Lower Susquehanna Synod, Elca

LOWER SUSQUEHANNA SYNOD, ELCA

SYNOD COUNCIL

Minutes

February 11, 2017

The Lower Susquehanna Synod Council held its regular meeting on Saturday, February 11, 2017, in the Board Room of the United Church Center, 900 S. Arlington Avenue, Harrisburg, PA. Vice President Lucinda L. Bringman called the meeting to order.

Prior to the meeting and during the later break members of the Synod council had opportunity to enjoy refreshments and fellowship in the Board Room.

ROLL CALL

Members Present: Bishop James S. DunlopLucinda L. Bringman

Eric N. AndersonZoe L. Clark J. Richard Eckert Joel S. B. Folkemer Joyce E. Frigm Virgil L. Gibson Brenda D. Hartzell Jered L. Hock Susan L. McDonald Jillian E. Riddle Beth A. Schlegel Stephanie M. Strauss Allen P. Stump M. Jane Wigand

Staff Present: Debbie M. ClarkRichard E. T. Jorgensen, Jr. Marsha L. Roscoe Charlie R. Roberts III

Liaison Present: Linda L. Lubold

Members Excused: Dana J. Blouch-HansonColleen M. Hoffman Christine C. Lowe Thomas E. McKee Bruce E. Seagrist

Staff Excused: Robert C. BlezardSharron R. Blezard

Liaison Excused: Stephen R. Herr

Consultant Excused: Donna Nicholson

Opening Devotions:

Virgil Gibson provided devotions. He shared a scripture reading from I Corinthians 3:6-9, spoke of activities of his home congregation to feed and shelter those in need, read from a writing byShane Claiborne found in Courage to Think Differently, George Johnson, ed., pages 91-92, and led the group in prayer.

Mission Update:

Deacon Marsha L. Roscoeled the Synod Council in a discussion of fuller discernment and expression of the synod’s mission. She noted that we must discern proactively, not reactively. She provided a power point presentation of ideas to “deepen the language” of our mission.

Draft Synod Council Minutes/February 11, 2017/page 2

Matters presented included frames dealing with “R3: reform, renew, revision”;a preliminary sketch of the vine for which God provides soil and the branches provide fruit (coincidentally echoing the scripture which Virgil had picked for devotions); and other graphics dealing with this theme.

Among the suggestions of members were adding Jesus’ name to the imagery of the vine and moving the “three E’s” (equip members, encourage cooperation, engage in new mission) to the branches.

Marsha stated that “the reason the Christian Church is declining is we have lost connection with what our mission is.”

Charlie Roberts also provided leadership to the discussion. He stated that, in our mission, we must be “not convoluted but simple” and “simple but not shallow.”

Among thoughts added by Synod Council members were being silent in discernment;grounding our mission in helpful, familiar images, such as that of the trinity; possibly using the image of a stump cut off with new vines growing from it; and goingbeyond being busy to reforming and renewing as the result of God’s action.

Bishop Dunlop noted that “the only thing that will strengthen and renew the church is … a renewal of the people in the congregations.” He said, “It has to start spiritually.”

Pastor Jorgensen added that “the key word is ‘abide.’” He said, “The vine does not make effort to bear fruit; it bears fruit because it is part of the vine.” He added that congregations need to know their mission field (their neighborhood), not just their mission statement.

Consent Agenda:

Virgil Gibson moved:

ADOPTED:That the Consent Agenda be adopted:

SC17.02.01

That Synod Council approve the minutes of the November 16,2016, meeting of Synod Council;

That the Synod Council appoint to the Konde Diocese CommitteeKaren Deck for a first three-year term, expiring in 2020;

That the Synod Council elect to the board of directors ofLutheran Camping Corporation J. Edward Short for a first three-year term,expiring 2019; Cornelia Taylor for a first three-year term, expiring 2019; the Rev.Clifton Eshbach for an unexpired term, expiring 2018; the Rev. Timothy Craven fora second three-year term, expiring 2019; the Rev. Elizabeth Martini for a secondthree-year term,

