Report of the Bishop 2018 Bishop Thomas M. Aitken

218-724-4424 ext. 120 thomas.aitken@nemnsynod.org

You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. -Jesus, John 15:16

I love this church and our Synod and continue to love serving as Bishop, now into my 10th year. 2017 proved that we are stronger together than we are in isolation. Jesus knew this and that’s why he decided to not go it alone by calling Disciples who would learn to work together. I thank you for the joyful partnership we have, sharing mission support through offerings, learning together at Convocations and giving to specific synod ministries: Seminarian Debt Relief, India, Honduras and Russia Companion Synods, School of Lay Ministry, Campus Ministry and Seafarer’s Ministry. You live into faith not only as individuals but in your congregations and together as a group of 132 congregations, 233 Rostered Leaders 222 Pastors (100 Retired) and 11 Deacons (6 Retired) and 7 Non-Rostered Synodically Authorized Ministers.

2017: Reformation’s 500 Observances across our Synod Clusters of congregations held common Reformation Worship Observances together. These were poignant and powerful. At our January 2017 Bishop’s Convocation, Bishop David Zellmer presented on the Reformation Roots and history of Luther. At our 2017 Synod Assembly we worshiped with Roman Catholics, utilizing “Common Prayer: From Conflict to Communion, Lutheran –Catholic common Commemoration of the Reformation.” I was honored to preach and preside at a number of Reformation congregational clusters you organized! This past year of preaching, presiding, teaching Confirmation students and parents, I focused on Martin Luther’s stubborn insistence on the scandalous gospel: The truth that God has saved us through Christ, that our life is not our own, and that we are called to witness God’s love to our neighbor. Some salient gospel truths of the Reformation

+ You didn’t choose Christ, Christ chose You.(John 15:16)+ Christians live not in themselves, but In Christthrough faith, and In our neighbor through love+ The Gospel doesn’t demand a response of faith –it creates a response of faith+The gospel does not tell me what to do to get Godto love me – it tells me there is nothing I can do tostop God from loving me!

Congregational Visioning, Vital Mission Planning, and Partnerships: Embrace the Change! Ten congregations moved away from solo to new and vital partnerships this past year, becoming more vital together than alone. Each one of these congregations did good, sometimes risky work, giving up something, for a greater good. That’s not easy and I commend those who did this. Five individual congregations voted to become partners with one Synodically Authorized Minister to become the SALT Parish: These were the in the communities of Brookston, Culver, Cotton, Meadowlands and Saginaw. Bethlehem and Immanuel of Proctor formed United Lutheran of Proctor. And Holy Trinity, Bethany and Zion in Duluth became Spirit of God Lutheran. After the fire took Zion Lutheran, Finland, the congregation formed Baptism River ELCA Community Church and became a “Reconciled in Christ” congregation to very intentionally invite LGBTQ folks to be fully inclusive members and leaders. Some 60 other congregations in our synod are in their Intentional Mission Planning stage. Are you? It is essential that each congregation lives into the joy of figuring out ministry that is real and effective for our particular time in history. I appreciate those congregations who are taking my challenge to finish these plans by 2020!

Your Synod Staff Kathy Wimer: Office Administrator and Finances. Kathy has served the longest among our staff, 21 years in fact! Kathy keeps us all on our toes and is our front-line answer-person! Kathy maintains

70

giving records and is the link to all our congregational treasurers, helping with any questions. In addition she is the Statistician for annual congregational reports and interprets where our mission support dollars serve Christ.

Pr. Amy Odgren: Director of Evangelical Mission. Amy is the embodiment of what it means to be interdependent as the ELCA. She is paid ¾ time by our Churchwide Office and ¼ time by our Synod to help congregations develop intentional Missional plans and Stewardship. She is joy-filled, smart, and engenders faithful and creative conversations and will accompany your congregation as you work through your particular context and how best you can do ministry for your community. She preaches regularly throughout our Synod. She also oversees our Synod’s Candidacy Committee.

Catherine Anderson: Youth Coordinator. Catherine has been on staff for 19 years and coordinates our Lutheran Youth Organization and faith formation events and resources for youth and their mentors. She helps train leaders, both youth and adults who will then be leaders in their own congregations for faith formation.

Deacon Brenda Tibbetts. Call Process and Congregational Transition. Deacon Tibbetts works tirelessly with your congregation’s call committees, with Interim and bridge pastor contracts, compensation issues and conflict, and does so with expertise and grace.

Tammy Segel Crilly. Office and Communications Support. Tammy serves each of our staff as support with phone calls and documents. She keeps up the online Directory and Web Page.

Lutheran Social Services As a Board member of LSS of Minnesota, I was engaged on your behalf in the good work that built the Center for Changing Lives/Duluth and 67 our Synod’s congregations gave mission money to start it! Today Homeless teenagers who live on the streets of our synod’s towns, some as young as 14, find safety and a loving and disciplined re-start to their lives. And LSS has sponsored Bible Studies that many of you have used: ‘My Neighbor

is Muslim’, ‘Who is my Neighbor?’, ‘Not even One Night’, ‘My Neighbor is on Medicaid’, ‘My Neighbor is NOT for Sale’. The LSS Servant of Christ Award went to 67 of our 132 congregations who, among other things, supported the Center for changing Lives in Duluth where homeless teenagers can be served up grace, insights, love, new beginnings. www.lss.mn.org

Living into changes: Deacons and YAGMS and forgotten Candidates for Calls (LGBTQ) At our 2017 Synod Assembly, we recognized and held a service of Affirmation of Vows for our Deacons in this Synod. Deacons are Ministers of Word and Service, who serve in congregations and other Ministry Settings in the ELCA. They bring to our attention the needs of the oppressed and mobilize service in the name of Christ that we are all called to do for our neighbor. They serve as Bible Study Preachers, Social Ministry Directors, Youth Directors, Office Managers, and Musicians of all kinds. Deacon is the name we now use for the three previous rosters: Associates in Ministry, Diaconal Ministers and the Deaconess Community. In our ELCA at large there are over 1,000 Deacons serving the church! Their role is different from but complimentary to pastors.

I’m also proud of our three YAGMS (Young Adults in Global Ministry) from our Synod: Lauren Elwell, Madagascar, Hannah Sackett, Rwanda, Lars Anderson, Jerusalem/West Bank. This Mission program invites ELCA young adults ages 21-29 into a transformative, year-long journey in international service.

At the beginning of 2017, noting that some 100 plus candidates for Rostered Leadership are still without call owing to their sexual orientation, and with respect for our ELCA’s understanding that we are a diverse group of Lutherans, (some fully accepting of LGBTQ leadership and others not,) I formed a Synod Team that would learn how to accompany those congregations that want to call an LGBTQ candidate for Pastor or Deacon. The group has met numerous times over the past year including with members of ELM (Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries) and has grown in understanding, respect and insight about how to

71

accompany congregations for whom this will be new ground.

Ordinations In August, I was privileged to ordain into the office of Pastor: Mary Fiel who serves Bethesda Lutheran in Carlton, and Jordan Gades who serves First Lutheran in Aitkin.

Deaths of Rostered Leaders This past year, we celebrated the life and witness of these Servants among us who died: The Rev. Robert Twiton-February 26, 2017 The Rev. Stephen Ellerbusch- June 5, 2017 The Rev. Elden Landvik- July 3, 2017 The Rev. Vern Broughton- November 18, 2017 The Rev. David Pearson-November 24, 2017 May Perpetual Light Shine on Them

Resolutions 2017-1 and 2017-2 At our Synod Assembly we passed a Resolution on Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery, forming a Bridge Building Task Force with our Native American neighbors in our Synod and move toward a service of reconciliation and partnerships. I am pleased that we formed a Team “Together Now” eleven members strong who are working respectfully and intentionally including coming to clusters in our synod to equip us for this work. Use this Team! We also passed a Resolution on Ethiopian Suffering and our goal to learn about it and call our Legislators encouraging them to address the injustices and suffering.

Mission Support Through you, congregations, for the “more than just my congregation” attitude that allowed us together to make 96.8% of our budget goal! You gave $1,074,542 in Congregational Mission Support. We were able to fund our Ministry Partners at 100%. Here’s what that looks like at the end of the 2017 fiscal year: Luther Seminary $25,200 Lutheran Campus Ministry $47,000 Minnesota Council of Churches $ 1,100 Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers $ 5,400 Lutheran Advocacy/Mn $ 3,000 Region 3 Ministries $ 9,000

Our annual ingathering for the ELCA Disaster/ World Hunger Program through Quilts, Quarters and The Marketplace during the 2017 Synod Assembly raised $24,523 in one weekend! An additional $126,161 for World Hunger came in throughout the year. Gifts to Disaster relief and LWR totaled $32,442. Missionaries were supported at $24,808 as well as our Companion Synods: the Lutheran Church in Honduras; $20,326 and the Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia; $35,266. In our “Seminarian Debt Relief” fund there is $14,193. While this giving is good, there are still too many congregations that have lapsed into a holding pattern, or worse, giving less when in fact they could increase their financial commitments. Take hold of this challenge, trust God and raise your congregational missional support.

Our ELCA Bishops meet together twice a year. I am the Chair of the Bishop’s Middle East Ready Bench and Chair of the Conference of Bishop’s Roster Committee. Thank you, good and faithful members of this Synod for knowing who you are a child of God and a sister or brother to Christ, joined to his life and work in this world and willing to stake your life a thousand times on Jesus. There are good challenges ahead of us, the church is never static, so don’t tame Jesus, and don’t play small. And remember, in the spirit of the Reformation, faith is actually trust. Trust that your planning is never in vain.

