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MINUTES of the ELCA-SOUTHEASTERN SYNOD COUNCIL Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Woodstock, Georgia

September 7-8, 2012

I. CALL TO ORDER – Vice President Doris Underwood, chair of the meeting, called to order the September 7-8, 2012 meeting of the Southeastern Synod Council at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Woodstock, Georgia, at 1:00 p.m. Bishop Julian Gordy led the opening devotion. A. Attendance. The following persons were marked in attendance for the meeting:

OFFICERS PRESENT: Bishop Julian Gordy President

Ms. Doris Underwood Vice President and Chair of the meeting Mr. Lee Smith Treasurer

CONFERENCE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT: Rev. Ed Myers Conference 1 Mr. Hilton Austin Conference 4

AIM Michelle Angalet Conference 5 Rev. Ed Wolff Conference 6 Rev. Randy Jones Conference 7

Mr. Kurt Stavely Conference 8 Rev. Dr. Michael Huntley Conference 9 MEMBERS AT-LARGE PRESENT: Rev. John Beckman Member At-Large

Dr. Andrea Green Member At-Large Mr. Gary Pederson Member At-Large

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: Rev. Terri Stagner-Collier Secretary Ms. Mercedes Jackson Member At-Large

Ms. Stephanie Gaines Youth member Ms. Elizabeth Hawkins Young adult member

Mr. Stan Semmler Conference 2 Rev. Mary Peters Conference 3

STAFF PRESENT: Ms. Rachel Alley Assistant to the Bishop for Young Adult & Youth Ministries Rev. Dr. Delmer Chilton Assistant to the Bishop Dr. Everett Flanigan Director for Evangelical Mission DM Rebecca Kolowe Director for Evangelical Mission Dr. Sandra Gustavson Fiscal Advisor Ms. Elaine Schwartz Exec Asst to the Bishop/ Communications Director

Ms. Abby Koning Lutheran Volunteer Corps Staffer OTHERS PRESENT (for some of the meeting): Rev. Craig Settlage ELCA Director for Mission Support

Rev. Paul Summer Regional Gift Planner, ELCA Foundation Rev. Dr. Clayton Schmit Provost, Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary

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Following the introductions, AIM Michelle Angalet extended greetings on behalf of the Good Shepherd congregation and briefly commented on logistical matters associated with the facility. Thanks were expressed by Council members to Good Shepherd for hosting this meeting. B. Orientation & Review. For the benefit of new Synod Council members and as a review for continuing members and staff, Vice President Doris Underwood reviewed the purpose of the Synod Council, summarized in EXHIBIT 3. She also reviewed the structure of meetings, commenting on the organization of the agenda, the role of special guests, and the inclusion of devotions and prayers as part of the meeting. Bishop Julian Gordy explained the role of the “en bloc” motion and how proposals may be removed from en bloc consideration, the nature and purpose of executive sessions, and the process of consensus decision-making (summarized in EXHIBIT 4). Dr. Sandra Gustavson explained the purpose of the meeting minutes and the ways in which they are made available to Council members and others. She noted that a written copy of the full constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions had been provided for Council members in EXHIBIT 28 and explained the numbering system used to distinguish among the different provisions. Dr. Gustavson called the group’s attention to EXHIBIT 5, which summarizes the legal responsibilities of non-profit boards of directors. Treasurer Lee Smith noted that EXHIBIT 6 contains a compilation of existing financial policies, and he reviewed the structure of the synod’s financial reports as provided in EXHIBITS 29 and 69. Finally, Dr. Gustavson and Ms. Elaine Schwartz explained several logistical items for Council members, including meals, communications, lodging, and expense reimbursements. C. Adoption of Agenda. Without dissent, the Council began work from the printed agenda, with additions and corrections provided and incorporated within these minutes. D. Removal of Proposals from En Bloc Consideration. Council members considered the list of proposed actions contained in EXHIBIT 64.01. Requests were made to consider the following proposals separately:

Guidance to the Nominating Committee (EXHIBIT 44) Nominating Task Force for Synod Secretary (EXHIBIT 45) Process for 2013 Election of Synod Bishop (EXHIBIT 46) Principles for Formulating 2014-15 Ministry Funding Plan (EXHIBIT 51) Revision of Great Commission Fund Guidelines (EXHIBIT 60) Community of Grace Linn Fund Loan (EXHIBIT 71)

Proposals listed in EXHIBIT 64.01 that were not removed from en bloc consideration were approved via one en bloc motion. To provide clarity within these minutes, all proposals and their associated actions are reported separately; those that were approved en bloc are so noted. E. Minutes of the June 2012 Meetings. As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED To approve the minutes of the May 31, 2012 and June 3, 2012 Synod Council meetings.

II. OFFICERS A. President - Bishop H. Julian Gordy

1. Report of the Bishop (EXHIBIT 68). Bishop Gordy referred Council members to his written report. He highlighted three new alternative worshiping communities that worship