Draft Synod Council Minutes/February 11, 2017/page 3

expiring 2019; and the Rev. Drahomir Oslik for a second three-year term, expiring 2019;

That the Synod Council elect to the board of directors of St.Barnabas Center for Ministry Sandy Brandt for first two-year term, effectiveJanuary 9, 2017 until January 14, 2019;

That the Synod Council continue the Rev. Brian Biery “on-leave-from-call” status from March 30, 2017, until March 30, 2018;

That Synod Council continue the Rev. Cheryl Hoffman “on-leave-from-call-family- leave” status from March 1, 2017, until March 1, 2018;

That Synod Council continue Deacon Laura Lengel Ramsey on-leave- from-call- family-leave” status from April 1, 2017, until April 1, 2018;

That Synod Council authorize Cathy Paul be added to ourchecking accounts as a non-check signing signatory as a representative of thetreasurer’s office, replacing Linda Lubold, joining the officers of this synod assignatories on all accounts.

Other Actions:Bishop Dunlop moved the following Synod Council calls, unanimously adopted, except for “no” vote as indicated:

ADOPTED:That the Synod Council call the Rev. Eric N. Anderson to serve as intentional SC17.02.02 interim pastor of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Steelton, effective January1, 2017, until December 26, 2017.

ADOPTED:That the Synod Council call the Rev. Sharon F. Kelly to serve as interim SC17.02.03 pastor forredevelopment of Trinity Lutheran Church, Chambersburg, under the terms of synod administration for a two-year call, January 1, 2017, until December 31, 2018.

(“No” vote by Pastor Beth A. Schlegel, who had expressed concerns about the clarity of Pastor Kelly’s profile responses. Pastor Richard E. T. Jorgensen, Jr., noted that PastorKelly has done excellent renewal work in other congregations.)

ADOPTED:That the Synod Council call the Rev. Timothy W. Sadler to serve as the SC17.02.04 SpiritualCare Coordinator for Heartland Hospice Care, effective January 5, 2017, untilJanuary 4, 2018.

Pastor Beth A. Schlegel moved the following on behalf of the Executive Committee:

That the Synod Council adopt a redistribution of the2017 budget set forth in the minutes of the Budget and Finance Committee at itsJanuary 19, 2017, meeting.

Draft Synod Council Minutes/February 11, 2017/page 4

Pastor Schlegel noted that the intent of this motion is to place the costs of the Always Being Made New campaign in the “regular budget.” Pastor Eric N. Anderson asked whether it is “necessary to change the budget if we work out the budget at Assembly” and queried whether “we can go back and change it.” Vice President Bringman noted that the Synod Council may not change the total amount of the budget but can redistribute amounts in the budget. (Synod Constitutional provision S.15.13 states that expenditure authorizations with the budget “shall be subject to revision, in light of changing conditions, by the Synod Council”). Bishop Dunlop noted that “we are trying to be transparent” and that when an Assembly sets a budget eighteen months in advance we do not always know precisely which line items will require greater or lesser expenditure. Virgil Gibson added that the adjustment will provide clarity for the auditors.

The motion was before the council.

ADOPTED:That the Synod Council adopt a redistribution of the 2017 budget set forth in SC17.02.05 the minutes of the Budget and Finance Committee at its January 19, 2017, meeting.

(“No” vote by Pastor Eric N. Anderson)

Pastor Beth A. Schlegel moved the following on behalf of the Executive Committee:

That the Synod Council adopt a redistributed FY 2016 budget to be within the total amount of the budget approved by the 2015 Synod Assembly.

Bishop Dunlop noted that this adjustment would account for costs of CTIM and lower-than- expected costs of the 2016 Synod Assembly and would be in accord with preferences of the auditors.

