30th Annual Synod Assembly

Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA

June 2-3, 2017

Kalahari Resort & Convention Center

Pocono Manor, PA

2017 Synod Assembly Program

Friday, June 2, 2017

8:00 AM Registration Opens

9:30 - 12:00 PM Plenary Session One

12:00 - 2:00 PM Lunch on your own/God’s Playground

2:00 - 4:00 PM Plenary Session Two

Gathering Music/Prayer

Greetings from Pennsylvania Council of Churches

Report of the First Ballot, Second Ballot

First Keynote Address: The Rev. Dr. Kathryn Kleinhans

Ministry Teams Report

Mission Interpretation Moment

Report of the Treasurer

Opening Worship (with Order for the Opening of an Assembly)

Adoption of the Program

Report of the Vice President and Synod Council

Recognition of the service of outgoing Vice President and Treasurer

Report of the Nominating Committee

Introduction of candidates for Vice President and Treasurer

First Ballot

Mission Interpretation Moment

Greetings from Portico Benefit Services

Report of the Secretary

Address of the ELCA representative

World Hunger Offering

First Report of the Committee of Reference and Counsel

Report of the Bishop

Announcements

Presentation of 2018 Spending Plan

Report on Always Being Made New, Campaign for the ELCA

50th Anniversary Video

Acknowledgment of Those New to the Roster and Retirements

Announcements

4:00 - 4:30 PM Break

4:30 - 6:00 PM Eucharist in Celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation

6:00 - 7:00 PM God’s Playground

7:00 - 500th Anniversary Banquet

Saturday, June 3, 2017

8:15 - 8:45 PM Opening Worship

9:00 - 12:00 PM Plenary Session Three

Report of the Second Ballot, Third Ballot

Greetings from Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries

Second Keynote Address: The Rev. Dr. Kathryn Kleinhans

Mission Interpretation Moment

Action on 2018 Rostered Minister Compensation Guidelines

Second Report of the Committee of Reference and Counsel

Report of the Constitution Committee

Report from United Lutheran Seminary

Greetings from Bear Creek Camp

Lutheran Youth Fellowship Activity

Report of the Third Ballot (if necessary)

Introduction of candidates for the roster

Other reports: Q&A about the Bulletin of Reports

Unfinished Business

Report of the Committee on Minutes

Announcements

Order for the Closing of an Assembly, with Installation of Deans,

Synod

Council Members and Officers

12:00 - Pocono Mountain Cookout

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REPORT OF THE BISHOP

Greetings to you as we gather for the 30th An-nual Assembly of the Northeastern Pennsylva-nia Synod. This assembly meets in the year of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Con-sequently we gather with a spirit brimming with

thankfulness and inspiration.

The Assembly Planning Group has worked dili-gently to provide voting members and visitors with a meaningful assembly. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Kathrine Kleinhans, will help us recall the Confessional tenets of our Refor-mation heritage as we reach Year Three of the Unleashed for Reformation 2017 theme. A banquet marking the 500th anniversary will oc-cur on Friday evening, and throughout the as-sembly photos will be taken of Rostered Minis-ters for a commemorative pictorial directory. Assembly worship has been planned with the

anniversary as a formative factor.

We are blessed to be among those who will mark five centuries of Reformation witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. People over the ages whose lives have been influenced by Reformation teachings would delight at the op-portunity to mark such a milestone of faith. It is important for us to give thanks to God for all those who devoted themselves to insuring that Martin Luther’s teachings remain clear; for those who devoted themselves to public minis-tries in communities through Lutheran congre-gations and institutions; for parents, Sunday school teachers, and others who taught young people the Small Catechism; for those who have understood their day-to-day lives as the proper setting in which to live out their Lutheran

faith for the sake their neighbor.

As 21st-Century Lutheran Christians, it is our time for fulfilling all the above-mentioned faith-centered tasks. For that reason, the 500th anni-versary of the Reformation must be more than an occasion for spirits uplifted in recognition of a significant historical event. It also needs to be a launching pad for vibrant, faithful mission that brings to life what we understand about being

the Body of Christ in today’s world.

I am thankful for the many ministries carried out by congregations and Rostered Ministers of this synod, who are faithful and generous in giving time, talent, and financial resources. As I visit congregations and meet with ministers, dea-cons, and baptized members, I continue to be encouraged by the stories of ministry that I

hear. The invigorating 500-year long trajectory of Reformation insights is unleashing energy for

mission across this synod’s territory.

The assembly at Kalahari will give us opportuni-ty to review our unleashed life together in Christ. You have received reports that will help you prepare for our meeting, and you will hear reports at the assembly that will help round out your awareness of how the Holy Spirit has been stirring in this synod, across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and around the globe through our Lutheran World Federation

partnerships.

In addition, we will be electing individuals to the Synod Council, as well as a new vice president and a new treasurer. These elections are very important because they identify our leaders - the people charged with calling us to the best, most faithful ministry we can do. They need to be people of deep faith, with leadership skills that set them apart for special service to this synod, with the ability to speak boldly and artic-ulately. By these elections, we are giving shape to the next 30 years of this synod and offering ourselves in service to the sixth century

of Reformation witness.

I look forward to joining you for what promises

to be an exceptional assembly.

Yours in Christ,

Bishop Samuel R. Zeiser

EXECUTIVE REPORTS (OFFICERS & DEANS)

REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

Since my last report a year ago, your Synod Council has had four meetings in four different locations: Muhlenberg College; Christ Church in Conyngham; Prince of Peace in Johnsonville; and Advent in West Lawn. It is always reward-ing to travel around our territory and learn of the important ministries being performed by our

expressions of faith. We are indeed blessed.

The Council continues to support and monitor the local progress of “Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA,” a five-year effort approved by the 2013 ELCA Churchwide As-sembly. The 2014 Synod Assembly approved our participation in this important endeavor to support the ELCA ministries nationally and in-ternationally. Please recall that our goal is not a financial one but rather one of participation, and we are close to achieving full congregational participation! Thank you, congregations of the

Northeast Synod.

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The greatest challenge Council continues to face is that of declining mission support. Thus, the 2018 Spending Proposal, which is before the 2017 Synod Assembly for approval, follows much deliberation by the Council’s Finance Committee, the Bishop and his staff and repre-sents a significant reduction in expense. It is difficult to balance being fiscally sound with meeting the demands of Synodical administra-tion. We ask Assembly delegates to give the

Proposal your prayerful consideration.

Last year I reported on Council’s concern with the number of struggling congregations in our territory. Of particular concern were those con-gregations performing no ministry other than providing worship for a very small number of people on Sunday morning while simply spend-ing down the congregation’s endowment. We wondered if that was the best utilization of re-sources. During our Muhlenberg meeting last July we discussed Section 13.24 of the Synod Constitution. It provides that Synod Council “may take charge and control of the property” of a congregation whose membership “has be-come so scattered or so diminished that it is necessary for this Synod to protect the congre-gation’s property from waste and deteriora-tion…” A consensus was reached that, at this time, Council should not go down that path. Instead, Council members are completing a handbook to assist struggling congregations in considering their options: merger, consolidation, yoking or closure. It is my hope that the hand-

book will be approved at our July meeting.

In other matters, the Ad Hoc Constitution Com-mittee did a superlative job of compiling and editing prior Continuing Resolutions and Other Resolutions of Ongoing Impact. Bringing them together into one easily accessed document has been a major help to Council. Their compi-lation, with some revision, was approved at our

January meeting.

Before closing my report, I also want to acknowledge the hard work of our Nominating Committee. Several years ago we had a dearth of candidates for Synod Council. The Nominat-ing Committee was rejuvenated and, under the leadership of Marlane Druckenmiller, the Com-mittee’s efforts of recruitment have really paid

off. Its members are to be commended.

We are blessed as a Synod to have a hard working staff as well as Council members and delegates to this Assembly willing to devote the necessary time and effort required to do the important work of the greater church at the Syn-odical level. In particular, I want to give a spe-

cial “shout-out” to our retiring Treasurer, David Hinrichs. I cannot imagine having a more de-

voted steward of our finances. Thank you all.

My term as Vice President is ending on August 31. It has been my privilege and honor for the past four years to serve with the Bishop, Execu-tive Associate to the Bishop Bennethum, Secre-tary Shankweiler and my colleagues on Coun-cil. I have appreciated the thoughtful delibera-tions of our discussions and have likewise ap-preciated the tolerance granted “Smith’s Rules of Order.” I have truly been enriched by the

experience.

Donald F. Smith, Jr., Vice President

REPORT OF THE SECRETARY

As of March 1, 2017, the following changes have taken place since the 2016 Assembly:

ROSTER OF ORDAINED MINISTERS

Ordinations

None

Received from Other Synods

Darr, Thomas E., Lower Susquehanna Syn-od, January 1, 2017 Keltze, Denise E., New England Synod, Feb-ruary 1, 2017 Miller, Richard A., Metropolitan New York Synod, May 25, 2016 Paradise, Scott J., Metropolitan New York Synod, April 17, 2016 Weisser, Stephen J., Southeastern Pennsyl-vania Synod, February 14, 2017 Xander, Paul J., Southeastern Pennsylva-nia, October 20, 2016

Transferred to Other Synods Bredlau, Peter S., to Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, August 1, 2016 Burris, Daniel R., North Carolina Synod, June 1, 2016 Oaks, Jennifer M., to Slovak Zion Synod, October 1, 2016 Summy, Richard H., to Saint Paul Area Syn-od, September 14, 2016

Resigned from the Roster

None Removed from the Roster None

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Deaths

Klick, Jay C., October 13, 2016 Reeser, Clarence D., Jr., May 25, 2016 Wohlgemuth, Henry K., March 31, 2017 Zinkler, Leon, January 23, 2017

The Rev. Jay C. Klick, son of George E. and Ruth C. (Drager) Klick, was born on February 21, 1935 in Herndon, Pa. He graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1957 and from the Lu-theran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1960. Following his ordination by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania on May 29, 1960, Pastor Klick was called to the congregation of Zion in Wom-elsdorf. He served there until 1964, when he received a call to the Springtown-Durham Par-ish, where he served to 1968. From 1969 until 1972 Pastor Klick served at the assistant pas-tor at Good Shepherd, Easton. In 1972 he was called to Zion Lehigh, Alburtis, where he served until 1985. From 1985 until his retirement in 1998 Pastor Klick served the congregation of Holy Trinity in Kingston. In addition to his parish responsibilities, Pastor Klick also served for a time as chair of the synod’s Commission on Social Ministry and Committee on Justice and Social Change. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the former Lutheran Wel-fare Service. On May 16, 1959, Pastor Klick married Sandra H. Hausman, who survives him. He is also sur-vived by two sons, Jonathan and Stephen Klick.

The Rev. Clarence D. “Hap” Reeser Jr., son of Clarence D. and Hannah E. (Rohrbach) Reeser, was born on June 13, 1922, in Reading, Pa. He graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1950 and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1953. Following his ordination by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania in 1954, Pastor Reeser was called to the congregation of Longswamp Lutheran Church in Mertztown. He served there until 1955, when he moved to Reading to serve as assistant at Holy Redeemer. In 1960 Pastor Reeser was called to St. Peter, Reinerton. From 1970 until his retirement in 1988 he served St. Paul, Reading. After moving to the Lutheran Home at Topton in retirement, Pastor Reeser also helped with the congregation there. On December 31, 1960, Pastor Reeser married Mildred C. Wolfe, who died on June 25, 2005. He is survived by nieces and a foster daughter.

The Rev. Henry K. Wohlgemuth, the son of Henry and Elizabeth L. (Zahn) Wohlgemuth was born September 18, 1931, in Harrisburg, Pa. He was a graduate of Gettysburg College in 1953 and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg in 1957. In 1959 he received a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Following his ordination on June 19, 1957, Pas-tor Wohlgemuth served as assistant pastor of St. Luke, Silver Spring, Maryland. In 1959 he was called to serve as the executive director of Lutheran Inner Mission in Lancaster. The rest of his career focused on social ministry, serving as director of the Lutheran Children’s Bureau, Phil-adelphia (1967-1975); deputy director of Chil-dren and Family Services, Philadelphia (1975-1981); and executive director of Lutheran Minis-tries of Georgia, Atlanta (1981-1994). Following his retirement he remained active in ministry, serving often as interim pastor, mentor, and consultant. Pastor Wohlgemuth married Dorothy A. Kline on May 28, 1955. They are the parents of two chil-dren, Kurt K. Wohlgemuth and Beth Schweiger.

The Rev. Leon Zinkler, the son of Leonard and Lucy (Heidner) Zinkler, was born November 15, 1932, in Reading, Pa. He graduated from Temple University (1956), Drew University (1961), Western Connecticut State University (Master of Science in Social Sciences and Edu-cation, 1967) and again Drew University (Doctor of Ministry). Following his ordination by the United Methodist Church in 1961, Pastor Zinkler served the Lake Mahopac Methodist Church in Mahopac, NY until 1965. In 1967 he was ordained by the Northeast Pennsylvania Synod, Lutheran Church in America, and called to serve as the pastor of St. John, Phoenixville. From 1969 until 1976, Pastor Zinkler was the Vice Pastor for Zion United, Brodheadsville followed by St. Mat-thew, Kunkletown. From 1983 until 1986 he served Grace, Gouldsboro. Pastor Zinkler was called to serve the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod as a consultant to congregations in tran-sition (1986-1995) and interim pastor (1995-1999). The congregations where he served as interim included Jerusalem, Trachsville; St. John, Scranton; and St. Paul, Craigs Meadows. He retired in January of 1999. Pastor Zinkler married Barbara A. (Horn) Zin-kler, who survives him. He is also survived by their children Nancy Frederick, David Zinkler, and Carol Shibley.

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2016-17 Pastoral Changes Argot, Robert G., Jr., Friedens, Bernville, to Holy Spirit, Reading, March 1, 2017 Borrell, Lisa K., Christ, Lower Saucon, to on leave from call, February 26, 2017 Boyer, Linda Bonfiglio, St. Paul, Tower City, to retired, August 31, 2016 Bredlau, Peter S., St. Mark, Bethlehem, to Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, August 1, 2016 Buckwalter, Kenneth L., St. John, Emmaus, to on leave from call, October 2, 2016 Burris, Daniel R., St. John, Boyertown (associate pastor) to North Carolina Synod, June 1, 2016 Darr, Thomas E., Lower Susquehanna

Synod to Trinity, Topton, January 1, 2017 Drennan, Samantha, Jerusalem, Western Salisbury (associate pastor) to Grace, Macungie, October 31, 2016 Hart, John A., Holy Trinity, Catasauqua, to

St. James, Coopersburg, July 17, 2016 Irwin, Thomas F., Calvary, Laureldale, to on

leave from call, November 30, 2016 Irwin, Thomas F., on leave from call to Faith,

Mt. Penn, February 1, 2017 Kaufman, Wayne R., Faith, Blakeslee, to

retired, January 1, 2017 Keltze, Denise E., to Good Shepherd,

Reading, February 1, 2017 Laubach, Harry M., Jr., St. Mark, Appenzell,

to retired, March 1, 2017 Matthy, Christian P., St. Paul, Albrightsville,

to retired, May 1, 2016 Middeke-Conlin, Rebecca, from on leave

from call to St. Paul, Easton, October 1, 2016 Moore, Dennis W., Union Evangelical,

Schnecksville, to retired, August 1, 2016 Moore, Nancy L., Trinity, Lehighton (interim)

to Trinity, Lehighton (pastor), July 11, 2016 Obrecht, Paulette K., on leave from call to

retired, July 1, 2016 Paradise, Scott J., Metro New York Synod to

St. Paul, Catasauqua, April 17, 2016 Richards, Thomas E., Jr., St. Paul,

Tannersville, to retired, January 1, 2017 Stinner, Franklin S., on leave from call to St.

John, Nazareth (associate pastor), September 25, 2016 Summy, Richard H., Atonement, Wyomissing (senior pastor) to Saint Paul Area Synod, September 14, 2016 Terhune, C. Frank, St. Peter, Plainfield, to

retired, June 30, 2016 Weisser, Stephen J., Southeastern

Pennsylvania Synod to Reading Health System(Director, Chaplaincy Services), February 14, 2017 Wolkenhauer, Phyllis M., on leave from call

to Bern, Bern Township, August 1, 2016

ROSTER CHANGES FOR MINISTERS OF WORD AND SERVICE

Received from Other Synods

None

Transferred to Other Synods

Summy, Christine L., to St. Paul Area Synod, Minnesota, December 19, 2016

Resigned from Roster

None

Removed from Roster

Jahn de Torrez, Amy, on leave from call to

removed from roster, October 20, 2016

Deaths

Snyder, Florence D., November 25, 2016 Sterner, Sister Gunnel Marie, June 15, 2016

Florence D. Snyder, an Associate in Minis-try, was the daughter of Clayton A. and Mary M. (Ziegenfus) Dorward. She was born April 27, 1926 in Allentown. She graduated from West Chester State Teachers College in 1944. Mrs. Snyder was certified as a lay professional in the Lutheran Church in America by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod in 1970. With the creation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, she was certified as an Associate in Ministry. In her career as a church musician, she served as organist and choir director of St. James, Allentown and then Jeru-salem, Western Salisbury, retiring as organist emeritus in 1997. Her career as a teacher was spent in the Allentown School District. Her husband of 62 years, George David Snyder, preceded her in death. She is survived by three children: Nancy A. Myers, Janice A. Monroe, and George Daniel Snyder as well as three grand-children and six great-grand-children.

Sister Gunnel Marie Sterner, the daughter of Niels Anton and Tyra (Nordlander) Sterner, was born July 16, 1930, in Stockholm, Swe-den. She was a graduate of Simmons Col-lege, Boston, in 1954 and entered the Dea-coness Community of the United Lutheran Church in America.

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Changes in Positions

Druckenmiller, Marlane E., St. Paul,

Douglassville (Christian Education Coordinator) to retired, July 1, 2016 Mason, Jane R., Spiritrust Homecare & Hos-

pice (Hospice Chaplain) to retired, July 12, 2016 Summy, Christine L., Caron Foundation (Spiritual Counselor) to on leave from call, Sep-tember 1, 2016

CONGREGATIONAL CHANGES Lynnville, St. Peter, closed September 27,

2015 Minersville, English, and Buck Run, Trinity Chapel: parish dissolved effective May 14, 2016 Northampton, Zion, and Northampton, Holy Trinity Slovak, formed the Northampton Lu-

theran Joint Parish effective October 1, 2013 Respectfully Submitted, The Rev. Carl D. Shankweiler, Secretary

Following her consecration as a deaconess by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania in 1962, Sister Gunnel served the church in various capacities including the Lutheran Children’s Bureau in Phil-adelphia, the Tabor Home for Children in Doylestown, as chaplain at the Muhlenberg Campus of Lehigh Valley Hospital, and as Coor-dinator of Family Services for Lutheran Congre-gational Services. Sister Gunnel was also active in her congregation and the Bethlehem-Easton Mission District, serving for a time as chair of

the mission district council.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER

Summary Budget Information

Following is a summary of our budget performance for the past 10 years, including pre-audited numbers for the

most recent fiscal year that ended January 31, 2017. The 2016 Budget was based on projected Mission Support of

$2.4 million, so the short fall in congregational support resulted in a deficit of $93,000 (subject to audit).

NEPS Net Assets represent the value of our investments, property and other assets less any outstanding

obligations. The graphic below shows the change Net Assets over the most recent 10 year period.