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in languages other than English: Telugu at Cross and Crown, Chamblee, GA; Korean at Cross of Life, Roswell, GA; and Swahili at Christ, Nashville, TN. The bishop also noted the proposed new synodically authorized worshiping community of Shepherd of the Lake, Loudon, TN. He reviewed necessary follow-up on actions by the 2012 Synod Assembly and reported that he was part of a panel discussion regarding comprehensive immigration reform. The bishop urged Council members to think about how to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ELCA next year and encouraged participation in the “Standing on the Promise” campaign for Lutheranch (EXHIBIT 41). He concluded his report with brief comments about the election of a synod bishop in 2013. As stated in his written report, Bishop Gordy said, “…unless I am called to do some other work between now and next June, I will be available in the same way I was in 2007: open to what the Spirit does through the church gathered for discernment.” 2. Rev. Paul H. Summer Biography (EXHIBIT 67). Bishop Gordy introduced Pastor Paul Summer, currently serving as a Regional Gift Planner for the ELCA Foundation and Director of Lutheran Planned Giving in the Florida-Bahamas Synod. The bishop is recommending that Pastor Summer be called as an Assistant to the Bishop in the Southeastern Synod, replacing the Rev. Dr. Delmer Chilton, who is resigning as of September 30, 2012. A brief biography of Pastor Summer is contained in EXHIBIT 67. 3. Roster Status Changes (EXHIBIT 63).

a. Clergy On Leave from Call: As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.01AR That the ELCA-Southeastern Synod ordained

ministers listed be granted On Leave from Call status in accordance with the terms stated:

The Rev. Wayne S. Cobb - first year, beginning 8/1/12

The Rev. Jennifer P. Weetman – fourth year Graduate Study, beginning 1/1/12

b. Clergy, Removal from Roster: As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and AGREED SC12.09.02AR That the ELCA-Southeastern Synod ordained

minister listed be removed from the ELCA roster as of the date stated:

The Rev. Paul M. Ferrarone – accepted call in Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) – August 28, 2012

c. Letters of Call – Term Calls: As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and AGREED SC12.09.03AR That the ELCA-Southeastern Synod ordained

ministers listed be granted term calls for the terms stated:

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The Rev. Bridget Piggue – Director of Pastoral Education, Wesley Woods (Emory), Atlanta, GA, four-year term from September 7, 2012 to September 6, 2016

The Rev. Dr. Delmer Chilton - Call to special service, serving at the invitation of an ecumenical partner, as pastor (part-time call) to Episcopal Church of the Messiah, Murphy, NC in the Western North Carolina Diocese of the Episcopal Church, four-year term from October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2016

The Rev. M. Beth Halvorsen - Adjunct Professor, School of Religion, Belmont University, Nashville, TN, four-year term from August 22, 2012 to August 21, 2016

d. Letter of Call (Clergy): As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.04AR That the ordained minister listed be granted a

call in accordance with the term stated:

The Rev. Paul Summer – Assistant to the Bishop, Southeastern Synod, Atlanta, GA, beginning October 1, 2012

e. Letter of Call (Associates in Ministry/Diaconal Ministers/Deaconesses): As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.05AR That the ELCA-Southeastern Synod lay rostered

person listed be granted a call in accordance with the term stated:

Sister Sylvia S. Countess – reduction from full-time to half-time Director of Vocation and Education, ELCA Deaconess Community, from November 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012

f. Clergy Retirement: As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and AGREED SC12.09.06AR That the ELCA-Southeastern Synod ordained

minister listed be granted retirement status as of the date stated:

The Rev. David P. Hendrix – effective October 1, 2012

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g. Associate in Ministry Retirement: As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and AGREED SC12.09.07AR That the ELCA-Southeastern Synod Associate

in Ministry listed be granted retirement status as of the date stated:

Jo Ann B. Hood – effective January 1, 2013

h. Deaconess Retirement: As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and AGREED SC12.09.08AR That the ELCA-Southeastern Synod deaconess

listed be granted retirement status as of the date stated:

Sister Sylvia S. Countess – effective January 1, 2013

i. Synodically Authorized Ministers: As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and AGREED SC12.09.09AR That the following Synodically Authorized

Minister appointments by the Bishop of the Southeastern Synod be affirmed:

Mr. Jeong Jae Kim – Korean Ministries Alternate Worshipping Community at Cross of Life, Roswell, GA - beginning September 1, 2012 The Rev. John Billa – Telugu Mission, Congregation under Development at Cross and Crown, Chamblee, GA – beginning September 1, 2012. Appointment pending approval of the Andhra Evangelical Lutheran Church

j. Rescind Previous Action: It was noted that a call issued at the previous meeting to the Rev. Duane O. Salness was done in error, since Pastor Salness is retired and rostered in another synod. Therefore, as part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and AGREED SC12.09.10AR That the one-year term call to the Rev. Duane O.

Salness, issued during the May 31, 2012 Synod Council meeting (SC12.05.05AR), be rescinded due to its being issued in error.

B. Vice President – Ms. Doris Underwood (no report) C. Secretary – Rev. Terri Stagner-Collier (no report) D. Treasurer – Mr. Lee Smith. The Council reviewed the July 2012 financial statements (EXHIBIT 29) and the summary of mission support gifts through August 2012 (EXHIBIT 69).

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III. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. A. Notification of Executive Committee Actions. The Council reviewed the minutes of the May 30, 2012 meeting of the Executive Committee (EXHIBIT 10). It was also reported that at its meeting on September 7, 2012, the Executive Committee appointed the following persons to serve on the Mutual Ministry Committee:

Rev. Anthony Prinsen, First United, Kennesaw, GA (1st term, 2012-2014) Rev. Laurie Williams, St. James, Brunswick, GA (1st term, 2012-2014) Ms. Hollis Williams, Emmanuel, Atlanta, GA (3rd term, 2012-2014)

B. Representation on Committees, Task Forces, and Boards. Council members reviewed EXHIBIT 57, which contains a summary of committee and task force vacancies, as well as progress toward achieving the synod’s inclusivity goals. As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.11EC (1) To elect the following persons as specified:

Candidacy Committee Ms. Karen Whitley, Christus Victor, Ocean Springs, MS, unexpired term to June 2016 Rev. Laura Bostrom, Faith, Knoxville, TN, 6-year term to June 2018 Nominating Committee Ms. Meredith Hendricks, St. John’s, Atlanta, GA, first term to June 2014 Mr. Mike Wessel, St. Timothy, Hendersonville, TN, first term to June 2014 Worship Ministries Team Rev. Susan Montgomery, Christus Victor, Ocean Springs, MS, first term to June 2014 Care for the Troops Task Force Rev. William Flippen, St. Matthew, Columbus, GA, open-ended term for duration of the Task Force

and

(2) To rescind the appointment of Rev. Marcia Shumate-Schultz to the Candidacy Committee, appointed in error to a 6-year term in January 2012

C. Congregational Constitutions. Upon the recommendation of the Rev. Randy Jones, reviewer of congregational constitutions and as part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.12CS To approve the constitutional / bylaw amendments of the following congregations:

Messiah, Madison, AL Epiphany, Collierville, TN Peace, Knoxville, TN Our Savior, Gatlinburg, TN Faith, Cleveland, GA

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D. Great Commission Grants (EXHIBITS 12 and 49). As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.13GC (1) To approve a $3,000 Great Commission Fund grant for Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Roswell, GA to support its Korean Ministry Outreach program and (2) to approve a $3,000 Great Commission Fund grant for Rock of Ages Lutheran Church, Stone Mountain, GA to supports its Memorial Drive Lunchbox program.

E. Community of Grace, Grayson, GA Linn Fund Loan (EXHIBIT 71). Synod Treasurer Lee Smith reviewed the history of the Linn Fund loan to Community of Grace, Grayson, GA, including the congregation’s request during Spring 2012 that payments on this loan be deferred until March 2015. In response to this request, at its meeting on May 31, 2012, the Synod Council approved a period from June 2012 through December 2012 for which no loan payments would be required and authorized Treasurer Lee Smith to negotiate a new proposed loan agreement with Community of Grace, to be considered by the Synod Council at its September 2012 meeting. Mr. Smith reported that he had had several conversations with Pastor Matt Henning from Community of Grace over the summer months. The congregation is now requesting that the entire loan balance (approximately $28,000) be provided as a grant, with no further payments required from the congregation. Because $28,000 exceeds the maximum grant amount currently authorized from the Linn Fund and because the Mission Outreach and Renewal Committee is the group authorized to make decisions regarding Linn Fund grants, additional conversation about the loan is advisable. To encourage such conversation and also extend the already approved period during which Community of Grace would not be required to make loan payments, the Executive Committee PROPOSED and the Synod Council

AGREED SC12.09.14LF To approve a period from January 2013 through September 2013 for which no loan payments are required from Community of Grace, Grayson, GA on its Linn Fund loan and request that the congregation be in conversation with the Mission Outreach and Renewal Committee and with the synod treasurer, with a recommendation requested from the Mission Outreach and Renewal Committee for the June 2013 meeting of the Synod Council.

F. Formation of Death Penalty Information Task Force (EXHIBIT 42.01). In response to direction received from the 2012 Southeastern Synod Assembly and as part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.15TF To: 1. Approve formation of a Death Penalty Information Task Force for the purpose of developing informational material regarding the death penalty for distribution to synod congregations, clergy, and lay leaders;

2. Appoint the following persons as members of the Death Penalty Information Task Force:

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Rev. Randal Palm, Rock of Ages, Stone Mountain, GA Dr. Veronica Motley, Rock of Ages, Stone Mountain, GA Mr. Clifford Tyree, Rock of Ages, Stone Mountain, GA Mr. Kazumba Tshamala, Rock of Ages, Stone Mountain, GA

3. Approve funding of $200 from the Synod Council budget for use by the Death Penalty Information Task Force during the current fiscal year and direct the Budget and Finance Committee to solicit input from the Death Penalty Information Task Force about its future funding needs; 4. Request that the bishop assign one or more staff liaisons to support the work of the Death Penalty Information Task Force; 5. Plan for the disbandment of the Death Penalty Information Task Force as of September 30, 2013 unless additional action is taken by the Synod Council to extend the period for work by this task force. 6. Request that the Death Penalty Information Task Force:

•••• Elect a chairperson at its first meeting and promptly report that person’s name and contact information to the synod office;

•••• Report scheduled task force meeting dates and locations to the synod office for inclusion on the synod calendar; and •••• Provide progress reports for all Synod Council meetings during the Task Force’s existence

G. Requests for Death Penalty Moratorium (EXHIBIT 52). In response to direction received from the 2012 Southeastern Synod Assembly through its Resolution 2012-3 and as part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.16SA To request that the synod bishop and secretary collaborate to send letters to the legislative bodies in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee urging an immediate moratorium on the administration of the death penalty until such time that it can be fully prohibited by law in these states.

H. Assembly Resolutions Deadline (EXHIBIT 30). The Council reviewed the background information provided in EXHIBIT 30 regarding deadlines used in recent years for resolutions proposed for action by Southeastern Synod assemblies. Most recently, April 15th has been designated as the first deadline. Assembly hearings have been assured for resolutions submitted by that date. A second deadline has been the Friday that precedes the assembly. The assembly rules of organization and procedure have stated that resolutions submitted after April 15 but prior to the second deadline would be considered only as time permits. Because of the ambiguity associated with the phrase “as time permits” and as part of the en bloc motion, the Executive Committee PROPOSED and the Synod Council

AGREED SC12.09.17SA (1) To approve the following continuing resolution:

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S11.01.32.A12 Resolutions must be submitted to

the synod office by 5 pm on the Friday that precedes by three weeks the start of a synod assembly, in order to be considered by that assembly’s Committee on Reference and Counsel. Resolutions submitted after this deadline will not be considered unless the issue is of such an immediate and urgent nature that it clearly cannot be postponed until the next assembly, as determined by either the Committee on Reference and Counsel or the Synod Council.

(2) To revise the next proposed synod assembly rules of organization and procedure exhibit in accordance with continuing resolution S11.01.32.A12, to be considered at the January 2013 meeting of the Synod Council.

I. Proposed Amendment to Linn Fund Policies (EXHIBIT 54). Council members reviewed the background information contained in EXHIBIT 54. There is a need for additional funding for the Planting New Congregations Fund, which is used primarily to fund multi-year support for developing congregations within the Southeastern Synod. It is currently funded through mission support contributions from congregations, with 3 percent of all such contributions transferred monthly into the Planting Fund. Prior to the 2009 budget cutbacks, the Planting Fund received 5 percent of all mission support contributions. Restoring funds cut from the synod’s Ministry Funding Plan in 2009 will be a long multi-year process that is primarily dependent on the ability of synod congregations to increase mission support contributions. Transferring a portion of the annual spending allocation from the Linn Fund to the Planting New Congregations Fund will make some additional monies available to the Planting Fund during the years needed to rebuild ongoing funding to the previous 5-percent level. The Executive Committee PROPOSED and as part of the en bloc motion the Synod Council

AGREED SC12.09.18LF To amend the policies governing the Linn Fund such that 20 percent of each year’s spending allocation from the Linn Fund be transferred into the synod’s Planting New Congregations Fund, with the remaining 80 percent available for direct grants from the Linn Fund.

J. Relocation of Our Saviour, Albany, GA (EXHIBIT 13). As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.19AR To approve the relocation of Lutheran Church of Our Saviour to St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Old Dawson Road, Albany, GA.

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K. Principles for 2014-15 Ministry Funding Plan (EXHIBIT 51). As a special order at 7:00 p.m. on September 7, 2012, AIM Michelle Angalet led the Council in a discussion of financial priorities and principles to be used in formulating the 2014-15 Ministry Funding Plan. As part of this discussion, Ms. Angalet also referred the Council to the report of the Council Work Group on Staff Compensation (EXHIBIT 50) and to the report on mission interpretation (EXHIBIT 62) submitted by Mr. Michael Krekling. Ms. Angalet noted that the Council Work Group’s preferred option for increasing staff compensation is dependent on increased funding through congregations’ mission support contributions. She asked Council members to consider how increased mission support is related to the mission interpretation ministry; to the synod’s approved Macedonia Project designed to enhance stewardship; and to the Synod Council’s 2011 Resolution for Visibility (SC11.09.14SC) that calls for Council members to visit synod congregations. Points made during the discussion included:

• A group of leaders is needed to direct the stewardship effort. • Synod assembly workshops might be replaced with a series of conference meetings to talk about stewardship planning, with Council members serving as leaders. The issue should be explored relationally from the grass roots, rather than hierarchically. • Short (30 seconds to 2 minutes in length) videos can be helpful in mission interpretation. The churchwide office is working on these types of resources. • The ELCA has already produced many materials, but those resources may not move beyond pastors’ desks in many congregations. • Mission does not follow money, but money does follow mission. • The churchwide office should be able to connect us with best practices in other synods. • We will not be successful until we understand the root cause of why numbers are declining. • Part of what has been happening is cultural. When congregations attend to spiritual needs, they will grow. A congregation should not be just another business.

Bishop Gordy suggested that the Council determine the leaders for putting together a plan to implement the ideas discussed. The group should include those who have a passion for these concerns and should include representatives from the synod staff, Synod Council, clergy not on the Synod Council, and young people. A group of from six to eight persons would be about right. Council members were asked to send suggested names to AIM Michelle Angalet or DM Rebecca Kolowe by September 21, 2012. To address the immediate need to provide the Budget and Finance Committee with approved principles for formulating the next ministry funding plan, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.20BF That the following guidelines be provided to the Budget and Finance Committee for its use in formulating a proposed 2014-15 Ministry Funding Plan:

a. Assumed mission support from congregations should be estimated

using a conservative philosophy.

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b. Proposed income and expenses should be equal, to yield a balanced

budget proposal.

c. Designated giving as a planned source of revenue should be used sparingly.

d. Transfers from designated accounts as a planned source of revenue is acceptable if consistent with the purpose of the designated accounts.

e. ELCA churchwide mission support (benevolence) should be 50 percent of all undesignated mission support from congregations, contributions to the synod’s Planting New Congregations Fund should be 3 percent of undesignated mission support, and support of Region 9 should be 0.5 percent of undesignated mission support.

f. Funding for committees and task forces should be stated on a lump-sum basis, with allocation to specific groups to be determined at the January 2014 Synod Council meeting.

g. Funding for institutions and agencies should generally be at the levels approved for 2013-14.

h. Allocations for operating expenses should be at levels that will maintain essential operations. Careful review of the synod office budget with synod staff is encouraged, to determine the extent to which a reduction in this line item might be appropriate.

i. The “Pension/Insurance/Other Benefits” line item should be increased so that it will be sufficient to cover health benefits for an additional rostered staff person.

j. A 3-level budget is requested, with the three levels functioning as follows:

1. Level 1 should be the primary mission funding plan, based on a conservative increase in mission support contributions. 2. Level 2 should reflect a plan to fund contingency payments (i.e., bonuses) to synod staff, to be payable at mid-year and year end of 2014-15 only if actual mission support contributions exceed the amounts specified within Level 1. Total potential contingency payments for 2014-15 should be approximately 5.5 percent of the total salaries funded in Level 1, with appropriate budgeting for payroll taxes and retirement contributions associated with the bonuses. 3. Level 3 should function as did Level 2 in previously adopted two-level funding plans. That is, Level 3 should contain expenditures that do not impact synod operations throughout the

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year; expenditures within Level 3 may be made at year-end only if funding is sufficient.