ADOPTED:That the Synod Council adopt a redistributed FY 2016 budget to be within SC17.02.06 the totalamount of the budget approved by the 2015 Synod Assembly.

(“No” vote by Pastor Eric N. Anderson)

At this point, the Synod Council recessed briefly, enjoying refreshments and fellowship. The agenda was resumed following the break.

Joyce Frigm moved the following on behalf of the Assembly Planning Committee:

That the Synod Council recommend the Proposed Agenda to the 2017 Synod Assembly for adoption.

Joyce noted that, with Pentecost falling the same weekend as the Assembly, all sessions will be held on two days only, Friday and Saturday.

ADOPTED:That the Synod Council recommend the Proposed Agenda to the 2017 Synod SC17.02.07 Assembly for adoption.

Draft Synod Council Minutes/February 11, 2017/page 5

Joyce Frigm moved the following on behalf of the Assembly Planning Committee:

That the Synod Council recommend the Proposed Rules of Procedure to the 2017 Synod Assembly for adoption.

Joyce noted that the proposed rules are essentially the same as in previous years, except that, with the new procedure of the United Seminary for choosing its board members, there is no rule requiring seminary pre-approval of nominees. Minor modifications include changing Rule # 7 to provide for placing the “red, green, and white” cards at the microphones, instead of requiring them to be placed in each voting member’s packet; highlighting in proposed Rule # 10 the constitutional requirement that voting members not absent themselves from any meeting without valid reason; and changing the time in Rule # 14 for submitting biographical information.

ADOPTED:That the Synod Council recommend the Proposed Rules of Procedure to the SC17.02.08 2017 Synod Assembly for adoption.

Joyce Frigm moved the following on behalf of the Assembly Planning Committee:

That the Synod Council approve the following complimentary packages of the 2017 Synod Assembly: commuters, $180; residents, one night, $235; retired rostered leaders’ spouses, commuters, $90.00; retired rostered leaders’ spouses, residents, $120.

Joyce noted the recommended change to the effect that spouses of retired rostered leaders be charged one-half the regular rates. These are rates for registration by April 15, 2017. All rates for all participants will thereafter rise by $30 for registration by April 30, 2017 and by an additional $30 for registration on the day of the Assembly, additional costs to be paid by the registrant for those receiving the complementary package. There will be no resident registration after April 30, 2017.

ADOPTED:That the Synod Council approve the following complimentary packages of SC17.02.09 the 2017Synod Assembly: commuters, $180; residents, one night, $235; retired rostered leaders’ spouses, commuters, $90.00; retired rostered leaders’ spouses, residents, $120.

M. Jane Wigand moved the following on behalf of the Gifts Discernment Committee:

That the Synod Council nominate Joseph Stepansky to the ballot at the 2017 Synod Assembly for the office of Treasurer of the Lower Susquehanna.

Jane noted that all of the members of the Gifts Discernment Committee felt that Mr. Stepansky would be a good treasurer. She noted that, pursuant to the constitution, the committee must exercise due diligence to find a second candidate, but none has yet been located. Vice President Bringman noted that additional nominees could be added any time until nominations are closed at the Synod Assembly. She added that it is the responsibility of the entire Synod Council to Draft Synod Council Minutes/February 11, 2017/page 6

Draft Synod Council Minutes/February 11, 2017/page 6

help find a second name and that Bishop Dunlop has talked to several pastors regarding the possible recruiting of a second candidate.

ADOPTED:That the Synod Council nominate Joseph Stepansky to the ballot at the 2017 SC17.02.10 Synod Assembly for the office of Treasurer of the Lower Susquehanna Synod.

Jered L. Hock moved the following on behalf of the Compensation and Benefits Committee:

That the Synod Council increase the base supply rate from $165 to $170 beginning in January, 2018.

