Sask Synod Council Meeting Minutes

Conference Call, Monday, January 16, 2017

7:00 – 7:45 p.m.

Roll Call:

Officers:Bishop - Rev. Dr. Sid Haugen

Secretary - Cheryl Bauer Hyde

Yorkton Conference -Arlene Tangjerd, Rev. Doug Schmirler

Prince Albert Conference - Merv Bender, Rev. Sheldon Gattinger

Weyburn Conference- Joan Lenz, Rev. Stewart Miller

Regina Conference - Valerie Davies, Rev. Sean Bell

Swift Current Conference - Tami Halvorson

Excused: Rev. Dr. Ali Tote (Saskatoon Conference);

Treasurer - Lyndon Carlson

Staff:

Synod Administrator - Joan Meyer

Finance Manager – Howie Wall

Assistant to the Bishop – Rev. Lori James

  1. Call to Order – Chairperson, Rev. Sheldon Gattinger called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the conference call.
  1. Opening Prayer – was lead by Rev. Sheldon Gattinger.
  1. Approval of the Agenda – the agenda was reviewed and approved for the conduct of this meeting.
  1. Bishop’s Report

Bishop Sid supplemented his written report with verbal comments.

The report he shared is the report he sent to congregations for their Annual Report.

Howie made comments related to financial items as materials are being prepared to be sent to the auditor. Benevolence for 2016 is in at $504,000 and expenses have been kept within our means.

Bishop Sid commented on activities since October. He has handled several call processes that are in various stages; there are also several locations that cannot call a full-time pastor and require part-time options. He attended the LTS Board meeting and is on the Presidential Search committee; he did not go to the North America Bishops’ academy this January; the South Regional Gathering took place in Regina November 19 and was positively received; continues to connect with rostered ministers; delighted that Pastor Lori James has come on as Assistant to the Bishop; and has made several Bishops’ visits to congregations.

Recommendations

SC 17-01 MSC that the following roster changes be approved:

a) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council recognize the resignation of Rev. Nancy Yee (ACC) from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Watrous, SK, effective December 31, 2016.

b) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council transfer Rev. Paul Sartison to the MNO Synod of the ELCIC effective January 15, 2017.

c) That the Saskatchewan Synod Council remove Grand Valley Lutheran Church, Rock Glen, SK from the roster of congregations of the Saskatchewan Synod, ELCIC by closure, effective 2010.

  1. Appointments
  2. St. Paul Lutheran Home Melville

SC-17-02 MSC that Laurel Moore of New Stockholm Lutheran Church be appointed to the Board of Directors for St. Paul Lutheran Home Melville.

  1. Mission in Ministry Committee

SC-17-03 MSC that Anna Jensen of Resurrection Lutheran, Saskatoon and Rev. Dr. Chad Moir of St. Peter’s Parish Wadena be appointed to the Mission in Ministry Committee for a term through to 2020.

  1. National Convention Delegates

SC-17-04 MSC that Kris Olson, Assiniboia; Allan Scholz, Saskatoon; Rev. Janet Kostyna, Inglis; and Rev. Doug Miner, Assiniboia be appointed delegates to the 2017 ELCIC National Convention.

There are still 3 delegate vacancies (1 rostered, 2 lay), and it was noted that names are to be submitted no later than 90 days prior to the convention (July 6 – 8 in Winnipeg). Notice of the vacancies will continue to be circulated, and Council members are encouraged to approach potential delegates.

  1. Other Business:
  2. Synod Council Committee meetings will be held over the next 6-8 weeks.
  3. Compensation Guidelines review – there have been several calls related to this process and Howie is working with congregations/clergy who have questions.
  4. Gravelbourg St. Paul’s fire – the building is a write off and they are currently going through the grieving process and are looking at opportunities. Bishop Sid will be meeting with them in February.
  5. Lay Academy – how are the sites chosen; there are none in the Regina or Yorkton area? It was indicated that notice had been sent out to congregations to indicate interest in hosting.
  6. Lutheran Broadcast through CKBI in Prince Albert has been dropped as of January 1. They will be having their last AGM on April 30. Council will discuss some form of acknowledgement of this ministry at the March meeting.
  1. Next meeting dates:
  2. March 24/25, 2017 – Saskatoon
  3. October – TBD
  1. Adjournment - the meeting was declared adjourned at 7:45.

Minutes taken by Joan Meyer, Synod Administrator

And Synod Secretary Cheryl Bauer Hyde

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