2017 NORTHERN TEXAS - NORTHERN LOUISIANA SYNOD …Apr 21, 2017 · PART A 2017 NORTHERN TEXAS - NORTHERN LOUISIANA SYNOD THIRTIETH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY Part A Book of Reports Organization

PART A

2017

NORTHERN TEXAS - NORTHERN LOUISIANA SYNOD

THIRTIETH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY

Part A

Book of Reports

Organization of the Synod Assembly April 28 – 30, 2017

Marriott Legacy Hotel, Plano, TX

7121 Bishop Rd., Plano, TX 75024

A note from the Bishop’s Office: The Assembly’s Book of Reports is being delivered electronically to each registered voting member and visitor by email and an assembly app developed by Guidebook. An additional benefit is that the document will be available to anyone interested in what is to happen at the assembly through a laptop or tablet. Each congregation is

asked to keep a hard copy (with any handouts from the assembly) on file in the congregation’s office for archive purposes.

2017 NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports PAGE – 1

PART A

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART A – ORGANIZATION OF THIS ASSEMBLY Title Page ................................................................................................................................................... A.... 1 Table of Contents ...................................................................................................................................... A.... 2

Hotel Floor Plan ........................................................................................................................................ A.... 3

Theme Description ............................................................................................................................... .A .... 4 Ecumenical Guests and Other Leaders .................................................................................................. A.... 5

Workshop Leaders .................................................................................................................................... A 10 Guidebook App instructions PLUS .................................................................................................. … A 12

Assembly Schedule / Agenda ................................................................................................................. A 13

Descriptions of the Committees of the Assembly ............................................................................... A 16 Tips on Parliamentary Procedure ........................................................................................................... A 17

Rules of Organization and Procedure ....... ……………………………………………………….A 18 PART B – REPORTS FROM THE OFFICERS

Title Page.................................................................................................................................................. B 21 Report of the Bishop of the NT-NL Synod, the Rev. Erik K. J. Gronberg .......................... B 23

ELCA Churchwide Report .................................................................................................................. B 28

Report of the Vice President of NT-NL, Mrs. Stephanie Varnum, Deacon ........................ B 30

Report of the Secretary of NT-NL, Mr. Todd Weiss .................................................................. B 31

Report of the Treasurer, Mr. Mark Bradley ................................................................................... B 35

Reporting of Roster Changes ............................................................................................................. B 47

2017 Upcoming Milestones of Ministry Listing .......................................................................... B 48

Current NT-NL Seminarians .............................................................................................................. B 49 PART C – ITEMS OF BUSINESS

Title Page..................................................................................................................................................C 51

Elections ...................................................................................................................................................C 52

Mission Strategy (Budget) ..................................................................................................................C 58

Resolutions from the Synod Council ...............................................................................................C 59

Care and Compensation 2018 ..........................................................................................C 59 PART D – OTHER REPORTS

Title Page................................................................................................................................................. D 69 Staff and Other Reports ...................................................................................................................... D 71

NT-NL Related Ministries ................................................................................................................. D 77 Briarwood Lutheran Retreat Ministries Mission Endowment Fund – NT-NL Synod (MEF) Lutheran Campus Ministry - Synodical

Lutheran Men in Mission (LMM)

Synodical Women’s Organization (WELCA) Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO)

ELCA Churchwide Reports ............................................................................................................... D 89 Joint Statement - 500th Anniversary of the Reformation

Report of the ELCA Presiding Bishop, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton (English & Spanish)

ELCA Fund for Leaders ELCA Mission Investment Fund Portico

NT-NL Agencies / Institutions / Organizations (AIOs) Partnerships .................................. D 101 Augsburg Fortress Louisiana Interchurch Conference (LIC)

Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest (LFSW) Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago / Wartburg Theological Seminary Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (LSPS)

Lutheran Sunset Ministries Mosaic Ministries (Nationally and locally) Texas Lutheran University

Texas Impact Upbring (formally Lutheran Social Services - LSS)

PAGE – 2 - 2017 NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports

PART A MARRIOTT PARKING GARAGE


PART A

WELCOME TO THE 2017 ASSEMBLY

OF THE

NORTHERN TEXAS-NORTHERN LOUISIANA SYNOD

OF THE

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA

Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation!