Jered noted that, if the increase is adopted, the supply rate schedule would be as follows: One service - $170, Twoservices - $210, Three services - $250. Pastor Eric N. Anderson stated that “three percent is a big increase” for smaller congregations that rely on supply. Bishop Dunlop noted that the most recent previous adjustment occurred in 2013, to be effective in 2014, so that this represents a three percent increase over four years.

ADOPTED:That the Synod Council increase the base supply rate from $165 to $170 SC17.02.11 beginning in January, 2018.

Bishop Dunlop moved the following recommendation from the Compensation and Benefits Committee:

That Synod Council recommend to Synod Assembly for adoption the beginning minimum base salary and housing allowance for 2018 of $49,918 for Ministers of Word and Sacrament who serve full time at the time of their ordination and the beginning minimum base salary when housing is provided of $34,748 for Ministers of Word and Sacrament who serve full time at the time of their ordination.

This would be a 2.5% increase from the year before.

ADOPTED:That Synod Council recommend to Synod Assembly for adoption the SC17.02.12 beginningminimum base salary and housing allowance for 2018 of $49,918 for Ministers of Word and Sacrament who serve full time at the time of their ordination and the beginning minimum base salary when housing is provided of $34,748 for Ministers of Word and Sacrament who serve full time at the time of their ordination.

Bishop Dunlop moved the following recommendation from the Compensation and Benefits Committee:

That the Synod Council recommend to the 2017 Synod assembly for adoption the beginning salary for 2018 of $42,025 for Ministers of Word and Service who serve full time at the time of their consecration and commissioning.

Draft Synod Council Minutes/February 11, 2017/page 7

ADOPTED:That the Synod Council recommend to the 2017 Synod Assembly for SC17.02.13 adoption thebeginning salary for 2018 of $42,025 for Ministers of Word and Service who serve full time at the time of their consecration and commissioning.

Pastor Joel S. B. Folkemer moved the following on behalf of the Mission Committee:

That there be added to the second sentence of the Synod’s welcome statement the words “with full participation and inclusion,” so that the statement would read:

In the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the ELCA we feed the hungry as we have been fed by Christ. We welcome with full participation and inclusion all who are seeking God’s love and grace. We welcome all because God welcomes all, regardless of race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, or relationship status. We welcome all without regard to addictions, physical or mental health, imprisonment, socio-economic circumstances or anything that too often divides us. Our unity is in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Beth A. Schlegel stated that she felt adding these words would be divisive to congregations that do not support full participation and inclusion because of their bound conscience.

M. Jane Wigand stated that some of our congregations are very friendly but do not invite certain categories of people to participate in “running” the congregation. She said, “They invite you to coffee but do not ask you to be in groups.”

Pastor Eric N. Anderson asked whether the welcome statement was adopted by Synod Assembly, rather than Synod Council. Bishop Dunlop indicated that the welcome statement was approved by Synod Council action.

Pastor Joel S.B. Folkemer indicated that some of Pastor Schlegel’s concerns were considered by the Mission Committee. He indicated that, rather than telling congregations what to do, he sees this as “who we are on the synod level.”

Pastor J. Richard Eckert stated that “it adds clarity; it is living into what we aredoing; to not put it there is to deny what we are doing.”

Bishop Dunlop indicated he feels the proposed change is talking about sexual orientation, rather than focusing on other enumerated matters such as race. He said we allow members to hold different views on sexual matters. But, since we do not exclude other sinners, even if a congregation holds same-sex marriage to be sinful, he would not expectthe congregation to exclude people in that kind of relationship any more than they would exclude people because, for example, they are greedy.

Sue McDonald stated that our church has a message and we have to change.

Draft Synod Council Minutes/February 11, 2017/page 8

Joyce Frigm noted that last year Synod Assembly voted that we become a Reconciling in Christ synod and asked, “How does this motion go with that?” Bishop Dunlop stated that the motion would clarify that we are fully inclusive.

ADOPTED:That there be added to the second sentence of this synod’s welcome statement SC17.02.14 the words “with full participation and inclusion,” so that the statement would read: