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NEWS REPORT OF 2008 ASSEMBLY ACTIONS
Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
April 25, 26, & 27, 2008
Oakland, California
ELECTION OF BISHOP
The Reverend Mark W. Holmerud was elected Bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Pastor Holmerud's election was declared by David Swartling, Secretary of the ELCA on Saturday evening, April 26th, following the report of the Assembly's sixth ballot for the election of the bishop. He is currently pastor of Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Davis, California.
ELECTION OF SYNOD SECRETARY AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
| Secretary: |
Ms. Pat Cash (All Saints Lutheran Church, Novato, CA) |
| Synod Council |
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| District A Clergy: |
Pastor Newt Kerney (Cross & Crown Lutheran Church, Rohnert Park, CA) |
| District B Lay Male: |
Mr. Don Strauch (Calvary Lutheran Church, Rio Linda, CA) |
| District C Lay Female: |
Ms. Ann Brannen (Good Shepherd South Asian Ministry, Fremont and Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church, Newark, CA) |
| District D Clergy: |
Pastor Susan Birkelo (Lutheran Community Church, Watsonville, CA) |
| District E Lay Male: |
Mr. Merle Hanson (Hope Lutheran Church, Fresno, CA) |
| At Large Member: |
Ms. Pam Bertani (St. Marks Lutheran Church, Fairfield CA) |
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ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE 2009 CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY
| District A Lay Female: |
Ms. Karen Anderson |
| District A Lay Male: |
Mr. Paul Konanz |
| District A Clergy: |
Pastor Jeff Thiemann |
| District B Lay Female: |
Ms. Elizabeth Parks |
| District B Lay Male: |
Mr. Larry Struve |
| District B Clergy: |
Pastor Mark Holmerud |
| District C Lay Female: |
Ms. Joanne Chadwick |
| District C Lay Male: |
Mr. Steve Krefting |
| District C Clergy: |
Pastor Lyle Beckman |
| District D Lay Female: |
Ms. Karen Reed |
| District D Lay Male: |
Mr. Mark Nelson |
| District D Clergy: |
Pastor Anne Tracy Carlson |
| District E Lay Female: |
Ms. Margie Martinez |
| District E Lay Male: |
Mr. Steven Herzfeldt |
| District E Clergy: |
Pastor Mary Sanders |
RESOLUTIONS AS ADOPTED BY THE ASSEMBLY
Resolution 08-01 Four Year Congregational Reviews
RESOLVED that the Sierra Pacific Synod direct the Leadership Discipling Team to study the possibility of Congregational four year reviews and bring a recommendation to the Synod Council and next Synod Assembly for action.
Resolution 08-02 Mission Development Training (as amended by substitution)
RESOLVED that the Witness and Service Discipling Team be affirmed in its charge and its ongoing work to develop strategies for transformational ministry and expanding congregational outreach; and, be it further
RESOLVED that the Witness and Service Discipling Team strongly consider the feasibility of offering intensive training in mission to professional leaders and congregational teams of the Sierra Pacific Synod.
Resolution 08-03 Resolution on Immigration
RESOLVED that the Sierra Pacific Synod in assembly calls its congregations to stand in faithfulness to the values of the Kingdom of God preached by Jesus in whose Spirit we are chosen to bring good news to the poor, proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor (Luke 4:18-19) by compassionate hospitality and service to newcomers and a passionate concern and advocacy for their well being; and, be it further
RESOLVED that the Sierra Pacific Synod encourage its congregations to recommit themselves to being advocates and justice-seekers in regard to refugee and immigration issues and to advocate in favor of a comprehensive and just reform of our immigration law; and, be it further
RESOLVED that the Sierra Pacific Synod invite its congregations to collaborate with Lutheran and ecumenical programs that seek to respond to the needs of immigrants and that the Synod support those programs developed by the congregations of the Synod that work for family unification and faithful hospitality towards migrants and newcomers regardless of country of origin and legal status; and, be it further
RESOLVED that the Sierra Pacific Synod urge its congregations to pray and provide pastoral-spiritual support and material support when needed, to the immigrant families that approach the church in search of assistance; and, be it further
RESOLVED that the Sierra Pacific Synod, through its Witness and Service Discipling Team, give leadership in involving congregations in refugee and immigration justice issues, including education, advocacy and local service.
Resolution 08-04 Resolution of Appreciation for Service of the Rev. F. Noreen Meginness and the Rev. Lauren "Bud" Egdahl
Recognizing that Pastor Noreen Meginness has served the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA since its inception on January 1, 1988 as a member of the Bishop's Staff; Pastor Lauren "Bud" Egdahl has served the Sierra Pacific Synod as a member of the Bishop's staff and as Interim Bishop, since 1995; and, that these faithful servants have embraced the church's call to be about "God's work through our hands" in both word and deed, the Assembly adopted the following:
RESOLVED that the Sierra Pacific Synod in Assembly thanks God for these faithful servants of the Gospel and of God's Church; and be it further
RESOLVED that the Sierra Pacific Synod in Assembly call upon its congregations, worshiping communities, and members to lift up Pastors Meginness and Egdahl in prayer as they transition into retirement.
Resolution 08-05 Gratitude for the Ministry of Bishop Mullen
RESOLVED that the Sierra Pacific Synod offer its gratitude and appreciation for the Rev. David Mullen's years as service as a pastor of the Lutheran Church and for the six years as bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod, and be it further
RESOLVED that from July 1, 2008 forward, Bishop Mullen be known as Bishop Emeritus of the Sierra Pacific Synod with all the rights and privileges pertaining to that title.
Resolution 08-06 Budgetary Priorities for Mission Partners
RESOLVED that the Sierra Pacific Synod Council and Finance Committee present a clear and substantive report to the 2009 Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly regarding "second mile giving," including a detailed response to funding questions raised by our ministry partners.
Resolution 08-07 In Appreciation for the Service of Synod Youth Committee Members
The Assembly recognized that several young people of the Synod Youth Committee were active as tellers and document distributors at this Assembly of the Sierra Pacific Synod and volunteered long hours and assisted our process immensely, and adopted the following resolution:
RESOLVED that the Sierra Pacific Synod, in Assembly, recognizes these efforts with resounding acclamation and deep thanks.
Budget Resolution Adopting the 2009 Budget (as amended)
The Assembly approved the adoption of the 2009 Synod Budget as proposed by the Synod Council with the addition of the following amendatory provision:
That the Synod Council and Finance Team identify that the first $33,000 of receipts beyond the proposed $2,693,769 be committed to the ministry partners as proposed in the previous amendment (i.e. $5,000 for Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, $9,000 for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Northern California, and $19,000 for Lutheran Social Services of Northern California and Northern Nevada).
Reported by Linda Headrick, Acting Secretary 04/29/08
For Pre-Assembly Notes, click here.
Synod
Profile
The report was sent
to congregations February 16. The packet includes a letter from Bishop Mullen, a summary and a CD. To view the Profile online, click on the above link.
2008 Women in Philanthropy Event
Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Wednesday May 21, 2008 9:30 a, - 3:00 pm
Workshops, Worship and Lunch!
Keynote Speaker; Dr Kathleen S Hurty
RSVP by May 7 to Jean (510)559.2735 or e mail osa@ plts.edu
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