Our theme builds on Luther’s pivotal question in the Small Catechism:

What Does This Mean?

The assembly will give thanks for our reformation heritage, welcome ecumenical guests, and celebrate our theological heritage as Lutheran Christians. Additionally, through worship and education we will be

invited to consider what it means and will mean to carry the name Lutheran into the 21st

Century.

Martin Luther’s theological move 500 years ago towards the justifying work of Christ and insistence on the individual’s right to personal conscience changed the world forever.

Luther boldly proclaimed the power of God’s alienated righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30), poured out for humanity (Philippians 2), so that then we are invited to give ourselves for the life of the world (Gal. 5:22). We live

within that theological heritage and are challenged today to ask that same question:

What Does This Mean?

We are grateful for your participation in this assembly. We welcome our guests, Churchwide representatives,

and the rostered and voting members from the 107 worshipping communities of NT-NL. We invite you into a

time of worship, reflection, and conversation as we do the work of the church together.


PART A

ECCUMENICAL GUESTS (LISTED IN ORDER OF THE AGENDA)

The Reverend George Mason - Presenter from a Baptist perspective

George Mason has been senior pastor at Wilshire since August 1989. He is a nationally recognized leader among Baptists, serving the Cooperative Baptist

Fellowship, New Baptist Covenant, Duke Divinity School, along with other local

and global ecumenical and interfaith endeavors. He is a frequent op-ed contributor

to the Dallas Morning News on subjects of public interest that intersect religion, such as public education, race relations and predatory lending. He writes a

monthly column on public theology for the Lakewood/East Dallas and Lake Highlands editions of the community news magazine The Advocate.

The Reverend Robert Williams - Presenter from a Roman Catholic

perspective

Fr. Williams was born in San Antonio, Texas and raised as a Methodist, grew up in various parts of Texas, and all of his family still lives in Texas. After receiving a

BA degree from Pan American University in psychology, he came to Dallas in 1978 to enter the Ph.D. program in psychology at he University of Dallas. During

his studies at UD, he became a Catholic on Easter in 1984. In the fall of 1986, after finishing his degree at UD, he entered Holy Trinity Seminary to begin studying for the priesthood. Following that, he completed his studies in theology at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston in 1991 and was

ordained to the priesthood on May 25 of that year. He has been the pastor of three parishes in the Diocese of Dallas: Immaculate Conception in Corsicana; Good Shepherd in Garland; and Santa Clara in south

Dallas. He was then assigned to Holy Trinity Seminary as a spiritual director where he currently is serving ,

as well as the Director of Continual Formation of Clergy and the Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer for

the Diocese of Dallas.

The Rt. Rev. George Sumner - Presenter from an Episcopal perspective

The Rev. Canon George Sumner was elected as the seventh bishop for the Diocese

of Dallas during a Special Convention in May 2015. His consecration was Nov. 14.

As bishop, he oversees the administrative needs throughout the diocese and is chief

pastor for more than 31,000 Episcopalians, 200 clergy and 100 congregations. Prior

to his election, Sumner served as principal of Wycliffe College in Toronto, Canada.

He was the dean of a growing seminary and was the chief administrator responsible

for strategic planning; encouraging young, future

priests; stewardship; building relations with bishops; and overseeing clergy's continuing education.

Ordained as an Episcopal priest in western Massachusetts in 1981, Sumner served in a variety of capacities:

youth minister, missionary teacher in east Africa, curate in an inner-city Anglo-Catholic parish, vicar on a native American reservation in New Mexico and Arizona, and rector in a small town. Sumner has a Ph.D. in

theology from Yale, and has written a book about priestly calling and a commentary on Daniel. He also has a M.Div. from Yale Divinity School and a B.A. from Harvard College.


PART A

The Rev. Mike Thompson, on behalf of the General Presbyter, The

Rev. Jan Devries - Presenter from a Presbyterian perspective

Michael Thompson is the Associate General Presbyter for Grace

Presbytery. Grace Presbytery consists of 150 churches in Central,

East, and North Texas. His work in Grace includes, New Church Development, work with churches and pastors, Nominating

Committee, Budget and Finance, and other assigned duties. He has served on staff since 2010 and prior to serving as presbytery staff he served two churches in Grace Presbytery as senior pastor.

Michael is a graduate of Austin Seminary. He lives in East Fort Worth with his wife Karen who is a CPA.

They have three children and four grandchildren. Mike is looking forward to retirement at the end of June and spending time with family and practicing other forms of service to the church and community.


PART A

ELCA CHURCHWIDE REPRESENTATIVE

ELCA Vice President - Mr. Bill Horne II

Mr. William “Bill” Horne II was elected to serve a six-year term as ELCA Vice President at the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in New Orleans. Bill Horne

grew up as a member of the National Baptist religious tradition and became a

Lutheran while serving in the United States Air Force in 1982. Bill has served as

congregational president in two ELCA congregations in Florida and is currently a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Clearwater, Florida. He served as a

member of the Florida-Bahamas Synod Council and later as Synod Vice President.

Bill served on the ELCA Church Council, 2009-2015, and a member of the ELCA Theological Education Advisory Council, 2013-2015. He is currently the ELCA representative on the Lutheran Theological

Southern Seminary Advisory Council and a member of the Florida-Bahamas Synod Candidacy Committee.

His post military retirement career has been in public management. He was appointed by the Clearwater City Council to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer (City Manager) of the city with responsibility for

all departments except the City Attorney’s Office. He is directly responsible for 1,746 employees and accountable for the annual operating and capital budget of $441 million dollars. Bill was selected as

Interim City Manager in 2000 and later appointed to the position of City Manager in 2001.

Bill served as a Colonel in the United States Air Force. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Tulsa, a Masters in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine

University, and a Masters in Political Science from Auburn University in Montgomery.

PERFORMER

Al Staggs as “Luther”

Al utilizes years of experience and training as both a pastor and hospital chaplain to

bring a humorous and meaningful message about the importance of laughter for a more fulfilling life. Emphasizing the importance of humor for physical, emotional, and

spiritual well-being, Al utilizes impersonations to educate his audiences.


PART A

WORSHIP LEADERS

The Rev. Erik K. J. Gronberg, PhD - Bishop of the NT-NL Synod

Bishop Erik K. J. Gronberg was elected by the Northern-Texas Northern Louisiana Synod/Mission Area in April of 2016. Prior to his election, he had served as Lead Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Worth since 2010.

Bishop Gronberg was born in Austin, Texas, to the Rev. Karl Gronberg and Dr. Sharon Gronberg. He graduated from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 2005 with a Master of

Divinity and was ordained in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He earned a PhD in Leadership Studies at Dallas Baptist University in 2017. His area of academic interest is adaptive

leadership in crisis.

You may access his full bio here: https://ntnl.org/home/nt-nl-staff/

The Rev. Louise N. Johnson, President of Wartburg Theological Seminary

In its 2015 spring board meeting, the Wartburg Theological Seminary Board of

Directors elected its fourteenth president, Rev. Louise N. Johnson. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary and had served at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at

Philadelphia (LTSP) since 2004.

President-Elect Johnson said of her new appointment, “I am incredibly proud to be a WTS graduate. We can certainly claim our fair share of Bishops, teachers, and churchwide leaders, but what makes me really proud

to say I am a graduate are the thousands of church leaders who are on the front lines making the difference

in people’s lives everyday – those who sit by bedsides and stand at gravesides, those who preach and pray

and accompany, the ones who tend to children, and serve and love the least, the lost, and the broken. I am proud to be part of this tradition and proud to lead the school that has formed valued leaders for 161 years

and running. We are nimble, faithful, cohesive, missional – and more than these, Wartburg is ready to serve God and the church.”

You may access her full bio here: https://www.wartburgseminary.edu/wts-announces-appointment-of-new-president/

The Rev. Kristine Totzke, NT-NL Bishop’s Associate for Leadership Formation and Congregational Care

Pastor Kris Totzke began as the Bishop’s Associate for Leadership Formation and

Congregational Care on September 1, 2016. She came to NT-NL in 2013 as Pastor of St.