L. Elections at 2013 Synod Assembly. As a special order at 8:15 p.m. on September 7, 2012, Dr. Sandra Gustavson led the Council in consideration of decisions to be made in anticipation of the elections scheduled to take place during the 2013 Synod Assembly. Dr. Gustavson reviewed the list of positions (EXHIBIT 43) to be elected. The first set of decisions involves the guidance (EXHIBIT 44) to be provided to this year’s Nominating Committee. After discussion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.21NO That the following guidelines be provided to the Nominating Committee for its use in planning for the elections to take place at the 2013 Synod Assembly:

1. The Nominating Committee is requested to recruit potential lay female, lay male, and clergy (male or female) nominees for two at-large positions on the Synod Council. Because the Synod Council is the nominating body for these positions and the required gender and roster status for the positions are not yet known, all biographical forms received for these positions should be forwarded to the Synod Council, without additional action by the Nominating Committee. 2. The Nominating Committee should nominate at least two but no more than four persons for each of the following positions to be elected at the 2013 Synod Assembly:

1 lay youth member of the Synod Council 2 clergy positions on the Consultation Committee 2 lay female positions on the Consultation Committee 1 clergy position on the Discipline Committee 1 lay male position on the Discipline Committee 2 lay female positions on the Discipline Committee

3. At the beginning of the nominations process, the Nominating Committee should publish its criteria for narrowing the field of candidates to from two to four people for each position. 4. Recruiting of candidates is an important role of the Nominating Committee. The Committee is urged to recruit more than the minimum number of candidates necessary to meet each of the inclusivity requirements. 5. Biographical forms for nominees should include the same content as those used at the 2012 Synod Assembly, with the following change:

•••• Add the following open-ended question for candidates to complete: “Why are you interested in serving in this position?”

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6. The nominations process should be conducted with the goal of issuing a final, complete list of nominees no later than May 1, 2013. 7. At the conclusion of its deliberations, the Nominating Committee should notify those who are and are not nominated.

8. The following elections process values should be emphasized in materials provided to Synod Assembly voting members and in the verbal report of the Nominating Committee to the Assembly:

•••• Transparency in the application of Synod Assembly rules and constitutional mandates throughout the election process

•••• Assurance that all inclusivity goals (as stated in the constitution, bylaws, continuing resolutions, and Rules of Organization and Procedure) will be fully achieved

The next set of necessary election decisions related to the election of a synod secretary. The current secretary, Pastor Terri Stagner-Collier, has announced that she will not be available for re-election for a second term. As set forth in EXHIBIT 45, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.22SC To:

1. Approve formation of a Synod Secretary Nominating Task Force for the purpose of:

a. Publicizing the opening for synod secretary, to be elected at the 2013 synod assembly; b. Soliciting nominations from throughout the synod, noting the constitutional requirement of a criminal background check for all persons nominated for synodical office; and c. Recommending one or more persons as nominees for synod secretary, with such recommendations and appropriate biographical information to be provided to the Synod Council at its January 2013 meeting;

2. Appoint the following persons as members of the Synod Secretary Nominating Task Force:

Rev. Terri Stagner-Collier, Chairperson, Cross of Life, Roswell, GA Mr. Gary Pederson, Christ Our Shepherd, Peachtree City, GA Ms. Mercedes Jackson, St. Paul, Mobile, AL

3. Approve funding of $200 from the Synod Council budget for use by the Synod Secretary Nominating Task Force during the current fiscal year; 4. Request that the bishop assign a staff liaison to support the work of the Synod Secretary Nominating Task Force;

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5. Plan for the disbandment of the Synod Secretary Nominating Task Force as of January 20, 2013 unless additional action is taken by the Synod Council to extend the period for work by this task force.

The final set of decisions about the 2013 elections concerned the process for electing a synod bishop. The Council considered the materials provided in EXHIBITS 46, 47, and 48. Many Council members expressed the opinion that the process for electing a bishop in 2007 had worked well. To begin implementation of that same process for 2013, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.23SA To approve the provisions included within the “Elections” section of the 2012 Southeastern Synod Assembly Rules of Organization and Procedure as the process to be used for the 2013 election of the Bishop of the Southeastern Synod and specify that the Executive Committee shall be the group to oversee the nominations and elections processes for that election.

IV. COMMITTEES The Synod Council reviewed the written reports submitted by synod committees, as noted below. A. Audit Committee - Mr. Dennis Wieckert, Chair (EXHIBIT 65). As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.24SC To appoint the firm of Marshall Jones & Co. to audit the 2012-13 financial statements at a price of $10,350 and appoint the firm of Smith & Howard to audit the 2013-14 financial statements at a price of $11,500.

B. Budget and Finance Committee – Rev. John Rossing, Chair (EXHIBITS 56 and 58). In response to a Synod Council request and as part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.25BF To approve the following guidelines for implementing Level 1 spending in each annual ministry funding plan approved by a Synod Assembly:

• Total expenditures for ELCA Mission Support, transfers to the Planting New Congregations Fund, and support of Region 9 should be the exact percentages of mission support approved by the Synod Assembly, unless modified in advance by the Synod Council. • Total expenditures from non-designated funds for the support of institutions and agencies specifically listed in the approved funding plan should be the exact dollar amounts approved by the Synod Assembly, unless modified in advance by the Synod Council.

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• Total expenditures of designated receipts for the support of institutions and agencies specifically listed within the approved funding plan should be the exact dollar amounts received in gifts designated for such institutions and agencies. • Total expenditures for synod staff salaries and housing allowances should not exceed the dollar amount approved by the Synod Assembly, unless modified in advance by the Synod Council. • Total expenditures for staff benefits may exceed the total approved by the Synod Assembly by the amount that the actual cost of benefits provided exceeds the estimated cost included in the ministry funding plan approved by the Assembly. • Total expenditures within the categories listed below should be no more than 5% greater than the total approved by the Synod Assembly for each category. Expenditures for individual items within a category are not subject to this limit as long as the total for each category is no more than 5% in excess of the total approved by the Synod Assembly, unless modified by the Synod Council Executive Committee. Modification by the Executive Committee may be done either in advance of necessary expenditures or as soon as practical following the expenditures. Categories governed by the guidelines in this paragraph are:

Participation in Ecumenical/Other Organizations Committees & Task Forces Synod Operating Expenses (except for Salaries, Housing, and Staff Benefits) Governance

C. Campus Ministry Team – Rev. Robb Harrell, Chair (no report) D. Candidacy Committee – Dr. Anne Fottrell, Chair (no report) E. Compensation Guidelines Committee – Rev. Scott Seeke, Chair (no report) F. Consultation Committee (no report)

G. Discipline Committee (no report) H. Global Mission Committee – Mr. Larry Schultz, Chair (no report)

I. Kessler Scholarship Committee – Ms. Melissa Fuller, Chair (no report) J. Mission Interpretation Ministry – Mr. Michael Krekling (EXHIBIT 62)

K. Mission Outreach & Renewal Committee – Rev. Laurie Williams, Chair (EXHIBITS 35, 59 and 60). In response to a request from the Synod Council, the Mission Outreach and Renewal Committee proposed changes to the rules governing the Great Commission Fund, as set forth in EXHIBIT 60. The Executive Committee modified the original proposal slightly and

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PROPOSED To revise the rules and guidelines governing the Great Commission Fund as follows:

1) Give the Mission Outreach & Renewal (O&R) Committee discretion to

earmark and distribute Great Commission Funds without having to obtain prior permission from the Council but to direct the O&R Committee to keep the Council apprised of all relevant discussion and decisions related to fund allocations.

2) Remove the loan option altogether; so that only grants are disbursed from this fund.

3) Increase the amount of Outreach Ministry Project Grants to $5000. Continue to require a one-to-one dollar match from congregations, but allow for a lesser matching amount at the Committee's discretion. Suspend the current once every three years limit on how often a congregation can receive this type of grant.

4) Approve development of a pilot project by the O&R Committee to help fund outreach-focused internships with Great Commission Fund grants of up to $15,000 per site for one to three specialized internships over the next two to three years, with evaluation of their effectiveness to be done by the O&R Committee and reported to the Synod Council.

5) Increase the amount of Youth Ministry Educational Grants to $1,500/person, with no total limit except for availability of funds.

6) Increase the amount of Multicultural Educational Grants to $1,500/person, with no total limit except for availability of funds.

7) Increase the amount of Long-Range Planning Grants to $1,000, suspend the current one-time only provision, and allow for a grant once every three years.

8) Request synod staff to rewrite the "Grants and Loans" listing on the synod website to reflect that the Great Commission Fund is the umbrella / source for these four grants:

• Outreach Ministry Project Grants • Youth Ministry Educational Grants • Multicultural Educational Grants • Long-Range Planning Grants

During the discussion, Mr. Hilton Austin expressed the opinion that all groups who apply for grants should be encouraged by the Mission Outreach and Renewal Committee to review their record of mission support and perhaps formulate a plan to move toward giving at a 10 to 15 percent level. A new numbered paragraph 9 was added to the Executive Committee’s proposal. It was then PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.26OR To revise the rules and guidelines governing the Great Commission Fund as follows:

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1) Give the Mission Outreach & Renewal (O&R) Committee discretion to earmark and distribute Great Commission Funds without having to obtain prior permission from the Council but to direct the O&R Committee to keep the Council apprised of all relevant discussion and decisions related to fund allocations.

2) Remove the loan option altogether; so that only grants are disbursed from this fund.

3) Increase the amount of Outreach Ministry Project Grants to $5000. Continue to require a one-to-one dollar match from congregations, but allow for a lesser matching amount at the Committee's discretion. Suspend the current once every three years limit on how often a congregation can receive this type of grant.

4) Approve development of a pilot project by the O&R Committee to help fund outreach-focused internships with Great Commission Fund grants of up to $15,000 per site for one to three specialized internships over the next two to three years, with evaluation of their effectiveness to be done by the O&R Committee and reported to the Synod Council.

5) Increase the amount of Youth Ministry Educational Grants to $1,500/person, with no total limit except for availability of funds.

6) Increase the amount of Multicultural Educational Grants to $1,500/person, with no total limit except for availability of funds.

7) Increase the amount of Long-Range Planning Grants to $1,000, suspend the current one-time only provision, and allow for a grant once every three years.

