wells is moving comfortably into his new job-description as “Chief Missionary” for the Synod. Also he is interested in feedback from congregations using his lesson plans for study based on the Guiding Principles of the Synod. He would appreciate suggestions for improvement and evaluations.
3. It was hoped that people would return from the workshops on “Super Saturday” and DO SOMETHING with the information received. Don’t just make a stack of paper and forget it, but responsibly ACT.
4. There is a DRAFT copy of the new ELCA Human Sexuality Statement available to download at ELCA.org. We are encouraged to read it and evaluate.
5. We were alerted that there has been a request to bless a domestic partnership between a heterosexual couple who find it economically unfeasible to marry. Such an act may serve as permissive activity for similar blessings for homosexual couples and such blessings are not yet endorsed by our church policy.
6. We were alerted that there likely will be a political move for Washington State to adopt a policy similar to Oregon’s regarding physician assisted suicide. We were asked to endorse a position statement and were unprepared to do so at this time. Lutherans seem to have as diverse personal opinions on this topic as on the homosexuality issues.
7. The Synod budget for 2007 was completed “in the black”. In 2008 giving was slow for the first two months and we were $22K behind, but the receipts have improved and we are now nearly on track. Thanks for good congregational stewardship are given.
8. We endorsed appointments for important Assembly officials.
9. Awards totaling $14,676 was distributed among 8 applicants for Share Grants. These enable small congregations to have help providing sabbaticals and learning opportunities to clergy and to help with new mission starts and activities. Additional funding, provided to the Synod from our Churchwide partner was awarded to three applicants to aid in costs at seminary.
10. We passed a motion to continue our partnership with the six Synods that form Region I, including our financial support according to an average attendance formula.
11. Affirmed a resolve that the staff position in Multicultural Ministry of Region I be continued.
12. We spent considerable time hearing of progress and discussing the project for mission ministry by building a retirement community and a possible new start in the South Meridian area. A thorough feasibility study is being done by Ecumen. Purchase date deadline for the property being considered has been delayed until late May and could be delayed further if variances in County codes are needed. Progress is good, too fast for some and not fast enough for others. Congregations in the area have been asked to take leadership on what sort of ministry we should put our resources into. Pr. Dave Olson has agreed to serve as “Owner Representative” as we study and purchase the property and and work to build a retirement facility. Council agreed to pay his congregation an amount equal to half his salary, minus housing, to allow him to be released from some of his duties to serve the Synod.
On Friday, April 18, The Synod Assembly opened with worship. 238 Voting Members, composed of 84 Clergy, 86 lay females, and 68 lay males were present at opening and by noon there were 267 Voting members. A record number of registered attendances at Assembly, about 360 total, were recorded. 279 Youth were registered for attendance at the youth event on Saturday. An estimated 650 attended the organ concert and Hymn sing at St. John’s Cathedral on Friday evening. About 800 participated in the workshops sessions on “Super Saturday”. Even with a few “glitches” involving late coffee service at the general meeting, a fire drill in the midst of the Bishop’s informational speech, and problems with the electronic voting device system, we would have to evaluate the entire event as a real success, with excitement engendered and business accomplished.
In business session, the most important accomplishments included;
1. Heard Bishop’s report. (Written and available on ewaidsynod.org.)
2. Passed budget for 2010. Were reminded that budgets are about Ministries, not money.
3. Heard report by David Schwartling from our Churchwide partner . We are reminded that the three expressions of our church; congregations, synods, and churchwide, are INTERDEPENDENT. Each expression is the whole church but not the complete church. Together, we leverage ministry in ways we cannot do alone. Bp. Hanson introduced the “Book of Faith Initiative”, asking that congregations become “Book of Faith Congregations”, and use the new resource for Bible study. Reported 52 new congregations in Global Mission and used the statement: “God’s Work – Our Hands”. Encouraged input on the draft “Human Sexuality Statement”. There will be a hearing Sept. 20 in Spokane. “We should be bearers of Holy Trustworthiness.”
4. Slightly revised wording and passed a Resolution Concerning Torture.
5. A resolution concerning term limits for our office of Synod Bishop was thoroughly debated and voted upon. 156 yes votes, 122 no votes. A 2/3 majority required. Resolution failed.
6. Passed a continuing resolution requiring background checks for persons who are elected to Synod offices. This is extended to those nominated where possible.
7. Agreed to deal with a late resolution titled “Book of Faith Initiative”. This would make our Synod a “Book of Faith Synod” and encourage congregations to become “Book of Faith Congregations”, emphasizing Bible study in a variety of ways. Passed.
8. Elected individuals: 2 Clergy to Discipline Committee, 2 lay male and 2 clergy to Consultation Committee, 2 lay male, 1 lay female, 2 clergy, 1 youth as Churchwide Assembly Voting Member. (Because of difficulties with voting devices some of this was accomplished following dinner and I did not record winners. My memory does not serve well enough to report them now.)
We were privileged to hear Dr. Martin Marty speak on Saturday and deliver the sermon at Sunday Worship. The music at the entire event was superb. A jazz group from Central in Spokane on Friday morning, Mark Sedio , Rebekah Gilmore & Brad Schultz Friday evening, Lost and Found Saturday evening, and Tom Witt & Mary Preus at worship on Sunday.
2008 Synod Assembly was formally closed at the close of worship shortly after 12 noon on Sunday, April 20.
Tom Vertrees,
Lower Columbia Basin Cluster (G) Member of Synod Council | 