Luke’s, Richardson. In 24 years of ordained ministry, she has served congregations in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Texas. During this time, she has served as a called pastor to four congregations (two as Associate and two as Solo) and two others as a trained intentional interim.


https://ntnl.org/home/nt-nl-staff/

https://www.wartburgseminary.edu/wts-announces-appointment-of-new-president/



PART A

She has helped form leaders through teaching in First Call Theological Education, youth ministry, lay ministry academies, and as a pastoral mentor. She has also served on her various synods' Candidacy and Discipline Committees and as Conference Dean.

You may access her full bio here: https://ntnl.org/home/nt-nl-staff/

The Rev. Irma Bañales, NT-NL’s ELCA Director of Evangelical Mission

Pastora Irma Bañales began as the Director for Evangelical Mission on February 6, 2017.

She served as the pastor / developer of First Sagrada Familia Lutheran Church, Garland, TX, from 2013 to 2017. While developing that congregation, she was also the Dean for the

NT-NL Synod's Latin@ Conference. Prior to this call, she served as the Hispanic/Latin@ Ministries Coordinator of the synod (2004-2013). She began working for the synod as the

Receptionist / Administrative Assistant to the Mission Director (1999-2003).

Pastora Bañales has also been involved significantly with ELCA Churchwide, serving on the following

ELCA teams: Mission Developers Training Planning Team, Future Directions Table Team, Latin@ Strategy Table, New Mission Developers Interviewers Team, and Latin@ Coaching Team.

You may access her full bio here: https://ntnl.org/home/nt-nl-staff/

The Rev. Ernie Hinojosa, Sr. Pastor of Rejoice Lutheran Church, Coppell

Pr. Hinojosa is leading us in Saturday’s devotion at our assembly, as well as lead planner of the Friday Service with the assistance of his Associate, the Rev. Todd Bruning.

The Rev. Paul Mussachio, Sr. Pastor of Preston Meadow Lutheran Church, Plano

Pr. Paul is our host pastor for Saturday evening’s worship service and lead planner for the Saturday evening service. On Sunday morning, Preston Meadow will be one of the

two Plano churches open to assembly participants for worship and an official closure of the 2017 Annual Assembly.

The Rev. William “Bill” Irons, Pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church, Plano

Pr. Bill is the Leader of the Assembly Planning Team and has led the planning of this

assembly. His congregation is the other of the two Plano Churches open to the assembly participants for worship on Sunday morning, where an official closure of the 2017

Annual Assembly will also take place.




PART A

WORKSHOP LEADERS

How Martin Luther Changed the World and Spread the Word

Come experience first-hand The Enduring Word Museum, a movable exhibit based in

Fort Worth, Texas. This includes an exact replica and working version of the Gutenberg Press. Workshop attendees will be able to manually print pages with the press. During this

workshop, artifacts will also be shared from the history of our Bible.

F. J. “Rusty Maisel, D. Ph. H.C.

Curator - “From Abrahamto Jesus”Exhibit

Gutenberg to Google: Effective Use of Technology for Congregations

Beth will explore how the use of various media to proclaim the Gospel is both the same and has changed from the time of Martin Luther to the beginning of the 21st century. You

will come away with fresh ideas for using your congregation's website, social media, and other new technologies to reach our communities.

Beth Lewis

President & CEO of 1517 Media

Lutheran Heritage of Texas and Louisiana

Come discover the story of Texas and Louisiana Lutherans from the founding of the first

church body in 1851 to the present. Come learn about immigrants from the earliest days to the present, church teachings that led to splits and spats, a few characters, and a

faithful people planting the Christian faith in a developing part of the United States.

The Rev. Russell Vardell

Author

Welcoming the Stranger: Equip Your Congregation to Walk Alongside Migrants

and Refugees

In the midst of significant policy changes regarding immigration and refugee resettlement,

our call as disciples of Jesus to stand alongside our migrant and refugee neighbors – and interfaith partners – is all the more urgent. Join LIRS and local leaders to learn about

anticipated changes under this new administration, to explore the deep connection

between our Lutheran faith and welcoming the stranger, and to discuss ways Lutherans

can continue to lead and care for the most vulnerable among us through engagement in advocacy and ministries of service and justice.

Julia Coffin

Program Specialist for Detention and Visitation, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)


PART A

Reformation in a Multicultural Church / YAGMS

In a diverse country and globalizing world, the church is daily called to re-form itself in

ways that show God’s love to, and build relationships between, all people. Come learn about what the ELCA is up to in the world from Rwanda to Texas, and let's discuss the importance and impact of multicultural ministry.

(YAGM stands for Young Adults in Global Mission)

Savanna Sullivan

ELCA Program Associate

From the End to the Beginning: Thinking Differently about Church

To be sure, the Spirit of God is active in the world: congregations are growing in faith and serving those most in need. But a look at the statistics indicates that the ELCA is in decline – in giving to our institutions, in membership, in congregations, in leaders and, therefore, in our

capacity to do mission. This workshop will be an opportunity to explore some of what’s

happening and to think together about what we might do to reform and revive the church.

The Rev. Louise Johnson

President Wartburg Seminary

Called Forward Together In Christ - ELCA Strategic Directions 2025

Have you been paying attention to our weekly NT-NL news? We have highlighted every

section of this document over the 8 weeks leading up to Assembly. Participants of this workshop will learn about the strategic framework that describes future directions,

goals, and priorities of this church that will serve shared leadership across the ELCA to realize common aspirations and better face the challenges this church faces.

Bill Horne

ELCA Vice President

Congregation Constitution Power Hour: Everything you need to know about your congregation constitution but were afraid to ask!

We know, we know! You and your congregation cannot wait to celebrate together and update your constitution as often as necessary. You include it in your church annual

calendar and already know how vital it is for the life and ministry of your worshipping

community. No? Hmm, then you might want to strongly consider having at least one

Craig Ongley person from your congregation attend this workshop. The process isn't nearly as painful

Synod Attorney or time-consuming as it may sound. The ELCA and the NT-NL Synod have created tools and a process that are of great benefit to everyone involved. Become the Thomas Jefferson of your congregation! Come learn more.

2017 NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports - PAGE - 11

PART A

THE ASSEMBLY APP IS BACK! Want to have access to the Book of

Reports and much more at the touch of a button?

Download the app! Search your phone or tablet app

store for the ELCA Organizations and Events.

Once you have downloaded the app, search for 2017 Assembly of the NT-NL Synod, ELCA. You can also view the guide in your device browser at

https://guidebook.com/g/ntnl2017assembly.

OR

Have a barcode scanner? Scan this QR code to download the ELCA Organizations and Events app! Now search for 2017 Assembly of the NT-NL Synod, ELCA.

WiFi at the venue : WiFi connection is free. Code is ntnl2017

Portrait taking will be offered again this year for all Rostered Ministers, SAWLS, and Synod Council Members. Upon arrival, please check the schedule posted on the door of Meeting Room Brazos and make plans to have your photo taken.

12 - PAGE - 2017 NT-NL Mission Assembly Book of Reports

https://guidebook.com/g/ntnl2017assembly

PART A

PROPOSED AGENDA (TB - Trinity Ballroom)

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

10:00 AM Registration and Displays Open Trinity Ballroom Foyer

Photographers for Portraits Meeting Room - Brazos

1:00 PM Voting Member & Guidebook App Orientation Bishop Gronberg - Assembly Hall

TRINITY BALLROOM I & II

1:45 PM Gathering Music

2:00 PM Presentation by The Rev. George Mason - Senior Pastor of Wilshire Baptist Church

2:30 PM Opening Assembly Worship/Eucharist Preacher: The Rev. Louise Johnson,

Wartburg Seminary President

4:00 PM Assembly Begins Business Session I Bishop Gronberg

• Introduction and Welcome

• 1st

Credentials Report Committee on Credentials Chair

• Agenda VP Mrs. Stephanie Varnum, Deacon

• Rules of Procedure

• Parliamentarian - Mr. Rick Bidne

• Introduce Translation/Translator

Introduce Guests Bishop Gronberg

Training on Voting Cards Bishop Gronberg

4:15 PM Nominating Committee Report for General Elections Chair - Shirley Sigler-Wilson

• Nominations from Committee & from the floor

First Ballot for NT-NL General Elections Committee on Elections Chair

Uncontested and Ballots with no additional nominees from the floor

4:30 PM Audit Report & Introduction of Mission Strategy for 2018 Treasurer Mr. Mark Bradley

5:00 PM Presentation by Fr. Robert Williams - Ecumenical Officer of the

Roman Catholic Dallas Diocese 5:30 PM Break for room transition

6:00 PM Cash Bar in Ballroom foyer

7:00 PM Dinner and Program, with special recognitions Trinity Ballroom

9:00 PM End of Day


PART A

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

7:15 AM Breakfast Buffet Pick Up food in TB Foyer

8:00 AM Registration and Displays Re-Open

8:15 AM Morning Prayer and Song - led by Rev. Ernie Hinojosa Assembly Hall

8:30 AM Welcome Bishop Gronberg

9:15 AM Presentation by The Rev. George Sumner, Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of Dallas

9:45 AM Business Session II

• Credentials Report Committee on Credentials Chair

• Constitution Presentation by Synod Attorney Craig Ongley

• Election Committee Report and Ballot #2 (if needed)

• Report of the Bishop

• Reference and Counsel Report

11:00 AM Presentation by The Rev. Mike Thompson, Associate General Presbyter on behalf of

General Presbyter - the Rev. Jan Devries

11:30 AM ELCA Churchwide Report ELCA Vice President - Mr. Bill Horne

12:00 PM Lunch - box lunches in the foyer

Clergy Spouses’ Luncheon Chaddicks Restaurant

WORKSHOP TIMES: 1:00 - 2:00 PM / 2:15 - 3:15 PM / 3:30 - 4:30 PM

WORKSHOP OPTIONS / ROOMS

• How Martin Luther Changed the World and Spread the Word

Rusty Maisel & John Sliffe - Trinity IV (1st flr)

• Gutenberg to Google: Effective Use of Technology for Congregations

Beth Lewis, 1517 Media - Colorado (2nd flr)

• Welcoming the Stranger: Equip Your Congregation to Walk Alongside Migrants and Refugees

(Ms. Julia Coffin, LIRS) Rio Grande (2nd flr)

• Lutheran Heritage of Texas and Louisiana The Rev. Russell Vardell - Guadalupe (2nd flr)

• Reformation in a Multicultural Church / YAGMS Savanna Sullivan - San Jacinto (1st flr)

• From the End to the Beginning: Thinking Differently about Church

• The Rev. Louise Johnson - Sabine A (2nd flr)

• Called Forward Together In Christ - ELCA Strategic Directions 2025

ELCA Vice President - Mr. Bill Horne - Assembly Hall

• Congregation Constitution Power Hour: Everything you need to know about your congregation constitution

but were afraid to ask!!!!! Attorney Craig Ongley - Sabine B (2nd flr)


PART A

Travel time to Worship at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church (10 - 15 minutes)

5:00 PM Pre-Service Music

5:30 PM Worship begins at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church of Plano, TX

Worship is open to all Preacher - Bishop Erik Gronberg

EVENING MEAL ON YOUR OWN - OUT ON THE TOWN - Enjoy!!!

9:00 PM Optional: “Rick Steves’ Martin Luther and Reformation” documentary Assembly Hall

SUNDAY, APRIL 30

7:30 AM Breakfast begins Foyer of Assembly Hall

8:30 AM Gather & Opening Prayer Bishop Gronberg

8:45 AM Business Session III Assembly Hall

Credentials Report Committee on Credentials Chair

Briarwood Report Pr. Phil Geleske

Action on Items of Business:

• Committee for Reference and Counsel• VP Stephanie Varnum• Secretary Todd Weiss

o 2018 Care and Compensation o Minutes from 2016 Assembly

• Treasurer Mark Bradleyo 2018 Mission Strategy

• Final Memorials of Thanks• Announcement on 2018 Mission Assembly Location and Chair

10:30 PM Adjourn and go to Sunday Worship of your choice

Preston Meadow Lutheran Church = preaching is The Rev. Irma Bañales, Director for Evangelical Mission

Resurrection Lutheran Church / Plano = preaching is The Rev. Kris Totzke, Bishop’s Associate


PART A

COMMITTEES OF THE ASSEMBLY

Five committees composed of voting members of the assembly are appointed by the Synod Council to serve the assembly in conducting its business.