8) Request synod staff to rewrite the "Grants and Loans" listing on the synod website to reflect that the Great Commission Fund is the umbrella / source for these four grants:

• Outreach Ministry Project Grants • Youth Ministry Educational Grants • Multicultural Educational Grants • Long-Range Planning Grants

9) Review the record of mission support contributions of congregations

applying for grants and encourage their support of synod and churchwide mission.

L. Mutual Ministry Committee – Mr. Ed Ringer, Convener (no report) M. Nominating Committee (no report) N. Personnel Committee – Mr. Michael Franklin, Chair (no report) O. SMO Allocations Committee – Rev. David Hardy, Chair (no report)

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P. Southeastern Lutheran Holding Corporation – Ms. Doris Underwood, President (EXHIBIT 36)

Q. Synod Assembly Committee – Ms. Jan Levengood, Chair (EXHIBITS 14, 15, 16, and 27) R. Worship Ministries Team – Rev. Kevin Strickland, Chair (no report) S. Youth Ministry Team – Rev. Amy Figg, Chair (no report) V. TASK FORCES The Synod Council reviewed the written reports submitted by synod task forces, as noted below.

A. African Descent Strategy Task Force – Dr. Andrea Green, Chair (EXHIBIT 61). As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.27TF To extend authorization of the African Descent Strategy Task Force through June 30, 2013

B. Council Work Group on Staff Compensation (EXHIBIT 50). The report of this group was discussed as part of the discussion of financial priorities and principles to be used in formulating the 2014-15 Ministry Funding Plan. (See section III.K. of these minutes.) C. Immigration Task Force – Rev. Kent Lewis, Chair (EXHIBIT 37). As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.28TF To extend authorization of the Immigration Task Force through January 31, 2015

D. Care for the Troops Task Force (no report). As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.29TF To extend authorization of the Care for the Troops Task Force through January 31, 2015

E. Health Ministries Task Force – Ms. Connie Pearson, Chair (EXHIBIT 38). As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.30TF To extend authorization of the Health Ministries Task Force through January 31, 2015

F. Poverty, Hunger & Justice Task Force – Mr. Jonathan Trapp, Chair (EXHIBIT 17). As part of the en bloc motion, it was PROPOSED and

AGREED SC12.09.31TF To extend authorization of the Poverty, Hunger, and Justice Task Force through January 31, 2015

G. Anti-Racism Task Force – Ms. Cathy Crimi, Chair (EXHIBIT 18)

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H. Disaster Preparedness and Response Task Force - Rev. Dr. Morgan Gordy, Chair (no report) VI. CONFERENCES & CLUSTERS A. Reports from Conferences. The Synod Council reviewed the written conference reports that had been submitted in advance.

1. Ebenezer Conference – Rev. Barbara Koch (no report) 2. Good N.E.W.S. Conference – Rev. Dena Lane (no report) 3. Trinity Conference – Ms. Meredith Hendricks (EXHIBIT 19)

4. Magi Conference – Mr. Keith James (no report) 5. Mission Conference – Mr. Michael Krekling (no report) 6. Life Together Conference – Mr. John Kreis (EXHIBIT 31) 7. Diaspora Conference – Rev. Randy Jones (no report) 8. The King Conference – Mr. Gary Wicks (no report) 9. Ruach Conference – Rev. Marcia Shumate-Schultz (no report)

B. Cluster Deans – Rev. Jill Henning, Coordinator (no report) VII. REPORTS OF SYNOD STAFF Council members reviewed the written staff reports that had been provided in advance. A. Rev. Dr. Delmer Chilton – Assistant to the Bishop (EXHIBIT 70) B. Rev. Darrel Peterson - Assistant to the Bishop (EXHIBIT 20) C. Ms. Rachel Alley – Assistant to the Bishop for Young Adult and Youth Ministries (EXHIBIT 21) D. Dr. Everett Flanigan – Director for Evangelical Mission (EXHIBIT 32) E. DM Rebecca Kolowe – Director for Evangelical Mission (EXHIBIT 39) F. Ms. Elaine Schwartz – Executive Assistant to the Bishop / Communications Director (EXHIBIT 22) G. Dr. Sandra Gustavson – Fiscal Advisor (EXHIBIT 24) H. Ms. Holly Liersch – Office Manager (EXHIBIT 23) I. Ms. Abby Koning – Lutheran Volunteer Corps Staffer (no report) VIII. AGENCIES, INSTITUTIONS, and ORGANIZATIONS A. Presentations To The Synod Council

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1. ELCA Churchwide Consultation – Rev. Craig Settlage, ELCA Director for Mission Support (EXHIBIT 53). As a special order at 2:30 p.m. on September 7, 2012, the Synod Council participated in a churchwide consultation with Pastor Craig Settlage. Based on 2010 congregational data, Southeastern Synod congregations contributed 5.1 percent of their budgets in undesignated mission support. In both this synod and the ELCA overall, there is a downward trend in the percentage contributed by congregations. At the synod level, the Southeastern Synod has been remitting 50 percent of all mission support contributions to the ELCA churchwide organization for many years; 50 percent is the largest percentage contribution in Region 9. Synod Council members discussed existing trends in giving. As a final note, Pastor Settlage reported that the new version of the booklet Stories of Faith in Action is now available from the churchwide office. Congregations must request copies, but the only cost to them is for postage.

2. Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary – Rev. Dr. Clayton Schmit, Provost. As a special order at 9:00 a.m. on September 8, 2012, Council members engaged in discussion with the newly appointed provost of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS). Dr. Schmit shared his vision for the future of LTSS and solicited input from Council members. He would like for LTSS faculty to begin developing distance learning classes. One of the other topics discussed was the possibility of exploring the theology of using a variety of media in worship.