+Bishop Thomas M. Aitken

72

Report of the Assistant to the Bishop 2017 Deacon Brenda Tibbetts - Call Process Administrator

218.724.4424 brenda.tibbetts@nemnsynod.org

In the year of our Lord, two thousand and seventeen, Lutherans around the world commemorated the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Several conferences sponsored wonderful musical and artistic concerts, some conferences brought in special speakers. The 2017 Synod Assembly as well as the Fall Theological Conference were built around the Reformation theme. Have you ever imagined where we would be today in our ELCA congregations if Martin Luther had said, “We can’t change because we’ve always done it that way…”?! It is kind of mind blowing to imagine. And yet, 500 years later after important theological and definitive ecclesiological reform came through the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into churches that had become “white washed tombs”, synod staff working with congregations still encounter that train of thought. Repeatedly. “We’ve always done it that way - for years! We just can’t understand why people are not coming in droves to our congregation.”

One of the major points of observing the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation as commemoration rather than celebration, is that throughout these 500 years, some communities of faith have suffered great schisms in their relationships - schisms the like of which we can no longer afford to ignore in these next 500 post-Christendom years; or, even 5 or 10 years! Schisms which need to be repaired so that the Church’s witness to the good news of Jesus Christ is proclaimed loudly and lived out boldly for the sake of the world God loves.

One of the other major points regarding commemoration rather than celebration of the 500th Anniversary is so that the Church does not become complacent resting on past “victories.” Commemoration connotes a movement forward so that the Church does not stagnate and become complicit by avoiding speaking the truth in love. Jesus named the injustices in his time. We are

called and sent to do the same. God’s mission has a church - not the other way around. Come, Holy Spirit, move us as God’s Church courageously into mission and ministry these next 500 years, ready and open for new reformations as well as re-formation with many of our full communion partners and those whom we work to repair the schisms from 500 years ago.

Mobility & Roster A fair number of mobility changes happened in 2017 for your Northeastern Minnesota Synod. We gratefully welcomed 14 pastors into new calls, two of whom involved a Rite of Ordination.

Transfers In - 11 (Includes retirees) Transfers Out of the Synod - 10 (Also includes some retirees) Called to Extended Service w/Full Communion Partners - 2 New Calls - 14 Retirements - 6 Deaths - 2 On Leave From Call Requests - 6

It is important for all congregations in the Call Process to be realistic in their expectations, gracious in their hospitality and generous in the Salary, Benefits and Compensation packages they offer. Why? # 1) It’s the right thing to do; and, # 2) The majority of candidates have multipleoptions for New Calls or First Calls.Realistically, congregations need to know thatthere is not a waiting list of clergy looking forpart-time calls. This may require an adjustment ofcongregational expectations and/or someintentional conversations with your neighboringELCA congregations about potential sharing ofstaff to do ministry in new ways.

Our DEM, Pr. Amy Odgren is very well suited to assist congregations to “think out of the box” creatively as well as to help ask the challenging questions, “What would it look like if…?” Some

73

congregations are working together to call a Rostered Minister for Youth & Family Ministry or to hire a full-time non-rostered Director of Faith Formation/Youth & Family Ministry. Some form parishes in order to a provide full-time, livable wage so that a Rostered Leader may be called. All congregations are encouraged to be at, or work toward Synod Guidelines for your Rostered Leaders. Synod Guidelines provide information for your lay employees as well. More and more responsibility is being placed on our church leadership. When leaders fall behind guidelines, it affects morale and passion to continue to serve in the congregation to which they’ve been called. It can encourage your called leadership to begin looking at other call possibilities.

Synod Guidelines also include the necessity for good health care coverage. Congregations that zero in on paying below guidelines and then decrease health care coverage for either the leader and/or any family members there might be - well, not only is it a Breach of Contract requiring consultation with the Bishop but most likely I will be receiving a call from your Council President to come and meet with the council to talk about the Call Process.

Pastoral vacancies can be an anxious time for councils and congregations. When we work together (Synod Staff and congregations), anxiety will be lessened particularly when Councils and Call Committees follow the process trusting that the Holy Spirit indeed is at work.

Interim Pastors are trained to assist congregations in examining their history, looking at congregational identity, talking about vision/ministry and preparing the congregation to call their new pastor or deacon. Following that process, a Call Committee is then prepared to fill out the Ministry Site Profile so the actual search can begin. Councils and Call Committees need to follow through in doing their part as well in order to provide a smooth transition for the congregation. Mutual respect for the work done is the healthiest way to move forward.

First Call Theological Education As of December 2017, our First Call Pastors included: Pr. Mary Fiel, Bethesda-Carlton; Pr. Jordan Gades, First-Aitkin; Pr. Kim Sturtz, Sandstone; Pr. Eric Thiele, Northern Lights Parish; Pr. Beth Pottratz, Salem-Mahtowa; Pr. Sue Johnson, Jesse Lake-Talmoon & Suomi-Deer River; Pr. CJ Boettcher, Gethsemane-Upsala. We said farewell to Pr. Katie Slack who is involved in further CPE studies and to Pr. Ben Schori who accepted a new call in the Twin Cities.

First Call Pastors once again joined in with seminarians in the candidacy process along with the Candidacy Committee and Synod Staff to enjoy the 2nd Annual 1st Call & Candidacy Retreat held at Camp Onomia. Thank you to Pr. Tim Berdahl, whose presentations on Family Systems, and to Deacon Terri Endres for her presentation on Portico & Wellness were very helpful.

All First Call Rostered Leaders (Pastors & Deacons) are mandated by the ELCA to participate in First Call Theological Education and colleague groups for the first three years of their first call.

Fall Theological In September, Rostered Leaders and Directors of Youth & Family Ministry gathered together at Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge, Cohasset for the Bishop’s Fall Theological Conference. The Rev. Dr. Dirk Lange, Luther Seminary, presented on the Lutheran/Catholic Dialog, From Conflict to Communion. Dr. Lange has been personally involved in the dialog between the Lutheran World Federation and the Roman Catholic Church. Pr. Jeff Davis and Pr. Peter Kowitz served as musical worship leaders. Others participating in worship included: Bp. Tom Aitken, Pr. Laura Berdahl, Pr. Ben Buchanan, Pr. Jacob Burkman, Pr. Sierra Westerman, and Pr. Kate Mensing.

The Rev. Dr. Sarah Henrich will be the presenter for the 2018 Fall Theological Conference to be held at Ruttger’s Sugar Lake Lodge Sept.23-25. Mark your calendars!

74

Synod Worship Planning Team Thank you to the Synod’s Worship planning team for all your work in 2017 planning worship for the Synod Assembly as well as the Fall Theological Conference. Representatives from all five conferences serve on this planning team. They are: Pr. Liz Cheney-Laurentian; Pr. Lisa Buchanan-Living Waters; Pr. Jeff Davis and Pr. Peter Kowitz-Lake Superior; Pr. Paul Brown and Pr. Kate Mensing-Heartland; Pr. Mary Fiel-Kettle River. Synod staff liaisons are Pr. Amy Odgren and Deacon Brenda Tibbetts.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as a member of your Synod Staff. Your wonderful, collaborative partnership makes my work easier when I can lift up all the wonderful ministries taking place throughout the Northeastern Minnesota Synod to potential candidates. We’re “3E” on the ELCA map - The Northeastern Minnesota Synod where together, we strive for Excellence in Leadership, Exploring Mission and Equipping Congregations!

75

Report of the Assistant to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission Rev. Amy Odgren

Amy.odgren@nemnsynod.org

As I have now been on staff with the Northeastern Minnesota Synod for a year and a half, I am grateful for the warm reception of a dedicated synod staff and the welcome of many congregations engaged in mission and deep involvement in their local communities. During this past year, I have had the opportunity to be directly involved with 50 congregations of the synod’s 132. This engagement extends from the responsibility of installing new pastors, to working with councils and facilitating the development of long range goals, to working with groups of congregations on area strategies, to assisting congregations with stewardship initiatives and consecration Sundays. I have also found it particularly helpful to team up with my synod colleague in the call process, Deacon Brenda Tibbetts, as we discuss ways where congregations in transition might embark on new strategies with neighbors. Additionally, I have been directly involved in facilitating the process of mission planning with 27 congregations over the past year.

Many of us have been sensing and experiencing a real change that has been washing over our congregations for a number of years. You’ve heard it all before – declining membership, dwindling finances, fewer newcomers, and waning congregational participation. It could be easy to bury our heads in the sand or fret about what’s happening to our beloved faith communities. Some just hope for a miracle to make things different – to make it like it used to be. But something is afoot within all of this change. The Holy Spirit is moving and perhaps urging us in new and creative ways. We’re being called upon to think and act with more imagination – to explore and try holy experiments – to take risks in ways that maybe we never have before. This is a transformational time to be the church. And yet, our mission and purpose has always been the same: To be caring communities of faith who embody the love, grace and mercy of Christ in the world – to be centers where the Word is proclaimed, the Sacraments

administered, and disciples are sent out to witness and serve.

Some will use this time of change in our church as an opportunity to sharpen mission - to reflect on what it means to be the Body of Christ and seek the unity of the church by joining neighbors and advancing hope. Some will be rejuvenated as emphasis is given to discipleship and faith practices. Some will engage more deeply with their neighborhoods as they seek to serve in ways where they are the hands and feet of Christ. Others will form new coalitions and partnerships. Still others may launch new ministries and creative ways to be witnesses to the gospel.

At a time such as this, it is important to remember that this is not our church; it’s the Lord’s church. In the midst of turmoil and change, I trust that God will continue to work through the broken body that Jesus has claimed as his own. Therefore, it is to the Lord that we entrust this church, our future, and the ministry of the Kingdom.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a partner with all of you in the work we share in making the good news of Jesus Christ known in our synod’s communities and across the world. While my work focuses on the congregations and leaders of our synod, my call is actually shared between the Northeastern Minnesota Synod (1/4 time) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (3/4 time). This partnership is a way for us to understand and experience the interdependent nature of who we are as a church body working together for the sake of Jesus.

As your synod staff, I am called to focus on the responsibilities of new and renewing congregations, congregational vitality, mission planning, stewardship and mission support, as well as evangelical leadership, which includes overseeing the candidacy process.

76

Mission Planning Over 65% of our congregations have completed a mission plan. Each one of the plans looks different as do the congregational contexts. Several have found the synod resource, The Mission We Share, a helpful tool in discerning and planning where God might be leading them. Bishop Aitken set the goal of having every congregation complete a mission plan by 2020 – reformed to October 31, 2017. We’re well on our way! I am available to assist, facilitate, guide and encourage those who would like to develop a new plan or tweak an existing mission plan.

New and Vital Congregations Although many congregations in our synod are more likely to engage in ways to energize existing ministries, often God is stirring something new around us. It is important to become keenly aware of who neighbors are and where relationships might need to be established or rekindled – who are the newcomers and who are neighbors yet unknown with whom we might share the love of Christ? That might very well be an entry point into a new or emerging ministry. Several Duluth congregations engaged in an experiment called the Ministry of Imagination, where visionary leaders came together to dream around questions of where God might be leading them to start creative “out of the box” ministry experiments.

Likewise, a key element to revitalizing existing ministries might be to look at relationships with nearby ELCA or ecumenical ministry partners to discuss creative ways for shared ministry and cooperative work together. Multiple conversations are occurring across the synod where congregations are engaged in the faithful work of asking what we could do better together that none of us can do on our own. New partnerships are being forged and new parish arrangements are being explored. I stand ready to discuss possibilities with those who are bold enough to take some risks.

Another way for congregations to renew existing ministries is by focusing on vitality. The ELCA has developed a Congregational Vitality Survey as a way to measure well-being that goes beyond

membership growth and financial sustainability. At a nominal cost, congregations can find out how they’re doing with targeted questions that get at markers of vitality – where does the congregation excel – what are its strengths and challenges - where could it do better. Information gleaned is used to share wisdom with other congregations throughout the ELCA and resources can be better focused where they are needed most, impacting a congregation’s effectiveness. I’m happy to discuss taking this survey as part of a transformational process within any congregation.

Stewardship and Mission Support I enjoy providing encouragement and support to congregations who are committed to generating a spirit of generosity within their setting. It also excites me to think of stewardship as more than financial giving – but as a way of living a caring, thankful and generous life. We all want to know that our efforts in stewardship makes a difference - and I know that Bishop Aitken and your synod staff will continue to host mission support consultations around the synod as a way to heighten awareness of how our mission support dollars are used for effective ministry across the church. Our Mission Interpretation ministry is also a key way for congregations to understand the work we do together in Jesus’ name. Michele Plagman is our Mission Interpreter Coordinator. She and other trained Mission Interpreters are ready to present, teach and share how we are personally connected to mission and ministry in our common contexts and around the world. They also lift up good insight into where our offerings go. We have the goal of having a Mission Interpreter in every congregation. On-going training events are held in different areas of our synod to give support to this important ministry. The next training event will be June 14th from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at United Lutheran Church of Proctor.

Evangelical Leadership We have a strong synodical Candidacy Committee who shares their support and oversight to students actively in the formation process for rostered leadership in this church. We currently support twelve students in the Word and Sacrament tract

77

and two students in the Word and Service or Deacon tract. During this past year, we have rejoiced with three students who graduated from seminary and who have gone on to serve the needs of the church. In January, we continued the tradition of hosting a combined retreat for first call rostered leaders (those in their first 3 years of ministry) and candidates. We met at Camp Onomia for fellowship, mutual encouragement and education around spiritual direction and coaching. The Candidacy Committee is hoping to develop creative ways to continue to encourage future leaders to answer God’s call to service in this church. Currently, we have five future students who are looking forward to theological education. Please encourage leaders you know too!

Resolution 17.1 – Together Here I have had the privilege of being a part of the planning team addressing how this synod will respond to the resolution we passed at last year’s Assembly regarding Native neighbors and the Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery. We call our work Together Here. We hope this embodies the sense of acknowledgment of one another no matter where we might live, work or worship within the synod territory. Together Here will work to provide opportunities for awareness, education, and constructive dialogue about the stories of our area, our history, and the peoples indigenous to this place. We endeavor to create a learning series where people from around the synod can come together with a sense of mutual respect and shared understanding between indigenous and non-indigenous communities – to learn and to listen and to see one another through these stories.

O give thanks to the Lord, call on the Lord’s name, make known God’s deeds

among the people. Sing to the Lord, sing praises; tell of all God’s wonderful works. Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord

rejoice. Seek the Lord; seek God’s strength and presence continually. Psalm 105:1-5

Thank you for joining me in seeking the Lord’s strength and presence as we tell and sing of all God’s wonderful works!

78

Coordinator of Youth Ministry 2017 Catherine Anderson

218-724-4424 ext. 124; Catherine.anderson@nemnsynod.org

“We were late for worship Saturday afternoon at Cardia Deo because our family time was so intense. I was blessed to bring three girls who like to dig deep into whatever faith discussions we have, and relate that to life in their school, community and the world. For some reason, however, our discussion until that point stayed very much on the surface, and I was surprised and a little troubled by that. I knew that two of them have had things going on in their lives that we hadn’t yet had a chance to discuss.

We finally went there on Saturday afternoon with the question: Do you ever feel alone when you are surrounded by people? The dam broke, and the girl I was most concerned about let it all out. Being in a safe place away from peers, siblings, and parents, she was emotionally free to share her frustration, guilt and anger over a particular situation in her life. She hasn’t felt free to talk about this previously. Being away at this retreat, surrounded by close friends and loving adults, she was able to let loose and let it out.

I am thankful for Cardia Deo because it was her safe place: geographically away from home, fused with great theology, a created community where she felt loved, and a curriculum written to give us a chance to dig deep.”

• Adult Leader from Cardia Deo

When I first heard the theme for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering, “This Changes Everything,” I was excited about the depth and challenging conversations this theme would offer. So I was surprised when the response from the young adults on our Synod Journey Worship Team was, “Really? What actually changes? Is this going to be one more place where adults tell us to pray more/ love more/go to church more and everything will magically fall into place?”

This is why I love working with young people. There is no room, there is no time, there is no patience for platitudes. They know life is real: they face bullies, loneliness, suicide, anxiety, depression, family issues, overwhelming expectations, exhausting schedules and much more every day. How do we offer them a transformative faith that will sustain them through the cultural challenges they face, and equip them to live their faith in their daily lives for the sake of the world?

There is no easy answer to that. One size does not fit all, and by now it’s hard to ignore that what worked in the past is no longer effective with this generation. We need new and adaptive ways of thinking and doing ministry. Yet some of the basic concepts remain the same. Ministry with young people (and all ages) needs to be relational, theologically sound, engage parents, develop leaders, be relevant to daily life, and create a culture of discipleship that encompasses the entire congregation. Programs we offer are tools to get at these foundations for ministry.

One of the ways we have been promoting our synod to potential ministry candidates is that we are “3E: Excellence in Leadership, Exploring Mission, Equipping Congregations.” I think these are critical areas to focus on that can help congregations get at the ministry needs listed above. Here are some ways in which we have been doing that this year.

Leadership Changes Everything. Nothing happens without a leader. That is why all of our events include some form of leadership development for adult leaders. Middle School Gathering holds a short training at the beginning of the event. This was listed in a recent survey as the only training adults often receive! Cardia Deo has a track for adult leaders to grow in their faith and leadership, where they can network with other leaders. We have nearly 100 adult leaders on the Synod Journey to the ELCA Youth Gathering, who are growing in their leadership skills through the trainings we offer and the work they are doing with their congregational groups. We have more than 60 youth and adults serving on youth ministry leadership/ministry teams in our synod. About 25 of those are high school members on the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) Board who are selected through an application process to plan and implement the Middle School Gathering and Cardia Deo events in our synod. They are required to attend a week long training camp where they learn communication skills, Lutheran theology, small and large group leadership

79

skills, and ministry practices. All of these leaders then bring these skills back to their congregations and communities. Our synod is deeply invested in leadership development for the sake of faith formation in young people, and it changes everything.

Mission Changes Everything I love the opportunities I have to meet with congregations, church councils, youth committees and other groups to talk about faith formation in a changing culture. I use this time to ask the challenging questions that face congregations today: Why do we do youth ministry? Why do we want young people in the church? What defines our effectiveness in faith formation – the numbers who show up to youth group, or the mission the youth take on in the world because of their faith? Young people are seeking identity, a place to belong, and a purpose in life. I believe the church has so much to offer young people in these areas, just as they have so much to offer the church and the world beyond. That is why we are intentional at our synod events to not only talk about theology, but to connect our theology to daily life and where God is calling us. Every one of our events includes Family Time, which is an opportunity to stop in the midst of all the activity and process what they are learning and experiencing. How does the speaker relate to Monday morning at school? How can you take what you are learning home? What difference will this make? I am grateful for a synod that helps young people understand and explore what God is up to in and through them. Exploring God’s mission changes everything.

Equipping Congregations Changes Everything Ministry with young people is complex, invigorating, rewarding, exhausting and relentless. Perhaps you have noticed the increase in youth dealing with anxiety, depression, loneliness and generally feeling overwhelmed. At the same time, financial and human resources for youth ministry are stretched thin. This synod has made the bold decision to continue to invest in a fulltime staff position who can tend to congregations as they work with the changing realities of youth ministry. Did you know that we are one of only a handful of synod who continue to make this investment? Why does this matter? You have someone to respond to questions ranging from program and curriculum to child safety practices. You

have someone who can listen to the needs of congregations and provide opportunities and resources like the Plan-It events (to plan a year of ministry programs), Recharge (an event to equip volunteer leaders), and other workshops. You have someone who can coordinate faith formation events that would be difficult to do on your own. This last year 67 of our congregations participated in our primary events: Middle School Gathering, Cardia Deo, and the Synod Journey. In all these ways we are being synod (walking together) with small, medium and large congregations. We are giving hundreds of youth and adults a glimpse of the larger church and what it means to be the body of Christ. Through leadership development and a missional focus, we are intentionally supporting and equipping congregations, youth, and their leaders in their ministry…and this changes everything.

This Changes Everything. When you pay attention to leadership development, mission and equipping congregations, you get stories like the one at the top of this report. Young people need strong leaders and congregations who pay attention to what is happening in their lives and have the capacity to make a difference. Leaders and congregations who will see young people as gifted and called to live out their lives of faith in the world and seek ways to help young people do that. Leaders and congregations who are supported and equipped for the challenging task of ministry in these changing times. Focusing on these areas can change everything. The change does not come from us, of course, but from the work of the Holy Spirit in and through us. And for that reason, we can boldly lead, we can courageously live into the mission to which God calls us, and we can be equipped to fearlessly accompany young people on this faith journey.

Thank you for walking this faith journey with the young people in your congregations and communities. You make a difference far beyond what you will ever know. Without you, our young people may never know that Jesus truly does change everything.

For more information on the events listed in this report, visit www.nemnsynod.org/youth.

80

Northeastern Minnesota Synod 2018 Conference Elections

Lake Superior Conference:

• Synod Council – Mrs. Patti Maguire *incumbent• Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Ms. Jennifer Simonson• Alternate Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Mrs. Joy Michalicek• Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – The Rev. Rollie Bockbrader• Alternate Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – The Rev. Peter Kowitz• Synod Nominating Committee – Mr. David Erdmann• Synod Nominating Committee – The Rev. Jerome Evavold• Synod Reference, Counsel and Memorial – Mrs. Shannon Jorgenson• Synod Reference, Counsel and Memorial – The Rev. Brendan Johnston

Laurentian Conference:

• Synod Council – Mrs. Barb Murray *incumbent• Synod Council – The Rev. Eric Thiele *incumbent• Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Ms. Kari Olson• Alternate Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Mrs. Brenda Tibbetts• Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – The Rev. John Dietz• Alternate Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – The Rev. Kevin Olson• Synod Nominating Committee – Ms. Paula Jackson• Synod Nominating Committee – The Rev. John Dietz• Synod Reference, Counsel and Memorial – Mr. Gene Maki• Synod Reference, Counsel and Memorial – The Rev. Kevin Olson

Living Waters Conference:

• Synod Council – Mrs. Harriet Suomala *incumbent• Synod Council – The Rev. Matt McWaters *incumbent• Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Mrs. Gwen Degner• Alternate Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Mrs. Brenda Wagner• Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – The Rev. Dale Degner• Alternate Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – The Rev. Amanda Kossow• Synod Nominating Committee – vacant• Synod Nominating Committee – The Rev. Trisha Jorgenson• Synod Reference, Counsel and Memorial – Mrs. Gwen Degner• Synod Reference, Counsel and Memorial – The Rev. Megan Crouch

81

Heartland Conference:

• Synod Council – Mr. Doug Jacobson *incumbent• Synod Council – The Rev. Jacob Burkman *incumbent• Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Mrs. Suzanne Rye• Alternate Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Ms. Anne Laechel• Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – The Rev. Steve Rye• Alternate Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – The Rev. Jacob Burkman• Synod Nominating Committee – Mr. Bob Mueller• Synod Nominating Committee – The Rev. John Stiles• Synod Reference, Counsel and Memorial – Mrs. Rachel Flogstad-Heise• Synod Reference, Counsel and Memorial – The Rev. Catherine Hedmark

Kettle River Conference:

• Synod Council – Mr. Peter Thorvig• Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Mr. Cross Beaulieu• Alternate Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Mrs. Dorothy Dybvig• Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – The Rev. Kim Sturtz• Alternate Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – The Rev. Sierra Westerman• Synod Nominating Committee – Mrs. Ann Mans• Synod Nominating Committee – The Rev. Brenda Wicklund• Synod Reference, Counsel and Memorial – Mr. Steve Blondo• Synod Reference, Counsel and Memorial – The Rev. Patrick McCormack

82

Roster: Planning Committee; Reference Counsel & Memorial; Synod Council

Synod Assembly Planning Committee Coordinator

Ms. Kathy Wimer, Synod Staff

Registrar and Committee/On-Site Secretary Ms. Anne Laechel, Baxter

Bulletin of Reports Ms. Barb Murray, Mt. Iron

Displays Pastor Kim Sturtz, Sandstone

Worship Pastor Amy Odgren, Synod Staff Deacon Brenda Tibbetts, Synod Staff

Reference, Counsel and Memorial Pastor Megan Crouch, Grand Rapids

Nominating Committee Pastor Brenda Wicklund, HinckleyPastor Rollie Bockbrader, Duluth

Hunger Committee Liaison Pastor Loren Anderson-Bauer, Duluth Mrs. Amy Loken, Duluth

Synod Vice-President Mrs. Brenda Wagner, Cohasset

Elections Pastor Mike Pancoast, Princeton

Committee for Reference Counsel & Memorial

Lake Superior Conference Pastor Brendan Johnston Mrs. Shannon Jorgenson

Laurentian Conference Pastor Kevin Olson Mr. Gene Maki

Living Waters Conference Pastor Megan Crouch Mrs. Gwen Degner

Heartland Conference Pastor Catherine Hedmark Ms. Rachel Flogstad-Heise

Kettle River Conference Pastor Patrick McCormack Mr. Steven Blondo

Synod Officers Vice President

Mrs. Brenda Wagner, Cohasset

Secretary Pastor Rollie Bockbrader, Duluth

TreasurerMr. Ted Pfohl, Little Falls

Synod Council Members Lake Superior Conference

Pastor Brendan Johnston, Two Harbors Ms. Patti McGuire, Duluth

Laurentian Conference Pastor Eric Thiele, Hoyt Lakes Ms. Barb Murray, Mt. Iron

Living Waters Conference Pastor Matt McWaters, Walker Ms. Harriett Suomala, Jacobson

Heartland Conference Pastor Jacob Burkman, Pine River Mr. Doug Jacobson, Wahkon

Kettle River Conference Pastor Reggie Denton, Moose Lake Mr. David Mettler, Grasston

At Large Members Pastor Stephen Olson, St.Paul Ms. Rachel Berry, Littlefork Mr. Immanueli Magomolla, Duluth Ms. Rebecca May, Aitkin

Youth Representative Ms. Reilee Schepper, Princeton

Northeastern Minnesota Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

83

Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

Report of the Nominating Committee Pastor Brenda Wicklund, chair

320.384.6393 firstpastor@scicable.com

Vice President of the Synod (four (4) year term) Lay person; male or female (Elect ONE)

• Mrs. Rachel Berry• Mrs. Paula Leland Garnett

* The Vice President shall be a layperson.* The Vice President is the chair of the Synod Councilwhich meets four times a year.* The Vice President shall be a voting member of acongregation of this synod.

Synod Council At-Large (three (3) year term) Minister of Word and Sacrament or Lay person; male or female (Elect ONE)

• Rev. Charles Boettcher• Rev. Stephen Olson *incumbent

* The Synod Council usually meets four times per year.* Synod Council members attend the Synod Assembly(each spring) as voting members.* Synod Council serves as the synod’s board ofdirectors between Synod Assemblies.

The ELCA Church Council six (6) year term (For possible nomination to the Church Council) Elect TWO – Lay person; male

• Loren Solberg•

* Is the board of directors for the ELCA* The Council meets at least two times peryear.* Members to the Church Council areelected for a six (6) year term.

Committee on Discipline (six (6) year term) Minister of Word and Sacrament; male (Elect ONE)

• Rev. Andrew Bakken• Rev. Dean Oelfke

Committee on Discipline (six (6) year term) Minister of Word and Sacrament; female (Elect ONE)

• Rev. Catherine Hedmark• Rev. Sierra Westerman

Committee on Discipline (six (6) year term) Lay person; male (Elect TWO)

• Mr. Douglas Jacobson• Mr. Robert Larson• Mr. Dale Thompson

Committee on Discipline (six (6) year term) Lay person; female (Elect TWO)

• Mrs. Beth Erdman•

* Convened when charges are brought against aperson or entity in the synod.* Committee consists of 12 members: six (6)laypersons and six (6) Ministers of Word andSacrament.

84

Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly - Multicultural (person of color or whose primary language is other than English) Lay person; male or female (Elect ONE)

• Ms. Donna Bergstrom•

Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly – Young Adult (must be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of election) Lay person; male or female (Elect ONE)

• Hannah Bockbrader• Adrianna Carlson• Robbie Peterson

At Large Voting Member to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly - Youth Lay person; male or female (Elect ONE)

• Braden Johnson• Michael Olson

*Attend entire Churchwide Assembly: August 5-10 in Milwaukee, WI * Travel, motel and meal expenses are covered* Meeting held for voting members from our synod inJune or July 2019* Voting members participate in all events of theChurchwide Assembly – plenary sessions, voting,worship, etc.* Past voting members have found this to be an intenseand inspiring experience of the life and faith of theELCA

85

Biographical Data (full information from nomination forms is available from the Synod Office)

Synod Vice-President

Mrs. Rachel Berry Congregation: Littlefork Lutheran Church, Littlefork Age: 30 Occupation: Speech and Communication Instructor, Rainy River College Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Member-At-Large of Northeastern Minnesota Synod Council since 2013• On multiple committees and boards at Rainy River Community College• Steeped in parliamentary and constitutional language from age 10

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Synod Council member• ELCA Western Mission Network Cluster• Littlefork Lutheran: Confirmation, Youth, Congregation, and WELCA ministries

Educational Background: • BA in Communication/Minor in Religion & Theology-Concordia College, Moorhead, MN• MA in Communication Theory-Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

Mrs. Paula S. Leland Garnett Congregation: Spirit of God Lutheran Church, Duluth Age: NA Occupation: Retired Educator Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Church Council President multiple times• Sons of Norway District One Director for Northeastern Minnesota• Board of Directors: Companies to Classrooms; Share Advantage Credit Union

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Spirit of God Church Council President• Synod Assembly representative for Spirit of God; past Synod Assembly representative for Zion Lutheran• Attended 2018 Lake Superior Conference

Educational Background: • Completion of all doctoral classes; Leadership, Policy, Planning and Administration; Dissertation; Partnerships;

University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus• Specialist Degree in Administration: Principal, Superintendent; University of Wisconsin-Superior• Master’s Degrees: Administration K-12 and English and Language Arts; University of Wisconsin-Superior

Synod Council At-Large The Rev. Charles (CJ) Boettcher Congregation: Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Upsala Age: 30 Occupation: Parish Pastor Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Member of local Ministerium and treasurer of its Community Assistance Fund• Member of Long-term Disaster Recovery Team (Upsala, MN)• Fellow in the Rural Minnesota fellows Program Collegeville Institute

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Adult Leader Synod Journey (ELCA National Youth Gathering) 2018• Adult Leader Junior High Gathering 2015-2017

Educational Background: • Master of Divinity-Luther Seminary, May 2015• Bachelor of Science; Water Resources University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, December 2010

86

Synod Council At-Large, continued

The Rev. Stephen E Olson *incumbent Congregation: St. Timothy Lutheran Church, St. Paul Age: 71 Occupation: Interim Pastor, on leave from Call Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Served as Laurentian Conference Clergy representative on Northeastern Minnesota Synod Council• Operations Chairperson, Backus Community Center, International Falls• Worked in Industry as Plant Manager and Chief Engineer

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Served as parish pastor for 35 years• Completed Intention Interim Course from NALIP• Served in a similar capacity previously in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Council

Educational Background: • Master of Divinity-Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering-University of Minnesota [Institute of Technology] Minneapolis, MN• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering-University of Minnesota [Institute of Technology] Minneapolis, MN

Committee on Discipline-Clergy

The Rev. Andrew Bakken Congregation: Lutheran Church of the Cross, Nisswa Occupation: Pastor Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Interned at Drug & Alcohol Treatment Center• Natural Church Development Coach

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Served on the Minneapolis Synod Council• Served on the St. Paul Synod Guatemala Task Force• Served on Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries

Educational Background: • BA Criminal Justice, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire• Master of Divinity, Luther Seminary-St. Paul

I would like to serve in this capacity because: I would like to serve the Northeastern Minnesota Synod

The Rev. Catherine (Cathy) Hedmark Congregation: Zion-Holden Lutheran Church, McGrath Occupation: Pastor Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Congregational work to continue God’s mission in Christ’s love even through challenging times• Daycare licensing officer-worked with teams and individuals to creatively assure children’s well-being• Teaching and substitute teaching in private and public schools

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Minister of Word and Sacrament since 2004• Reference, Council, and Memorial Committee 5 years• Past member of Synodical Board of Women of the ELCA, Rocky Mountain Synod

Educational Background: • Master of Divinity, 2004; Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, IA• Bachelor of Science 1982; University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, WI• Associate of Arts 1978; UW Barron County Campus, Rice lake, WI

87

Committee on Discipline-Clergy, continued

The Rev. Dean Oelfke Congregation: Calvary Lutheran Church, Mora Occupation: Pastor Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Conference Dean• 33 years of Ordination• Training in Conflict Management

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Consulting Committee• ELCA Voting Member Assembly• Outreach Committee

Educational Background • Master of Theology Program, Luther Seminary, St Paul• Master of Divinity• BA, Concordia University

The Rev. Sierra Westerman Congregation: Immanuel Lutheran Church-Brunswick, Mora Occupation: Pastor Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Almost 2 years ordained ministry• Detached Site Intern-Spokane, WA• Camp Counselor-Tall Timber Ranch-Washington

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Regular attendance-Kettle River Conference• Regular attendance-text study

Educational Background • M Div-Princeton Theological Seminary• BA-Theology-Whitworth University• BA-Psychology-Whitworth University

Committee on Discipline-Lay - male

Douglas J. Jacobson Congregation: Faith Lutheran Church, Isle Occupation: Executive Director Tri-County Community Action Partnership, Inc. Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Life of reflection and service• MSW degree and 10 years as a social work clinical therapist• Executive level management experience--25 years—for-profit and non-profit

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA Council Representative for Heartland Conference• Faith Lutheran Church Council• Faith Lutheran Caring Committee (Social Justice)

Educational Background • MBA University of South Dakota• MSW University of Minnesota• Non-Profit Leadership Certificate University of South Dakota School of Public Administration

88

Mr. Robert Larson Congregation: Faith Lutheran Church, Culver Occupation: Retired teacher, principal Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• School Board member and Chair• Teacher and Principal• Parent

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Church Council member and Chair• Parish Council President• Call Committees

Educational Background • High School Diploma-Albrook• BS Degree-UMD• MS Degree-UWS• Specialist Equivalent-UWS

Mr. Dale Thompson Congregation: First Lutheran Church, Hinckley Occupation: Security Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Correctional Officer• Boy Scout Leader• Security Officer

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: •

Educational Background • College fire-fighting, EMT classes• Classes for Security• Classes for Correctional Officer

Committee on Discipline-Lay - female

Mrs. Beth Erdmann Congregation: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Saginaw Occupation: Office Manager Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Office Manager at Salem Lutheran Church, Hermantown, 15 years• Variety of administrative duties including updating Constitutions and assisting in Budget Analysis

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Administratively assist church councils in achieving their goals at both Salem and SALT Parish• Former acolyte at Salem Lutheran• Former Nursery Coordinator at Salem Lutheran

Educational Background • High School Graduate• Some College

89

•••

••

Committee on Discipline-Lay - female, continued

Ms. Elaine Santi Congregation: Faith United Lutheran Church, Iron Occupation: Dairy Inspection Supervisor MN Dept of Agriculture Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in:

Educational Background

Churchwide Assembly, Multi-Cultural Representative Ms. Donna Mae Bergstrom Congregation: First Lutheran Church, Duluth Occupation: Student Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Lifelong Lutheran: baptized and confirmed in the faith• Current member of First Lutheran Church• Enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Board of Directors• First Lutheran Church, member; Sunday School Teacher; Life Long Learning Ministry Team• Lutheran Social Service, Northeast Regional Council Member; previously the Steering Committee for the Center For

Changing Lives-DuluthEducational Background:

• BA, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: Political Science• Master of Jurisprudence-Loyola University Chicago, School of Law: Children’s Law and Policy• Pursuing: Elementary Education Bachelor of Science with emphasis in American Indian culture

Churchwide Assembly, Young Adult male or female, layperson; voting member of a congregation between the age of 18 – 30 at time of election; elect ONE

Ms. Hannah Bockbrader Congregation: Salem Lutheran Church, Hermantown Age: 25 Occupation: Sales Associate at Waters of Superior Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Working and volunteering at Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry for four summers• Daughter of a Lutheran Pastor• I am a young adult with lots of love and care for God and God’s people

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Northeastern Minnesota Synod LGBTQ+ Task Force• Reformation Festival at Salem Lutheran Church October 2017• Mission trip to Russia, May 2007

Educational Background: • High School Diploma from Esko High School• Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Art and Photography from University of Minnesota, Duluth

90

Supervisor for the MN Dept of Agriculture for 18 years Served on Synod Council in the pastServed on Church Council many terms

Currently Church Council SecretaryCurrently NEMN Synod School of Lay Ministry-Pulpit Supply and Lay Leader

Bachelor of Agriculture Business Degree at University of Minnesota NEMN School of Lay MinistryExtensive Supervisory Training

Churchwide Assembly, Young Adult, continued

Ms. Adrianna Carlson Congregation: United Lutheran Church, Proctor Age: 18 Occupation: Lifeguard at Edgewater Hotel & Waterpark, will be a Counselor at Luther Park Bible Camp summer 2018 Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Served as a student representative on School Board for 2 years• Previously a Youth voting member at a churchwide assembly• Served as a youth voice on my congregation’s Church Council

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Church Council Education Committee representative• Served on the Lutheran Youth Organization Board• Youth Voting Member for the Northeastern Minnesota Synod at the 2016 Churchwide Assembly

Educational Background: • Currently attending Proctor High School; accepted and committed to Concordia College, Moorhead, MN

Mr. Robbie Peterson Congregation: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Aurora Age: 18 Occupation: Student, Part-time Firefighter/EMT Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Serving as a Page for the Northeastern Minnesota Synod Church Assembly• Helping lead and being a part of Synod-wide Youth events such as Cardia Deo and Middle School Gathering• Being a voting member as a Youth for the Synod Council Meetings

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Helping teach and lead Confirmation, and starting a youth group at my home church• Sitting on the Laurentian youth Leadership Project Board for 2 years• Serving on the northeastern Minnesota Synod Lutheran Youth Organization for 2 years

Educational Background: • High School• Spanish• Fire/EMS

Churchwide Assembly, Youth male or female, layperson; voting member of a congregation under the age of 18 at time of election; elect ONE

Mr. Braden Johnson Congregation: First Lutheran Church, Hinckley Age: 15 Occupation: Student, Athlete, Grand Cinema employee Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Mission trips to Chicago and Los Angeles• LYO• Cardia Deo

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Western States Youth Gathering-Cal Lutheran• Northeastern Minnesota Synod LYO• Northeastern Minnesota Synod Middle School Gathering & Cardia Deo

Educational Background: • High School

I would like to serve in this capacity because: I believe that I am a strong leader, a good role model, and an enthusiastic learner.

91

Churchwide Assembly, Youth, continued

Mr. Michael Olson Congregation: Hope Lutheran Church, Moose Lake Age: 16 Occupation: Student Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Active member in church/interested in social justice• Leadership activities with my school• Leadership role in basketball & track

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Cardia Deo (2 times)• Middle School Gathering (3 times)• Will attend the National Youth Gathering this summer (2018)

Educational Background: • High School student

ELCA Church Council clergy or lay; male or female; elect ONE

Mr. Loren A Solberg Congregation: Bethel-Trinity Lutheran Church, Bovey Occupation: Small Business Owner, Consultant, Retired School Teacher Experience that has prepared you for service in this capacity:

• Strong faith rooted in the ELCA tradition• Representative, Minnesota House (28 years) Chair-Ethics & Ways & Means Commission• Active Volunteer in community organizations

Congregational, Synodical or Churchwide activities you have been or currently are involved in: • Delegate-LCA Convention (1976) Boston, MA• Delegate-ELCA Conventions (2001) Indianapolis, (2005) Orlando• Bethel-Trinity Church Council, Sunday School Teacher, Treasurer

Educational Background: • Bachelor of Science, Bemidji State University (Math Ed. Major)• Master of Science, Bemidji State University• Master of Public Administration, Harvard University

92

EcoFaith Network of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod Pastor David Carlson and Pastor Kristin Foster, Co-Chairs pastor@gloriadeiduluth.org revkristinfoster@gmail.com

A growing network that inspires congregations and their members to live out God’s call to be stewards of the earth for the sake of the whole creation.

The EcoFaith Network of the NEMN Synod (formerly the Synod Creation Care Team) was established by action of the Synod Assembly in 2008. Through subsequent resolutions it has encouraged congregations to form creation care teams and conduct energy audits, and has provided synod leadership recognizing “creation care as integral to each faith practice, lived out in worship, service, study, and witness as a vital component of the church’s identity and vocation today.”

The Network’s Leadership Team, composed of pastors and lay leaders from congregations around the synod, meets regularly by conference call and an occasional in-person gathering to nurture this growing network. Highlights during the past year included:

• Coordinating a Climate Hike during SynodAssembly 2017.

• Creating new EcoFaith Network pages on theSynod web site to provide a wide variety ofresources, including special water andrenewable energy initiatives, to assistcongregations with creation care activities.

• Maintaining a Facebook page “NortheasternMinnesota Synod/ELCA EcoFaith Network”on which there are regular “Green Tips” andnews about events and critical issues aroundour synod and statewide.

• Conducting workshops at leader meetings ofdifferent Conferences, the 2017 SynodicalWomen’s Assembly, and the 2017Reformation Festival at Camp Vermilion.

• Reading and discussing, God of Earth:Discovering a Radically EcologicalChristianity (2016) by Kristin Swenson, aprofessor who grew up at First LutheranChurch Duluth.

• Reading and discussing two recentlypublished articles by Pr. David Carlson,

“Earth Stewardship and the Missio Dei: The Leadership of Integrating Congregations” (2017) and “9.5 Theses on Earth Stewardship: Lutheran Roots for a New Reformation” (2018).

• Providing Creation Care micro-grants of$100-$1000 to congregations in the synod toassist with a wide-range of creation careactivities. 2017 grant recipients included:Zion Lutheran Church in Cloquet for fundingtowards a new community garden,sponsorship of the 9th annual Iron RangeEarth Fest, and assistance towards an energyefficient lighting retrofit at Salem LutheranChurch in Mahtowa.

• Meeting with leaders from the EcoFaithNetwork of the Minneapolis Area SynodELCA.

• Serving on the national board of LutheransRestoring Creation.

Of special note, the team organized a one-day EcoFaith Summit in March 2018, “Renewing Energy: People, Planet, and Promise,” graciously hosted by St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids. Participants explored our role as individuals and congregations in promoting the use of renewable energy, its value to the health of our planet, and how God’s faithful promise of redemption of all creation has the power to inspire and renew our purpose as stewards of the earth. The Summit keynote speaker was J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy Director for Fresh Energy. Her responsibilities include scientific analysis and policy development for clean energy.

We also heard from Tammy Walhof, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota, who helped connect public policy and community action as components of earth stewardship, and from congregations in our synod that are using

93

renewable resources to save energy and money including Lutheran Church of the Cross Nisswa, Crosslake Lutheran, Elim Lutheran Duluth and First Lutheran Aitkin. This was the Network’s second annual summit, an evolution of an overnight retreat held in previous years, to provide an annual opportunity for participants to share with others how they are living out their faith through caring for creation.

During the Season of Easter, the proper preface at the Eucharist reminds us that creation is not a stage on which human redemption is carried out. Rather, we join our voices in the unending hymn of thanksgiving to God “with earth and sea and all their creatures,” who also long for and are recipients of God’s grace, justice, and new life.

The EoFaith Network Leadership Team welcomes opportunities to accompany congregations on their journey of earth stewardship in all aspects of ministry. Please visit our table during assembly for conversation and resources.

94

Ingria Companion Synod Task Force 2017-18 Pastor David Carlson

pastor@gloriadeiduluth.org

The mission of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA/Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia Companion Synod Task Force is to facilitate the support and encouragement of the ELCIR and its programs and to foster mutually supporting relationships between ELCIR churches and Lutheran churches in North America.

As our synod assembles around the theme that “Living in God’s Kingdom Changes Everything,” we join our Russian sisters and brothers in affirming with Martin Luther the result of Christ’s saving act: “He has done all this in order that I may belong to him, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him…” (Small Catechism, Apostles’ Creed). Together we belong to Christ, and together we receive the gift of living and serving in his kingdom. Our relationship is not determined by the peace or tension of international politics but by the unifying and transforming power of the Holy Spirit that has sustained this companion synod relationship formally since 2002 and its accompaniment ministries before and since.

Here are some recent developments in our mutually enriching relationship of living in God’s kingdom together.

Sending visitors In November 2017, a delegation from our synod traveled to Russia to visit church leaders and congregations with an emphasis on encouraging, supporting, and learning from each other. Led by Paul Anderson of First Lutheran Church in Duluth, the delegation also included Carol Anderson and Brenda Sproat from First, as well as Pastor Timothy Mantei and two other members from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Butte, ND. The group visited the ELCIR Seminary and two congregations in St. Petersburg, and attended worship at the congregation in Petrozavodsk and rural congregations in Deryvjanaka and Chulna. They met with Bishop Arri Kugappi and other church leaders who have visited our synod in Minnesota including Pastor Alexei & Nadia Krongholm and Evgeny Raskotov. While the church has historical ties to Finnish ethnicity and language, the past two decades have seen the ELCIR cultivate its own identity and outreach beyond ethnic limitations. The seminary coordinates

Christian education throughout the ELCIR and through its representatives at locations in all six deaneries offers introductory instruction at no cost to participants, enabling many people to deepen their faith and explore the possibility of further seminary study. The group had rich experiences worshiping alongside our companions in Christ, and renewing and establishing relationships that continue.

Gifts continue to enable ministry The Synod Task Force continued to highlight and to provide opportunities for congregations and individuals to accompany ELCIR churches in ministry by financial support. Contributions in 2017 for this financial support totaled $35,451.10, of which $15,283.34 was from churches and individuals within our Synod. The Synod transferred funds totaling $46,889.39 to various churches and projects in the ELCIR in 2017 (this included designated funds carried over from 2017). Ministry partnerships this year included funding for Vision Petrozavodsk (youth ministry work in Karelia and salary and ministry support for the ELCIR church in Petrozavodsk), Kazhdy (Russian word for “every,” working with families of children with disabilities and serious illnesses near St. Petersburg), Project Cheboksary (a church building project endorsed by the ELCIR church leadership), and congregations in the Karelian and Ural Deaneries.

Ongoing relationships Several friendship congregation relationships exist between our two synods, and this year United Lutheran in Proctor established such a relationship with the Lutheran Church of St. Luke the Evangelist in Cheboksary, a city in the Ural Deanery on the Volga River. These accompaniment pairings are mutually enriching through correspondence, digital photos, and prayers. We encourage you also to include the Ingrian Lutheran Church of Russia, as well as

95

our other global companion synods, in your congregation’s weekly prayers, and to consider deepening your congregation’s participation in this shared ministry. Information about the Ingrian Lutheran Church of Russia is at www.nemnsynod.org under the “More” tab. Members of the Task Force can also provide further details, facilitate correspondence through translation, and in general are happy to give presentations in your congregation or conference to help begin or expand your involvement with our companion synod. To be included in an ELCIR communication network, please contact the Task Force at the email below.

“The promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him” (Acts 2:39).

96

Honduras Mission and Ministry 2018 In 2017 our Companion Synod ministry of accompaniment with the Lutheran Church in Honduras (Iglesia Cristiana Luterana de Honduras/ICLH) entered an exciting new kairos. Significant events happened in our shared ministry that could not have happened earlier: the adoption of a new model of lay ministry training and leadership, receiving the gifts of a new ICLH leadership team in a visit to our Synod, deepening Companion Synod relationships with ELCA Global Mission partners, and celebrating Reformation 500 together in the Central Park in Tegucigalpa. Thanks be to God! We are humbled to realize that the only explanation for these developments is the power of God through the leading of the Holy Spirit.

February 2017: ICLH Assembly At their Biennial General Assembly in February the twelve worshiping communities of ICLH elected a new Executive Council (Pastor President Rolando Martinez, General Secretary Gloria Rodriguez and Vice President Julio Caballero) and adopted new by-laws. These actions enabled ICLH to take the bold step of ordaining seven new pastors! In addition to the “traditional” track toward ordination of attending seminary for five years in Brazil or El Salvador, it now became possible for a person with nine or more years of demonstrated lay leadership in the worshiping communities to be enrolled in a process of ongoing pastoral formation and be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. This new model of pastoral leadership balances contextual reality and call integrity and has strengthened the church immeasurably. The new pastors are the three incredible leaders of the Good Shepherd congregation in San Pedro Sula (Julio Caballero, Mario Ortega and Enrique Pastrana) and four women (!!) (Suyapa Ordonez, Belinda Colindres and Ada Fuentes of Tegucigalpa, and Antonia Munoz of Santa Cruz de Yojoa). Since an important element of our Synod’s accompaniment with ICLH is the spiritual training of leaders, we look forward to participating in this new expression of leadership.

August 2017: Visit of ICLH Leaders to NE MN, Companion Synod Summit in Chicago We were blessed to welcome Pastor President Rolando Martinez, General Secretary Gloria Rodriguez, Besy Vargas and Luis Alfredo Matute to our Synod in August. Our guests participated in worship and ministry activities in Grand Rapids, Bovey, Warba, Mahtowa, Hermantown and Duluth. They joined in celebrating a Water Filter Festival at St. Andrew’s in Grand Rapids and a Fiesta at Grace in Hermantown. A highlight of their visit was enjoying the hospitality of a dinner at the home of Bishop Tom and Beckie. The group also led a powerful, first-hand workshop on Liberation Theology and Migration at Good Shepherd in Duluth.

We took a memorable road trip together to Chicago to participate in an ICLH/ELCA Companion Synod Summit Gathering sponsored by ELCA Global Mission. This was a rich time of worship, planning and visioning that included the ICLH leaders, Paulina Dasse and Stephen Deal of Global Mission, and Companion Synod leaders from Northwest Lower Michigan, New England and Northeastern Minnesota Synods. Representing our Synod were Megan Crouch, Dave Mesner, Beth Pottratz, Brenda Wagner, Mark Wagner and Michael Wittkamper.

October 2017: Reformation 500 In October a team of Dave Mesner, Roberta Palen and Michael Wittkamper participated in a Reformation 500 workshop on The Ninety-Five Theses and The Role of Women in the Reformation and Today at Valle de Angeles. The memorable conclusion of the workshop was a worship service including all twelve of the worshiping communities, as well as local and national religious and political leaders, including the German Ambassador to Honduras. The service was held outdoors in the Central Park in Tegucigalpa. What a thrill it was to celebrate Holy Communion together in this setting. The visible leadership role of the women clergy in particular made a very strong counter-cultural statement. The spiritual transformation of the Reformation continues!

97

Prospects for 2018 Soon after our visit, the disputed national election in Honduras set off a wave of protests, demonstrations and reprisals. In response the U.S. State Department issued a travel advisory for Honduras. The situation has impacted our rhythm of May and October visits, but our greatest concern of course is the ongoing safety of our brothers and sisters in Honduras. We are confident that we will continue to experience excellent security when we return. We look forward to deepening our partnership with ICLH through our support of the Dr. Martin Luther Kindergarten in La Canada, nutrition programs and water filter distribution, and the spiritual equipping of leaders. We continue to be blessed beyond words as we receive the gifts of inspiration from a ministry of justice, faith and a passion for world transformation through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thank you for your support of this ministry through our Synod. Please continue to pray for God’s leading and consider becoming a regular financial supporter of this Companion Synod partnership through your congregation and/or ministry group. Please contact any member of our Leadership Team if you are interested in becoming part of a ministry team traveling to Honduras, or if you have any questions.

Thanks be to God!

Northeastern Minnesota Synod Honduras Leadership Team • Bishop Tom Aitken• Pastor Megan Crouch, St. Andrew’s, Grand

Rapids• Mary Davidson, Good Shepherd, Duluth• Pastor Joan Gunderman, Faith, Swanburg• Gary and Nancy Loberg, Grace, Hermantown• Pastor Dave Mesner, Good Shepherd, Duluth• Pastor Beth Pottratz, Salem, Mahtowa• Dr. Julie Reichhoff, Good Shepherd, Duluth• SAM Brenda Wagner, Bethel Trinity, Bovey;

Bethel, Warba; Carmel, Jacobson• Pastor Mark Wagner, Bethel Trinity, Bovey;

Bethel, Warba; Carmel, Jacobson• Pastor Michael Wittkamper

98

Companion Synod Report 2018 Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA and the South Andhra Lutheran Church of India

Brenda Wagner Mbwagner965@gmail.com 218-341-1831

A little over 150 years ago, a German missionary named Rev. August Mylius traveled to the southern part of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh and began sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with the Telegu-speaking people of that area. The word of God took root in the communities of Sullurpet and Nayudupet and the South Andhra Lutheran Church was born out of these roots. SALC now has over 50

parishes with over 50,000 baptized members and is led by Bishop Michael Benhur Oppathati.

When the ELCA was formed by the merger of its

predecessor church bodies, the concept of Companion Synods became an integral part of the mission and ministry of the new church body. Companion synod relationships of the ELCA connect Lutheran churches throughout the world with ELCA synods and congregations. These relationships are concrete expressions of the communion and fellowship with the more than 140 Lutheran member churches of The Lutheran World Federation. Each of the 65 synods has at least one international church companion and many have additional relationships, resulting in more than 120 companion synod relationships.

These relationships are rooted in “accompaniment,” which promotes the values of mutuality, inclusivity, vulnerability, empowerment and sustainability. Through the program, companion churches and ELCA synods nurture and strengthen one another for life and ministry through prayer, study, communication, exchange of visitors and sharing of resources.

The Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA and the South Andhra Lutheran Church have been Companion Synods for many years, although there was a period of several years' dormancy in the relationship. The relationship is now undergoing the process of resurrection!

In March 2015, Bishop Tom Aitken, Vice-President Brenda Wagner, and Rev. Brenda Wicklund traveled to Chicago for a summit of all the India Lutheran churches and their ELCA Companion Synods. They met with a four-person delegation from SALC, including Bishop Michael Benhur Oppathati. After the summit, the SALC delegation visited NE Minnesota and the baby steps of renewing the relationship began. In November 2015, SALC celebrated their 150th Anniversary. NE Minnesota was invited to send representatives to the celebration, along with ELCA Global Mission personnel and German Lutheran representatives. Rev. Mark Wagner and Vice-President Brenda Wagner traveled to South Andhra to bring greetings from the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA.

The relationship grew further when another four-person delegation from SALC visited Northeastern Minnesota in May 2017 where they were special visitors at the 2017 synod assembly. During their time in NE Minnesota, they traveled to many area congregations and saw many of the ministries occurring in our synod. They even experienced snow for the first time with an early May snowfall!

As the relationship between NE Minnesota and SALC has continued to grow, shared ministries have also emerged. In 2017 with a generous gift from Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa, an India Seminary Scholarship fund was started for seminary students from South Andhra attending Lutheran seminaries in India. Seven seminary students received scholarships in

99

2017 resulting in over 30% of their annual fees – a huge help - and we hope that fund willcontinue to grow. For this year's scholarshipfund, a $1000 matching gift challenge isalready in place! Many of the Lutherans inSouth Andhra come from the poorercommunities. There is increasing pressure andanimosity towards minority religions from theHindu majority. These scholarships help enableyoung men and women to go into the ordainedministry. If congregations or individuals wish tocontribute to this fund, donations can be madeto NE Minnesota Synod with the memo “IndiaScholarship Fund” and sent to 1105 EastSuperior St., Upper Suite, Duluth, MN 55802.

If you are passionate about relationships with our Lutheran sisters and brothers in the world, we would love to have you serve on the India Companion Synod Committee. Currently the committee is making plans for a NE Minnesota delegation to visit India in January 2019 although exact dates have not yet been set.

If you would like more information about Lutheranism in India, the SALC, the India Companion Synod Committee, the upcoming trip to India, or the accompaniment vision of mission, please feel free to contact Rev. Mark Wagner and/or Brenda Wagner at mbwagner965@gmail.com.

100

Spiritual Formation

“Spiritual formation is an ancient ministry, a unique one-to-one relationship in which a trained person assists another person in the search for an ever-closer union of love with God. Both lay and ordained women and men practice this ministry today, as in the past. In a spiritual direction partnership, both persons share a belief in the reality of the spiritual and agree that relationship to this spiritual realm is life’s primary purpose. traditionally, spiritual directors meet regularly (usually monthly) with those coming to share their journeys of faith. Directors do not impose their own wills or agendas on others; rather, they listen carefully to the unfolding of directees’ lives, to help them discern the ways in which God is leading them.” - from A Code of Ethics for Spiritual Directors by Thomas M. Hedberg, S.D.B. and Betsy Caprio and the staff of The Center for Sacred Psychology (1992)

The Northeastern Minnesota Synod is blessed to have several our leaders - both rostered and lay leaders - who have taken specialized training to become certified Spiritual Directors. Some use this special training to assist congregations in discerning their congregational identity following a pastoral vacancy. Some use this as a tool for pastoral skills in listening, visitation and working with councils. Others are open to spiritual direction methodology for group faith formation such as Grounded in Grace. And, several are open to outside clients as directees.

Currently, there are four active Grounded in Grace Groups. These groups meet on a regular basis beginning with devotions and prayer, a check-in time, “How is it with your soul?” Several include a book study and conversation. Groups include both lay and rostered and adhere to strict confidentiality, encouragement, prayer support.

Two Grounded in Grace groups meet in the Laurentian Conference, one in the Lake Superior Conference and one in the Kettle River Conference. If you would like more information as to how to start up a Grounded in Grace spiritual formation group, please contact any of the following on the task force.

Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA Spiritual Formation Task Force Mr. David Ackerson, Chair The Rev. Liz Davis Mt. Iron, MN Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Duluth David.Ackerson@courts.state.mn.us pastorlizdavis@gmail.com

The Rev. David Mesner Ms. Kari Olson, SAM Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Duluth Grace Lutheran Church, Ely dmesner@lcgsduluth.org kariolson12@gmail.com

Mrs. Julie Beal The Rev. Joyce Piper Carlton, MN Messiah Lutheran Church, Mt. Iron FinnMN@aol.com joycepiper@hotmail.com

Other certified Spiritual Directors in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod include: The Rev. Sonja Anderson, Duluth The Rev. Loren Anderson-Bauer, Duluth The Rev. Christine Sabo, Duluth The Rev. Lisa Buchanan, Grand Rapids The Rev. Dr. Cheryl Fleckenstein, Duluth The Rev. Fred Hanson, Pine City Deacon Robert Jalonen, Ely

Synod Staff Liaison Bishop Thomas Aitken Deacon Brenda Tibbetts, Assistant to the Bishop thomas.aitken@nemnsynod.org brenda.tibbetts@nemnsynod.org

101

NEMN Synod’s School of Lay Ministry (2017/18 School Year) Sue Lyback, Coordinator

susilyback@gmail.com 320-333-1894

The educational opportunities presented by the School of Lay Ministry embody the belief in the “priesthood of all believers.” As baptized Christians and members of the Body of Christ, all have been given gifts to share for the edification of the church.

The School of Lay Ministry is a program of the NEMN Synod that gives opportunities for people to delve deeper into both the Old and New Testament as well as church history and the Lutheran church. The primary goal of the program is personal spiritual enrichment. The program offers both a two-year foundational/core program and a new elective series. The elective series is offered to previous two-year students as well as newcomers to the school and others who seek opportunities to “go deeper.”

There are currently nine students enrolled in the two-year core program. This year’s focus has been Living Our Faith and The Changing Church, an overview of worship, Lutheran theology and heritage, exploring who we are as Lutheran Christians and what this means for us today. We began our study year with a retreat at Camp Onomia with the Rev. Dr. Henry “Hank” French as our presenter, and Pastor Kate Mensing as our worship leader. Our spring retreat is being held at Camp Hiawatha and will provide an opportunity for students to expand their own sense of vocation with guest presenters Pastor Fredrick Hanson and lay leader, Patti Hallbeck.

Last year's returning students were: Dennis Ray “Doc” Moss, Ann Christine Mans, Rebecca Louise May, and Susan Marie Lyback. First year students this year were: Kenneth Edberg, Lynne Kellerman, Denise McCall Minea, Lorelie Robinson and Daniel Saarela.

This year’s elective series, meeting four Saturdays during the school year, has been focusing on “Missional Lay Leadership”. Led by the Rev. Drs. Jim Bailey and Mark Skinner, the 14-student

group has been exploring the Sermon on the Mount and its relevance for us today, as well as examining the changing dynamics of “doing/being church” today in light of demographic changes and other issues requiring us to better recognize our role as Christ’s body active in the world through loving service.

Our 2018 elective students are: Wendy Adamson, Jeanie Collins, Colleen and Kevin Goedker, Frank and Jane Grundmeier, Sue Lyback, David and Mary Jo Mettler, Karen Newton, Jackie Nornes, Daniel Saarela, Russel Schultz, and Pam Stock.

We wish to thank Bishop Tom Aitken and the Synod staff (especially Kathy, Tammy and Brenda!) for their support of our program. We appreciate our many close relationships within our NE Minnesota Synod ELCA, including Voyageur’s Lutheran Ministry, Camp Onomia and Luther Seminary as we partner with them to provide opportunities for study.

Our current advisory board consists of: The Rev. Dr. David Mesner, Mr. Frank Grundmeier, the Rev. Dr. Mark Skinner, Ms. Mary Jo Mettler, the Rev. Dr. Jim Bailey, Ms. Shirley Adolphson and chair Ms. Clara Edin. Deacon Brenda Tibbetts remains the liaison to the Bishop.

We are grateful for the Synod’s support as well as the inclusion of this ministry in the “Renewing the Promise” campaign. Congregational financial support is always welcome, and especially when it helps students cover the modest program fees and related expenses.

Anyone in the Synod is welcome to participate in the School of Lay Ministry’s two-year and/or elective programs. Applications for the upcoming study year are due by August 1st. Applications and/or additional information is available on the Synod website or from the coordinator, Sue Lyback by phone: 320-333-1894 or email: susilyback@gmail.com

102

Hunger, Justice and Rural Life Committee Rev. Loren Anderson-Bauer l.andersonbauer@gmail.com

Mission Statement:

• To Educate: by providing resources andnetworking congregations to help raise thechurch’s awareness of and solutions toglobal hunger and poverty.

• To empower: by encouraging people totake action to eliminate hunger and povertybecause we are God’s hands and feet in theworld.

• To advocate: by being a public witness tothe Gospel of Jesus Christ, speaking onbehalf of people in need, addressinginequities in political, economic, and socialsystems.

The Hunger, Justice and Rural Life Committee of the Synod meets six times a year to support the work of our churches in responding to hunger and justice issues. The committee has shifted leadership in the last year, Darlene Munneke has stepped down from leadership and Rev. Loren Anderson-Bauer is currently chairperson for the committee.

Some of our activities of the committee are:

Communication: Jane Grimsbo-Jewet is sending a brief email newsletter to congregational hunger contacts (or congregation office when we do not have a contact person). We hope this is an encouragement to help hunger leadership in congregations. She also posts on the Hunger blog “Crumbs that Fall” as well as the synod’s Online Reflections.

Conference Pastors Meetings: The committee has made presentations at three Conference Pastors Meetings in the past few years. This is aimed at helping pastors understand the ELCA World Hunger Program and the ELCA Disaster Response program, as well as activities in our

synod the highlight our hunger ministry such as the Holy Cow Award and the Quilt and Market Place silent auctions at the Synod Assembly.

Ingathering for Synod Assembly. In the past years the Hunger committee has encourage congregations to participate in an “Quarters” for World Hunger offering that is brought to the Synod Assembly. This goes back to the late 1990s. We have not emphasized this offering much in the past years, though many congregations continue to bring these offerings to the assembly. For the 2018 Synod Assembly the Hunger Committee has encouraged an offering of “Dollars for Disaster,” which will be directed to Lutheran Disaster Response.

Participation in the Synod Assembly. The Hunger, Justice and Rural Life Committee continues its involvement in the Synod Assembly, including the annual Silent Quilt Auction, the Market Place Silent Auction, the above mentioned “Dollars for Disaster,” a display in the synod ministry tables, and time during the assembly to make the presentation of the Holy Cow Award.

The committee meets the second Thursday of every even numbered month at 9:30 AM at Our Savior’s in Cloquet. We are doing our best to include people at these meetings through GoToMeeting or other meeting platforms.

103

Immigration and Refugee Task Force — 2017-18

104

We are the children of Abraham, the descendants that God

promised to Abraham that would be as numerous as the stars

in the sky - adopted children of God because Jesus Christ

opened up the Abrahamic Covenant to each of us and

everyone. Thus, we are also the children of immigrants and

refugees. Abraham and Sarah (Still only known as Abram and

Sarai) were called by God to leave their families and their

home, to travel crossing the desert into a new country, a new

land, a new territory, to live, to raise their children, and

establish for themselves a home in this new place. Our faith

ancestors over and over again, story after story, experienced

war, hardship, and poverty that caused them to leave their

homeland in search of a new country to call their new home,

in search of a better life. Each time they found it easier or

harder to settle in their new land - sometimes rejected and

sometimes welcomed. But God gave our faith ancestors the

command, “Just as you were once a foreigner in the land of

Egypt, do not oppress or mistreat the foreigner that resides

among you in your land, treat them as a native-born citizen.

For I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:33-34) And just

as God gave our faith ancestors this command, God gives us

the same command, because, by our faith ancestors, we too

were once foreigners in the land of Egypt, we too know what

it is like to be dejected and rejected, so we seek to welcome

and to reveal God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven to

all people - citizens, residents, and migrants alike, for we are

all humans created in God’s image and loved by our Creator.

The Immigration and Refugee Task Force was

commissioned after Resolution 05-03 was passed at the

synod assembly in 2005. Excerpts from the resolution

that highlight the work of this task force include:

“Whereas, Jesus calls those who follow Him to love

their neighbors, the hungry, the homeless, and the

vulnerable; and….Whereas, the United States of

America is a nation of immigrants with a long

history of welcoming newcomers to our shores;

and…Whereas, refugees, asylum seekers, and

immigrants face a myriad of burdensome laws,

procedures, and unjust practices that contribute to

such problems as the “warehousing” of refugees in

overseas camps, the detention of asylum seekers in

US jails, the lack of legal protections for

unaccompanied children and asylum seekers, and the

separation of families; and…whereas, burdensome

laws and procedures and unjust practices undermine

our security; and…whereas, the congregations and

members of the ELCA have a long tradition in

refugee resettlement ministry; therefore be it ….

resolved, that each Synod Bishop be requested to

appoint a task force to give leadership in involving

congregations in refugee and immigration justice

issues, including education, advocacy, and local

service.”

We are deeply concerned with the current immigration

and refugee policies and laws in the United States as

well as the lack of accurate information that is present in

our news media and general understanding of

immigration and refugee process. As there is no legal

way to immigrate to the United States without

immediate family who are citizens or without at least

$500,000, and no legal process for an immigrant already

here to become a citizen, as there are people seeking a

way out of extreme poverty, war, and natural disasters,

our immigration system is broken and reform is

necessary. As Lutheran-Christians we can unite in

agreement over the mistreatment of the God’s beloved

people who are stuck in the middle of this broken system

- of the children of God whose lives are put in danger,

living in extreme poverty, families who are broken apart

by immigration laws, and our own family - Lutheran and

Christian churches being broken apart by immigration

laws and deportations.

The Immigration and Refugee Task Force in the year

2017-18 saw a change-over in leadership and

membership. Rev. Robert and Darlene Munneke retired

from their positions as co-chairs of the task force after

many years of leadership and involvement in

immigration and refugee work through the church. We

give thanks to God and to Rev. Bob and Darlene for

their work accompanying immigrants and refugees and

working for God’s justice to be known to immigrants

and refugees. We bless them as they move into new

callings and new roles in their lives and thank them for

their continued support for the task force and this

important work.

Taking over leadership in May 2017, I, The Rev. Beth

Pottratz, have been re-organizing and re-committing the

task force to immigration and refugee work. Myself and

the committee have been consulted by and presented at

various congregations, pastoral conference meetings, and

synod events in the past year: including a synod

assembly workshop 2017, Lake Superior conference

meeting, Kettle River conference meeting, Gloria Dei

Lutheran Church in Duluth, Zion Lutheran Church in

International Falls, and Zion Lutheran Church in

Cloquet.

Looking forward to 2018-19, the Immigration and

Refugee committee hopes to continue educating and

advocating for immigration and refugee justice, to

collaborate with the AMMPARO ministry, with other

synods and churches doing immigrant and refugee

justice work, with the ELCA churchwide offices,

Minnesota Lutheran Advocacy, and ELCA Advocacy

organizations, and with our international sister church

relationships, especially with the Honduras sister church

and task force.

The Reverend Beth Pottratz, Chair

NEMN Synod Task Force on Immigration, Refugee

and Asylum Seekers

pastorbeth16@gmail.com; 218-380-7013

“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or

free, there is no longer immigrant or citizen, there is no longer

male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.“

(Galatians 3:28)