The Committee on Credentials certifies the credentials of voting members, acts on questions of credentials

on behalf of the assembly, reports on the presence of a quorum, and controls distribution of materials to

voting members by anyone except the secretary.

The Committee on Elections oversees electronic balloting under the direction of the presiding officer and

reports to the assembly results of all ballots in detail. For electronic voting the committee stands ready to assist anyone with devices they feel are not responding by resetting or replacing the device.

The Committee on Minutes assists the secretary in writing, reviewing and distributing minutes of assembly

proceedings.

The Committee for Reference and Counsel gives careful review to all business referred to it (resolutions

that are not the direct result of the assembly's deliberations, resolutions affecting the Mission Strategy

[budget], and other items referred to it). It counsels the assembly by offering its recommendations. The deadline for all New Business is two weeks prior to the assembly.

The Nominating Committee places in nomination the names of persons qualified to fill positions by

assembly vote, except for positions whose nomination is directed in another way by the constitution.


PART A

TIPS ON PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

2013 Mission Assembly


PART A

RULES OF ORGANIZATION & PROCEDURE

Order and procedure of this assembly shall be governed by the constitution, by-laws, and continuing resolutions of the Northern Texas – Northern Louisiana Synod, these rules of organization and procedure, and, unless otherwise ordered, parliamentary procedures in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition.

Members – Voting members, by constitution (S7.21ff), are persons designated by their congregation to be a

voting member according to the representative formula of this Synod. Voting members also include (1) persons designated by a Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community or Mission Congregation under Development

to be a voting member according to the representative formula of this Synod, (2) all ordained and lay rostered ministers on the roster of this Synod, (3) ordained ministers of a church body with which the ELCA is in full

communion who are serving as pastors under contract with a congregation or Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community of this Synod, (4) lay Synodically Authorized Worship Leaders who are serving under

contract with a congregation of this Synod by the Bishop’s authorization, and (5) members of the Synod Council who are registered for the assembly. A voting member must be seated in the assembly hall to vote. Proxy and absentee voting are not allowed.

Advisory Members are the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or the presiding

bishop’s representative, chairpersons of Synod Teams, Youth Convo members, and seminary interns currently serving within a congregation of this Synod. Advisory members have voice but no vote.

Resource Members are the chief executives of church agencies and institutions related to this Synod, the

executive directors and chairpersons of the boards of the NT-NL Mission Endowment Fund and Briarwood

Lutheran Ministries, the meeting planner for the assembly, and others as granted permission by this assembly, who because of their position or expertise can contribute to the work of the assembly. Resource members have

voice only with respect to matters within their expertise, but no vote, unless otherwise granted by their roster or appointed status.

Quorum - One half of the registered voting members must be present to constitute a quorum.

Agenda - The proposed agenda may be amended by a majority vote prior to its adoption. Thereafter a two-thirds

vote shall be required for amending the adopted agenda. With the consent of the assembly, the chair may call items of business in whatever order the chair considers most expedient for the conduct of the assembly’s business.

Resolutions – Only items of business which have been submitted by voting members or the Synod Council may be

considered by the assembly. Resolutions must be submitted to the Committee for Reference and Counsel by April 14, 2017 in order to be considered at this year’s assembly. Text of proposed resolutions, which are received at the mission office by this date, will be posted online in the pre-assembly Book of Reports.