B. Written Reports. Synod Council members reviewed the written reports submitted in advance by the agencies, institutions, and organizations, as noted below:

1. Day 1 (no report)

2. ELCA Campus Ministry

a. Atlanta University Campus Ministry (EXHIBIT 66) b. University of Georgia Campus Ministry (no report)

c. Georgia Tech, GA State, Agnes Scott, Emory (EXHIBIT 55)

d. East Tennessee State Lutheran Campus Ministry (no report) e. Tyson House, University of Tennessee (no report)

3. Evangelical Lutheran Coalition for Mission in Appalachia (no report) 4. James R. Crumley, Jr. Archives (EXHIBITS 25 and 33) 5. Lutheran Men in Mission (EXHIBITS 26 and 34) 6. Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta (EXHIBIT 40)

7. Lutheridge/Lutherock/Lutheranch (no report)

8. Lutheran Youth Organization (no report) 9. Mississippi Religious Leadership Conference (no report)

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10. Newberry College (no report) 11. Region 9 (no report) 12. SESYALL (no report) 13. Social Ministry Organizations:

a. Lutheran Services of Georgia (LSG) (no report). b. Lutheran Ministries of Alabama (no report)

c. Lutheran Services in Tennessee (no report)

d. All Things New Ministry (no report)

e. ALMS (no report)

14. Southeastern Women of the ELCA (no report) IX. TALKING TOGETHER AS CHRISTIANS CROSS-CULTURALLY (Dr. Everett Flanigan, facilitator). As special orders on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning during this meeting, Dr. Everett Flanigan led the Council in an abbreviated version of the “Talking Together as Christians Cross-Culturally” workshop that he has been conducting at many locations throughout the synod. Council members divided into geographically similar groups to discuss local cultures. Bishop Gordy shared demographic information about people moving into the four states of this synod, and Council members discussed differences in the demographics of our congregations versus the communities they are in. Dr. Flanigan posed discussion questions such as, “Who is God calling us to be?” and “What is our purpose in being in our communities?” Dr. Flanigan asserted that the following conversations are necessary for a missional church: talking to God, talking to each other in our congregations, and talking to the communities where congregations are located. During the second day of the workshop, Council members engaged in a group exercise to practice intentional listening and then discussed their experiences with the whole group. Dr. Flanigan reminded the Council that they will have to listen and tell stories when they visit congregations. In this regard, he reflected on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s writings about listening to others. In conclusion, Dr. Flanigan asked Council members how they might set up necessary conversations. He said the process should involve identifying those with whom conversation is desired, contacting them, setting up a timeline, and mutually establishing the topics to be discussed. X. EXECUTIVE SESSION As a special order from approximately 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 7, 2012, the Synod Council moved into executive session for the purpose of considering recommendations for staff compensation and other personnel matters. Dr. Sandra Gustavson was invited to participate in the session. The Council took the following actions during the executive session:

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AGREED SC12.09.32ES: To approve a compensation package for the Rev. Paul H. Summer as an Assistant to the Bishop, effective October 1, 2012, as follows:

• Annual salary and housing allowance totaling $73,700, with $24,000 of this amount designated as a housing allowance; • Payment of a FICA supplement equal to an employer’s share of the payroll tax applied to the sum of salary, housing allowance, and FICA supplement; • Full sponsorship in the Portico Benefit Services plan, with a retirement contribution equal to 12 percent of defined compensation; • Participation in the synod’s Section 125 flexible spending account plan; • Provision of $200,000 of accidental death and dismemberment insurance coverage through the ELCA’s plan for synods; • Continuing education and professional expense allowances consistent with synod compensation guidelines.

AGREED SC12.09.33ES: To adopt the following resolution:

WHEREAS the Reverend Dr. Delmer Chilton has served the ELCA Southeastern Synod as Assistant to the Bishop since 2008; and

WHEREAS during that time God has blessed the congregations, rostered leaders and lay people of this synod through his diligent work and exceptional skill; and WHEREAS the people of this synod have come to appreciate his wit, his dedication and his competence; therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that the ELCA Southeastern Synod Council express its deep gratitude to Pastor Chilton for his service in this synod; and, be it further RESOLVED that the Synod Council wish Pastor Chilton Godspeed and every blessing as he continues to serve the Christ’s church as Priest in Charge at Messiah Episcopal Church in Murphy, North Carolina.

Approved this seventh day of September, 2012.

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XI. FUTURE MEETINGS A. Synod Master Calendar. It was noted that the synod’s master calendar is available online at www.elca-ses.org, under the “Synod Info” tab. B. Synod Council and Assembly Meetings. The list of approved future meeting dates and locations is as follows:

Synod Council January 18-19, 2013 Community of Grace, Grayson, GA May 30 & June 2, 2013 Convention Center, Chattanooga, TN September 6-7, 2013 Holy Trinity, Marietta, GA January 17-18, 2014 Resurrection, Marietta, GA May 29 & June 1, 2014 Convention Center, Chattanooga, TN September 5-6, 2014 Location to be determined January 16-17, 2015 Location to be determined Synod Assembly May 31-June 2, 2013 Chattanooga Convention Center, Chattanooga, TN May 30-June 1, 2014 Chattanooga Convention Center, Chattanooga, TN

Churchwide Assembly

August 12-18, 2013 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania XII. ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at noon on Saturday, September 8, 2012 with a prayer by Mr. Gary Pederson.