Resolutions not germane to the pending business, question or report, and all amendments to the constitution or

bylaws are due by April 14, 2017 and are immediately referred to the Committee for Reference and Counsel. A voting member who makes a resolution which is referred to the Committee for Reference and Counsel shall be

available to that committee for conversation about the proposed resolution. The Committee for Reference and

Counsel shall make a recommendation on every item of business referred to it (S7.13.04.). Among the recommendations the committee may make are that the resolution be adopted, not adopted, not considered,

referred to an appropriate council, committee or board, deferred to another time on the agenda, or received as

information only; the committee may also offer a substitute motion. Resolutions recommended by the Synod

Council and resolutions that arise from assembly deliberations may be acted upon without reference to the Committee for Reference and Counsel.


PART A

Moving the Previous Question

A member who has spoken on the pending question(s) may not move the previous question(s). A motion to end debate by moving the previous question shall apply only to the immediately preceding motion. A motion to end debate on all matters on the floor or more than the immediately pending question is not in order.

Substitute Motions When a substitute motion is made, secondary amendments may be offered first to the original motion. After all secondary amendments to the original motion have been disposed of, secondary amendments to the substitute motion may be offered. When all amendments to the substitute motion have been disposed of, the

vote shall be taken on whether the substitute motion is to be substituted as the original motion or be rejected.

Nominations - Following nominations by the Nominating Committee, voting members may make additional nominations from the floor, with the nominee’s consent. With each nomination an information sheet about that

person shall be filed immediately with the secretary for use by the Committee on Elections. All persons nominated as an officer of this Synod (Bishop, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer) shall have appropriate

background checks conducted prior to the election, or, in the instance of someone nominated from the floor and subsequently elected, conducted immediately after the assembly in accordance with Continuing Resolution

S9.01.A08 of the NT-NL Constitution. A majority vote of the legal votes cast shall be necessary for election.

Elections - Each category for which an election is held is considered a separate ballot even though several categories for election may appear on the same sheet of paper or electronic screen. If the ballot is a paper ballot

and more than the number to be elected is marked, that ballot is an illegal ballot. A paper ballot with fewer marked than the number to be elected is a legal ballot. In all elections, except for the Bishop, the names of the

persons receiving the highest number of legal votes, but not elected by a majority of the legal votes cast on a preceding ballot, shall be entered on the next ballot to the number of two for each vacancy unfilled (S9.08.). In

cases where there is only one nominee after nominations have been closed, the chair may take a voice vote on electing that person and, if it is a majority, declare the election of that nomination.

Debate - Speakers shall limit their speeches to two minutes. No one is entitled to recognition a second time on

the same question as long as another who has not spoken on the motion desires the floor. A person who has spoken twice on a particular question on the same day has exhausted the right to debate further that question

that day. Insofar as is possible during discussion, a speaker on one side of the question shall be followed by a speaker on the other side. In the give and take of debate on issues, members and visitors shall refrain from applause.

Distribution of materials - Only material originating from the Office of the Secretary, the Bishop Election

Committee (when constituted) and the official assembly newspaper may be distributed to voting members’ places. With the approval of the Credentials Committee other material may be distributed at the doors to the assembly hall. Official reports from NT-NL related church agencies and institutions are posted online on the assembly’s web page as they arrive and assembly app.

Proposed Mission Strategy - The proposed Mission Strategy (budget) along with the rationale shall be

presented to the assembly during a business session. Debate and adoption of the Mission Strategy shall take place in a subsequent business session. Any motion for expenditure of funds or proposed amendment to the

Mission Strategy as presented by the Synod Council shall be submitted in writing to the secretary by the time designated in the agenda as the deadline for submissions for review and recommendation by the Committee

for Reference and Counsel. Any proposal to appropriate funds, whether by amendment to the Mission Strategy or otherwise, which is presented to the assembly without the approval of the Synod Council shall require a two-thirds vote for adoption.

Approved for Recommendation by NT-NL Synod Council - February 11, 2017


PART A


Documents

2017 NORTHERN TEXAS - NORTHERN LOUISIANA SYNOD …Apr 21, 2017 · PART A 2017 NORTHERN TEXAS - NORTHERN LOUISIANA SYNOD THIRTIETH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY Part A Book of Reports Organization