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The change in valuation year to year reflects out budget performance and changes in the values of our long

term investments (e.g. endowment funds). Major changes reflected above include the sharp drop related to

the 2008 financial crisis and the donation of the Lutheran Center property to the synod in 2010. The increase

in 2016 reflects higher investment values offset partially by the budget deficit.

REPORT OF THE SYNOD COUNCIL

The Synod Council met four times since the 2016 assembly: July 9, 2016; October 12, 2016; January 18, 2017; and March 23, 2017. The following report lists all resolutions adopted at these meetings as well as any electronic votes as reported at the subsequent meetings. The numbers preceding the resolutions indi-cate the year, month, and sequence number of the resolution. Recommendations for assembly action ap-pear in bold face type. All items are presented for review by the assembly.

Administration

(2017.01.04) Resolved, that Chapter 2, Item 10, of the document “Continuing Resolutions and Other Reso-lutions of Ongoing Impact” dealing with the reporting of salaries by institutions receiving synodical grants in excess of $10,000 a year be retracted and deleted from that document. (2017.01.05) Resolved, that Chapter 5, Item 8, be amended by replacing “The Mutual Ministry/Staff Support Committee will have, among its duties, the responsibility to review and evaluate the implementation of the covenant and to recommend appropriate compensation for rostered leaders” with a new sentence: “Appropriate processes will be developed to review and evaluate the implementation of the covenant.” (2017.03.01) Resolved, that Ms. Marlane Druckenmiller be the person authorized to receive background checks on behalf of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod for nominees to synod offices and other leader-ship positions.

Assembly (2017.03.02) The following resolution is recommended to the 2017 Synod Assembly: Resolved, that the 2017 Assembly program (as printed in the Bulletin of Reports) be adopted. (2017.03.07) Resolved, that beginning with the 2018 Synod Assembly and for all assemblies thereafter, the synod will no longer offer to cover the room and meal costs for retired rostered leaders not serving congre-gations or other ministry sites to attend synod assemblies but will waive the registration fees if requested. (2017.03.08) Resolved, that the dates of the 2018 Synod Assembly of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Syn-od be established as June 7 to June 9, with June 7 being a day for setting up for the assembly.

Bear Creek Camp (2016.07.07) Resolved, that in accordance with S15.21 of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s constitu-tion, Bear Creek Camp be granted permission to enter into a fundraising campaign to raise up to $240,000 for the purpose of replacing the current army-style tents with permanent cabins.

Budget and Finance (2016.10.01) Resolved, that the portion of the 2017 Executive Staff salary to be designated as housing be as follows:

Samuel Zeiser $20,000 Mary Gade $24,000 Kurt Garbe $17,000

(2016.10.02) Resolved, that spending policies for synod funds for 2017 be established as follows: Prosser, Pahse, Mission Fund: 8% of assets, $59,810 Student Education Fund: 8% of assets, $10,741 Kelchner Fund: 10% of assets, $131,119 Leadership Fund: 6% of assets, $3,937 Social Ministry Fund: 8% of assets, $40,980

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(2017.01.02) Resolved, that 2017 Executive Staff compensation be set in accordance with the following schedule, reflecting (1) total compensation and (2) for ordained staff members the amount of base salary, social security allowance, and housing allowance. The amounts designated as housing allowance were act-ed upon at the October 12, 2016, meeting and shall apply to calendar year 2017 and all future years unless otherwise provided by this Synod Council. (Numbers are rounded to the nearest dollar.) This represents a 2% increase over 2016. Name*** Base Salary Housing SS Total Samuel Zeiser $67,004 $20,000 $7,207 $94,211 Kurt Garbe $52,874 $17,000 $5,788 $75,662 Mary Gade $52,107 $24,000 $6,304 $82,411 Karen Matthias-Long $4,819* $62,911 Carl Shankweiler $5,327 $441 $5,768 M. Bennethum** $21,432 Jean Huber $16,074 John Richter $18,217 Fred Crawford $15,606 Lori Kochanski $15,606 Peter Kuritz $15,606 *Employer’s required portion of Social Security ** Pastor Bennethum’s salary as DEM and all of his benefits are paid by the ELCA. This amount represents additional compensation for working as the synod’s Executive Associate of the Bishop. ***Compensation for the associate serving the Pocono Mission District is paid to his congregation under a purchase of services arrangement [Note: the 2% increase in staff compensation means that the 2017 cost for support staff will be $230,414; the 2017 cost for contract staff will be $35,594.]

Calls, Appointments, and Roster Maintenance

(2016.07.05) Resolved, that in accordance with ELCA bylaw 7.41.17. and upon endorsement by the bishop, the following rostered leaders be granted the roster status of retired:

The Rev. Christian Matthy (May 1, 2016) The Rev. Frank Terhune (June 30, 2016) The Rev. Linda Bonfiglio (August 31, 2016) Diaconal Minister Jane Mason (July 12, 2016)

(2016.07.11) Resolved, that effective June 1, 2016, a call to special service be issued to the Rev. Richard B. Baumann to provide pastoral services to Christ Church (Old Swedes), Upper Merion, a congregation of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. This motion was made by Pastor Deborah Scheffey, seconded by Mr. Derr, and was adopted. (2016.10.05) Resolved, that in accordance with sections 7.31.16. and 7.52.22. of the ELCA Constitution, “On leave from call” status be approved as follows:

Clergy (first year): The Rev. Kenneth Buckwalter (9/1/2016) Clergy (second year): The Rev. Mark Swanson (7/18/2016) Clergy (second year): The Rev. George Grubb (8/30/2016) Associate in Ministry (first year): Christine Summy (9/1/2016)

(2016.10.06) Resolved, that in accordance with ELCA bylaw 7.41.17. and upon endorsement by the bishop, the following rostered leaders be granted the roster status of “retired”:

The Rev. Thomas Richards (1/1/2017) The Rev. Wayne Kaufman (1/1/2017)

(2017.01.06) Resolved, that in accordance with sections 7.31.16. and 7.52.22. of the ELCA Constitution, “on leave from call” status be approved as follows:

Clergy (first year): The Rev. Thomas F. Irwin (2/1/2017) Deaconess (second year): Sister Janet Stump Clergy (third year): The Rev. Rashion Santiago Clergy (third year): The Rev. Timothy R. Garman

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(2017.01.07) Resolved, that in accordance with ELCA bylaw 7.41.17. and upon endorsement by the bishop, the following rostered leader be granted the roster status of “retired”: The Rev. Harry M. Laubach Jr. (3/1/2017) (2017.01.08) Resolved, that a call to special service be extended to the Rev. Paul Xander to serve as Chap-lain of the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation network. (2017.01.09) Resolved, that in accordance with sections 7.31.16 and 7.52.22 of the ELCA Constitution, “on leave from call” status be approved as follows:

Clergy (first year) The Rev. Lisa K. Borrell (2/26/2017) Clergy (first year) The Rev. Peggy M. Wuertele (3/1/2017)

(2017.01.10) Resolved, that a call to special service be extended to the Rev. Stephen J. Weisser to serve as Director of Chaplaincy Services for the Reading Health System.

(2017.01.11) Resolved, that the synod council extend an invitation to the Rev. William Culton, an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), to serve as the interim pastor of St. Paul, Tannersville, effective January 15, 2017.

(2017.03.03) Resolved, that the synod council extend an invitation to the Rev. Melinda Artman, an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Episcopal Church, USA, to serve as pastor of St. John, Sayre, begin-ning April 2, 2017.

(2017.03.04) Resolved, that a two-year call to special service be issued to the Rev. Jeffrey Bohan to serve as the interim pastor of Trinity, Clarks Summit, beginning March 1, 2017

(2017.03.05) Resolved, that in accordance with sections 7.31.16. and 7.52.22. of the ELCA Constitution, “on leave from call” status be approved as follows:

Clergy (third year): The Rev. James Hammond Clergy (extension beyond family leave): The Rev. Kim Truebenbach

(2017.03.06) Resolved, that in accordance with ELCA bylaw 7.41.17. and upon endorsement by the bishop, the following rostered leader be granted the roster status of “retired”:

The Rev. Gregory Shreaves, 4/23/2017

Congregations (2016.07.04) Resolved, that in accordance with section S13.21 of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Constitution, that the Minersville-Buck Run Pastoral Charge be dissolved, effective May 14, 2015. (2016.07.09) Resolved, that in accordance with section S13.21 of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Constitution, that the Northampton Lutheran Joint Parish, consisting of the congregations of Zion, Northamp-ton, and Holy Trinity Slovak, Northampton, be created, effective October 1, 2013.

ELCA

(2016.07.08) Resolved, that Mark Stana be appointed to serve as a voting member at the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, replacing Brandon Wood who is unable to fulfill the responsibility to which he was elected.

Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network

(2016.07.06) Resolved, that Jaan Naktin, Peter Quinn, and Donald Snyder be elected to three-year terms on the Board of Trustees of the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, terms commencing in 2016; and that Steven Morrison be elected to a three-year term, 2016-2019, to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Rosalin Petrucci.

Mission Districts

(2016.07.02) Resolved, that the 2017 budget of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Mission District be approved.

(2016.07.10) Resolved, that the 2016-2017 budget of the Schuylkill Mission District be approved.

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Synod Council

(2016.07.03) Resolved, that future meeting dates for the council be established as follows:

October 12, 2016, 3:00 p.m. January 18, 2017, 3:00 p.m. (snow date, January 31) March 23, 2017, 3:00 p.m.

(2016.10.04) Resolved, that the Rev. Jeffrey S. Carstens be appointed as the convener of the Worship Min-istry Team.

Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities

(2016.07.01) Resolved, that a grant of $5,000 be given from the Prosser, Pahse, Mission Fund as seed mon-ey for the creation of a second campus of the Common Ground Recovery Ministry Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community in downtown Reading. The resolution was adopted.

(2016.10.03) Resolved, that Hope’s Table, housed at Hope Lutheran Church, 601 N. Front Street, Reading 19601, be reauthorized as a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community (SWAC) of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod.

(2016.10.07) Resolved, that Common Ground Recovery Community—Downtown Reading Campus, meeting at Trinity Lutheran Church, 527 Washington Street, Reading 19601, be authorized as a Synodically Author-ized Worshipping Community (SAWC) of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod.

(2017.01.03) Resolved, that grants for the 2017 fiscal year be made from the Prosser, Pahse, Mission Fund to the following ministries under development:

Common Ground Recovery Community, Wyomissing: $12,000 Hope’s Table, Reading: $12,000 Common Ground Recovery Community, Reading: $5,000 Common Ground Recovery Community, Douglasville: $1,200

(2017.01.12) Resolved, that the Common Ground Recovery Community, housed at Atonement Lutheran Church, 5 Wyomissing Blvd, Wyomissing, PA 19610, be reauthorized as a Synodically Authorized Worship-ing Community of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod.

United Lutheran Seminary

(2017.01.01) Resolved, that the Rev. Cheryl F. Meinschein be appointed by this synod to the board of the United Lutheran Seminary.

The Rev. Carl D. Shankweiler, Secretary

REPORT OF THE

COMMITTEE OF DEANS

The Committee of Deans met four times since the last synod assembly. Consideration of ros-ter matters was an ongoing task of the deans at

all of their meetings.

At its July meeting, Bishop Zeiser welcomed newly elected Dean Anja Stuckenberger. The deans heard a presentation from Pastor Barry Spatz regarding Disaster Spiritual Partners (Who Helps the Helpers?), an initiative of Lu-theran Congregational Services and Lutheran Disaster Response of Eastern PA that supports local pastors and congregations in communities where there have been tragic events. The

deans also shared their impressions of the recognition event for rostered leaders celebrat-ing major anniversaries and of the synod as-

sembly.

In October, Pastor Bennethum informed the deans of a decision by the LAMPa Policy Coun-cil to organize advocacy ministry around seven state-wide action teams: Racial Justice, Immi-gration, Creation Justice, Hunger, Mental Health/Addiction, Poverty/Hunger/Employment, and Education. The deans were encouraged to identify rostered ministers and lay leaders in their mission districts who are passionate about these issues. The deans also began planning for the 2017 recognition of rostered leader anni-

versaries.

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At its February and April meetings, the deans furthered their planning for the worship service and luncheon in honor of rostered leaders cele-brating major anniversaries. They received re-ports from the bishop regarding synod assem-bly planning, the first call process, and a con-sultation at which the bishop's staff worked with Beth Lewis, CEO of 1517 Media regarding the challenges and opportunities for mission that face the synod. Pastor Bennethum introduced Creating Congregational Cultures of Generosi-ty, a pilot stewardship project in which the Northeastern and Southeastern Pennsylvania

Synods are participating.

Anniversaries of Rostered Service

2016 marks the 15th anniversary of service for the following leaders:

The Rev. Herbert Dolich Ms. Linda Maule

The Rev. Jami Possinger The Rev. Nelson Quiñones The Rev. Susan Ruggles

The Rev. Jeremiah Sassaman The Rev. Dody Siegfried

The following leaders are celebrating 25 years of ordination:

The Rev. Susan Fox

The Rev. James Hammond The Rev. Douglass McKeeby

The Rev. Martin Milne The Rev. Philip Spohn The Rev. Jack Steltzer

The Rev. Beverly Wenrich

Observing their 40th anniversary of ordination are:

The Rev. Patricia Criste The Rev. Thomas Cvammen

The Rev. George Grubb The Rev. Gene Handwerk The Rev. Wayne Kaufman

The Rev. F. Thomas Lichner The Rev. Dennis Moore The Rev. Dennis Ritter

The Rev. David Schaeffer The Rev. Paul Schoffstall The Rev. Eugene Sharkey

Celebrating their 50th anniversary of ordained service are:

The Rev. Edward Cloughen The Rev. Sterling Geiger The Rev. F. Peter Muhr The Rev. James Seifert

Marking 55 years of rostered service are:

Sister Sarah Jane Byers The Rev. Charles Charles The Rev. Richard Miller The Rev. Royal Olson

The Rev. Richard Stough

Celebrating their 60th anniversary of ordination are:

The Rev. Peter Grimes The Rev. David Kistler

The Rev. Donald Landis The Rev. Durrell Seip

The Rev. George Spieker

Observing 65 years of ordained service is:

The Rev. Paul Fisher

THE REV. EDWARD W. CLOUGHEN, the son of Elmer and Dorothea (Bothe) Cloughen, was born on August 16, 1942 in the Bronx, New York. A 1964 graduate of Muhlenberg College, he graduated from the Lutheran Theological

Seminary at Philadelphia in 1997.

Following his ordination on May 28, 1967 by the Eastern Pennsylvania Synod, Pastor Cloughen served as pastor of Grace, Lehighton (1967-1969); Trinity, Bangor (1969-1971); St. Paul's, Tower City (1972-1976); St. Daniel's, Robesonia (1976-1988); St. Luke's,

Reading (1988-1996); St. Mark's, Birdsboro

THE REV. EDWARD W. CLOUGHEN, the son of Elmer and Dorothea (Bothe) Cloughen, was born on August 16, 1942 in the Bronx, New York. A 1964 graduate of Muhlenberg College, he graduated from the Lutheran Theological

Seminary at Philadelphia in 1997. Following his ordination on May 28, 1967 by the Eastern Pennsylvania Synod, Pastor Cloughen served as pastor of Grace, Lehighton (1967-1969); Trinity, Bangor (1969-1971); St. Paul's, Tower City (1972-1976); St. Daniel's, Robesonia (1976-1988); St. Luke's, Reading (1988-1996); St. Mark's, Birdsboro (1996-1999); and the Zion Moselem/Becker's St. Pe-ter's Parish (1999-2004). He also served as President of the Conrad Weiser Ministerium and on the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod

Council.

On July 5, 1968, Pastor Cloughen was married to Cynthia Ann Heiser. They are the parents of two children - Sarajane and Ward. Following Cynthia's death in 2002, Pastor Cloughen was married to Ethelmae Edwards on August 23,

2003.

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(1996-1999); and the Zion Moselem/Becker's St. Peter's Parish (1999-2004). He also served as President of the Conrad Weiser Ministerium and on the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Council. On July 5, 1968, Pastor Cloughen was married to Cynthia Ann Heiser. They are the parents of two children - Sarajane and Ward. Following Cynthia's death in 2002, Pastor Cloughen was married to Ethelmae Edwards on August 23,

2003.

THE REV. STERLING R. GEIGER was born on March 26, 1942 in Orefield. The son of Ralph and Clara (Werley) Geiger, he graduat-ed from Moravian College in 1964 and the Lu-theran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1967. Ordained by the Eastern Pennsylvania Synod on May 28, 1967, Pastor Geiger served the Plainfield Lutheran Parish (1967-1971); St. Peter's, Plainfield following the dissolution of the parish (1971-1981); and as vice pastor of St. Paul's, Sieberlingsville (1984). On June 22, 1969, Pastor Geiger was married to Virginia Kinnaman. They are the parents of two children, Matthew and Phillip. He subse-quently married Jean Koberlein.

THE REV. FRANK PETER MUHR, the son of Frank and Theresa (Kardos) Muhr, was born on June 22, 1942 in Bethlehem. He graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1964 and the Lu-theran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1967. Following his ordination by the Eastern Penn-sylvania Synod on May 28, 1967, Pr. Muhr was called to serve Grace, Shillington as assistant pastor (1967-1970); and as the pastor of Zion,

THE REV. JAMES W. SEIFERT was born on June 17, 1942 in Reading, the son of Daniel and Grace (James) Seifert. He graduated from Albright College in 1964 and the Lutheran The-ological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1967. He was ordained by the Eastern Pennsylvania Synod on May 28, 1967 and called to serve St. John's, Friedensburg (1967-1973); the West Penn Lutheran Parish (1973-1998); and St. Luke's Union Church, Shoemakersville (1998-2007). While at St. Luke's he helped the Lu-theran and U.C.C. congregations implement a full communion agreement. He also served on the Ecumenical Relations Committee of the Penn Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ. Following his retirement, Pastor Seifert has served as interim at St. John, Friedensburg and stated supply at Friedens, Stony Run. On June 18, 1966, he married Bernadette Eczko.

They are the parents of two children, Michelle

and Donald.

The Rev. D. Michael Bennethum Executive Associate of the Bishop

Tamaqua (1971-1987); and St. Peter's Hanover), Allentown (1987-2000). From 2000 to 2002, he served as the interim pastor of Jerusalem, Western Salisbury, and subse-quent to that as interim of the Palmerton Re-formed Parish. In 1983, the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce named Pastor Muhr as its Citizen of the Year. In retirement, Pastor Muhr has served St. John, Jim Thorpe Heights under a purchase of services agreement. On July 5, 1971, Pastor Muhr was married to Shirley Ann Kovacs. They are the parents of two children, Nathaniel and Abigail.

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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

MINISTRY TEAM

The Leadership Development Ministry Team met throughout the year centering on the fol-lowing priorities: is to identify candidates for and encourage lay and rostered leaders in the church, to develop and grow their gifts for min-istry and to support them as brothers and sis-ters in Christ. To accomplish this, we commit to provide and communicate opportunities for leadership development in the congregation, the synod, and the whole Church. 1. Help congregations to identify, equip and support lay leaders The team supports regular workshops for

congregational council presidents, vice-presidents, and treasurers. These work-shops cover Christian leadership principles, technique and style, planning, resourcing, volunteer development and other congre-gational leadership issues. Our next treas-urer’s workshop will be in October 14, 2017.

The team provided grants to lay leaders to

match continuing education funds for con-gregational leadership programs. We have grants to give!

2. Intentionally seek out candidates for ros- tered leadership This is an exciting, growing emphasis of

our work. Bear Creek hosted the first “Gifted Gather-

ing” with great success. Consider joining us for our next one: October 8, 2017.

Help us identify and connect with folks

who have spark, passion, and depth!

3.. Provide or insure support for the families of rostered leaders The team maintains and reviews the salary

and compensation guidelines found in the bulletin of reports.

Many thanks to the current team members for their hard work and dedication to developing leaders: the Rev. David Blitch, the Rev. Rachael Dietz; the Rev. Kurt Garbe; and Dan Scharnhorst. The Rev. Rachael C. R. Dietz, Convener

MINISTRY TEAMS

2018 MINIMUM COMPENSATION GUIDELINES

Below are the 2018 recommended minimum cash compensation guidelines for Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod clergy. Separate guidelines are available for deacons. The Assembly is voting on the salary grid only. This year, the Leadership Development team re-formed the guidelines to include specifics on how to arrive at the total compensation for pastors. It also contains previous years’ expectations concerning benefits, time off, vacation, continuing education, etc. as well as additional worksheets and information. We hope it will assist you in the “nuts and bolts” as well as a promoting a framework for caring for the whole leader and family. The complete Leadership Support Guidelines for Pastors and Deacons are available on line at www.nepasynod.org.

2018 Clergy Compensation Guidelines NOTE: The guidelines offered here are based upon CASH COMPENSATION (CC) which consists of base salary, housing and ½ of the Self-Employment Tax (SET) compensation.

Years completed Service in ordained Ministry

2018 Recommended Salary Range (including housing allowance)

2018 Recommended Salary Range (parsonage provided)

Low High Low High

0-1 51,452 56,617 35,760 39,336

2-3 52,591 57,416 36,900 40,595

4-7 53,732 59,105 38,043 41,844

8-10 55,980 61,612 40,331 44,354

11-15 57,723 69,267 42,031 46,235

16-20 60,573 72,686 44,002 52,802

21+ 63,424 82,451 47,734 62,053

http://www.vasynod.org/

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Pastors with part time calls should be compensated on a prorated basis in line with the above guidelines, in consultation with the Office of the Bishop. Vacation and continuing education provisions should be prorated, as well. Pension and health benefits are according to the guidelines of the ELCA, including a 12% pension

provision.

2018 Deacon Compensation Guidelines

Below are the 2018 recommended minimum cash compensation guidelines for Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod deacons. Separate guidelines are available for pastors. The Assembly is voting on the salary grid only. This year, the Leadership Development team re-formed the guidelines to include specifics on how to arrive at the total compensation for pastors. It also contains previous years’ expectations concerning benefits, time off, vacation, continuing education, etc. as well as additional worksheets and information. We hope it will assist you in the “nuts and bolts” as well as a promoting a framework for caring for the whole leader. The complete Leadership Support Guidelines for Pastors and Deacons are available on line at www.nepasynod.org. NOTE: The guidelines offered here are based upon CASH COMPENSATION (CC) which consists of base salary, housing and ½ of the Self-Employment Tax (SET) compensation. Deacons with part time calls should be compensated on a prorated basis in line with the above guidelines, in consultation with the Office of the Bishop. Vacation and continuing education provisions should be prorated, as well. Pension and health benefits are according to the guidelines of the ELCA, including a 12% pension

provision.

Years completed Service in rostered

ministry

2018 Recommended Salary Range

With Bachelor’s Degree

2018 Recommended

With Master’s Degree

Low High Low High

0-1 35,023 38,587 37,277 41,004

2-3 36,307 39,936 39,630 43,593

4-7 37,534 41,288 40,857 44,942

8-10 39,989 43,988 43,311 47,643

11-15 41,830 50,195 45,153 54,184

16-20 44,898 53,329 48,223 57,867

21+ 47,968 62,359 51,292 66,679

WITNESS AND SERVICE MINISTRY TEAM

The Witness and Service Ministry Team exists to encourage and support congre-

gations and ministry groups on our synod terri-tory in the work of sharing the Good News and living out God’s great command to “love our neighbor.” Not all of us are farmers with fields to plow, seeds to plant and nurture, harvests to gather and celebrate. But in a very real way that is ex-actly what this team is called to do. We receive good ideas from all of you, nurture them with gifts of financial support, follow your progress and celebrate your results. Consider for a moment the parable of the tal-ents found in Matthew 25:14-30. It is a harsh story of giving and taking away, of rewards and

punishment. But it is also a story of risk-taking and doing the thing that is not easy, not guaran-teed. The servant who was entrusted with the most talents invests his talents, taking on work and risk, and in the end returns twice as much to his master. The servant with the least talents hides in fear of the task ahead and buries his talents only to return his measly few to his master.

Who does the master reward? Of course, the servant who took the risk, the one who returned the most was rewarded. ‘Well done, good and faithful serv-

ant. You have been faithful over a lit-

tle; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Planting seeds and taking on risk the Witness and Service Ministry Team awarded more than $26,000 in grants during 2016 to a variety of ministries related to evangelism and social out-reach. These grants provided supplementary

http://www.vasynod.org/

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funds to begin or expand ministries in local con-gregations and communities. Planting seeds and taking on risk the Witness and Service Team works in affiliation with the (dis) Ability Resource Information Task Force, Bike for World Hunger Task Force, Creation Care Task Force, LGBT+ Ministry Task Force and the new Social Justice Ministry Task Force to increase awareness and provide means for involvement. Planting seeds and taking on risk the Witness and Service Team works with special ministry and support groups such as: Common Ground Recovery Ministry in its three locations, Hope’s Table, Iglesia La Hermosa, Trinity Deaf Minis-try, and the Susquehanna County Church with-out Walls exploration to ensure that God’s love reaches underserved populations. Planting seeds and taking on risk the Witness and Service Team works with the Coaching sub-group encouraging and supporting strategies for renewing ministry. We have the fields. We have the good seeds: the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s command to “love our neighbor.” Who will plant them? Who is ready for some risky business? Who wants to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” The Witness and Service team is hanging out it’s shingle. It reads: “Risky Ministry Ideas Ac-cepted Here.” Linda Maxon, convener

CONNECTION BUILDING MINISTRY TEAM

Our team has been having real trouble getting off the ground. The objective of our team is to build a network that uses our gifts, skills, and resources to maximize what we can do to-gether and strengthen congregations in their ministry. One piece (but not the only piece) is the use of technology and social media in the context of our life of faith, but we seem unable to locate people who feel called to lead this ministry who can get really excited by that call. We know that connection building happens in other ways as well and we are looking for any who are interested in helping us with our objec-tive. If you have a passion for helping people and/or congregations connect in any way, please contact Karen Matthias-Long at ka-ren@nepsynod.org or Paul Braden at pbraden@rcn.com The Rev. Paul Braden, Convener

WORSHIP MINISTRY TEAM

The Synod Worship Ministry Team was pleased to be involved with the creative team in plan-ning for Synod Assembly 2017. Worship plan-ning has continued to be an integral part of the overall Synod Assembly planning, which has helped create meaningful worship within the overall context of the Assembly. The Synod Worship Ministry Team is grateful for the oppor-tunity to participate in such holistic planning. The following individuals served on the Worship Ministry Team in 2016-2017: the Rev. Jeff Car-stens (convener), Jean Grube, Dr. Michael Krentz, the Rev. Gary Walbert, the Rev. Car-olyn Hetrick, Lana Snyder, Neil Chaban, and our Partner in Evangelical Worship, the Rev. Charlie Grube. The Rev. Kurt Garbe is our liai-son to the synod staff. Your feedback on assembly worship is always encouraged through the synod assembly evalu-ation, and we welcome any other comments, suggestions, or volunteers through any of our members individually, or through our team’s e-mail: nepsworship@gmail.com The Rev. Jeff Carstens, Convener

FAITH FORMATION RESOURCE MINISTRY TEAM

The Faith Formation Resource Team offers a variety of learning opportunities to nurture the faith development of people in congregations, mission districts and the synod. We also keep apprised of current Christian Education trends and curriculum resources. This year's Learning Ministries Day had won-derful weather for a change and attendance was high. Our keynote speaker was Beth Lew-is from 1517 Media, who spoke on how congre-gations may celebrate and use all of the gifts of all of their members, no matter their age. The event was held at St. Peter's, Bethlehem, where many friendly volunteers in leis made us all ex-tremely welcome. There were many different types of workshops that were well attended and well received. Planning has already begun on next year's event. Team members continue to respond to requests from congregations for consultations on a wide variety of subjects. The team is also planning some synod-wide events for this year and be-yond. Last August, the team gathered for two days of brainstorming, planning future events and

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sharing resources. We are currently working on a special project, Reformation 500, where we are inviting members of our synod to share their stories of faith with the entire synod. We invite everyone to join their stories to what we hope will eventually be 500 stories of faith. The team also continues to work on ways to increase our presence on the web through various means, explore different resources and try different ways to spread that Christian Education infor-mation to all of the congregations in our synod. Cheryl Stratham, Convener

YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT AND FAMILY MINISTRY TEAM

The mission of the Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry Team is to strengthen the work being done with children, youth, young adults and families in the communities of Northeastern PA Synod. The work of our team intersects with many of the other ministries of the syn-od including Faith Formation, Leadership De-velopment, Bear Creek Camp, Campus Minis-tries, and Global Mission. Faith-a-Palooza, our annual youth leadership training weekend, focused on Story: telling your story and telling God’s story. Kelsi Kegerize, Seth Noggle, Pr. Becca Middeke-Collin, and Pr. Nate Preisinger worked with Karen Matthias-Long in the leadership of this event. With help from Seth Noggle, Pr. Anna Stucken-berger, and Inge Williams there was a Confir-mation Day at the Synod Office. It offered the opportunity for different confirmation groups to gather for music, worship, games and the joint activity of planting a tree on site. It was a great way for youth of our synod to see the Synod Office, meet some of the folks here and learn about the larger church. Following up from the White Privilege Confer-ence several youth and adults attended last year, we had 4 adults and 4 youth attend Race

Forward a conference on systemic racism in Washington, D.C. Tracy Spittler-Hassler accompanied LYF presi-dent, Emily McManaman and LYF member Gin-ny George to the ELCA Youth Ministry Sum-mit held in the fall. It’s a great way for our

youth to experience and connect with the larger church. In January, our team was well represented at Learning Ministries Day with two sessions related to Practice Discipleship.

We enjoyed a second “May Play Day” on May 7. A group of folks of all ages gathered at Bear Creek Camp for an afternoon of fun and games with our team and awesome Bear Creek staff. We are happy that this event is building steam and love the connection it provides for folks to Bear Creek and the larger church. Last year the LYF gathering was held in con-

junction with last year’s synod assembly. As a team we have had many conversations about how we can share stories and experienc-es from folks who have attended the White Priv-ilege Conference and Race Forward Confer-ence. We are in early planning stages of a pos-sible synod-wide book study. We have also talked about using our Facebook page as a place to offer movie and book suggestions along with study guides to encourage youth, young adults and families to engage in different books and movies and to have conversations around them on a family, congregational, or community level. Many thanks to the dedicated and creative members of this team:Deaconess Debo-rah Matern Graf – PD coach, Colleen Hall, Dea-con Karen Matthias-Long - synod staff liaison, Seth Noggle, Pete Smith, SammiJohns, Pastor Lauren Applegate and Pastor Jennifer Dee. The Rev. Jennifer Dee, Convener

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MISSION INTERPRETATION

Mission Interpreters share stories and com-municate with congregations on how we are using our hands to do God’s work. We visit congregations to say thank you and help con-gregations understand how their Mission Sup-port commitments fulfill many ministries. Workshops are held for new interpreters. After training they are equipped to tell stories and use various resources to share the good news about ministries within the Synod and the ELCA. We are continuing to build the Synod team of Mission Interpreters. We are always interested to hear from congregations about the ministries they are doing so we can share with others. We also make presentations to other ministries and groups within the Synod, such as Women of the ELCA and Mission District Pas-tor Meetings. A brochure is published annually with stories of several ministries that receive grants from the Witness and Service team ministry. The grants are funded by congregational giving to Mission Support. Brochures are available for congrega-tions on request. The Mission Support Table provides guidance for the Mission Interpreter Ministry during the year. Georgia Suranofsky, Convener

ABILITY RESOURCE TEAM (A TEAM)

The "A Team" mission is to "…encourage and assist congregations of the Northeastern Penn-sylvania Synod to open their hearts, minds, and doors to all of God’s people by removing barri-ers of architecture, communication, and attitude that exclude any person from full and active participation in the life of Christ's Church." The Team met several times throughout the year. The A-Team participated in God’s Playground at the 2016 Synod Assembly with an interactive display that was well received. The Team pro-vided a display for the 2017 Learning Ministries Day. The A-Team is rebranding through a name change to align with currents national trends. The team will be redesigning its web page on the Synod website: www.nepasynod.org.

The A-Team members are: Rev. Allen Forsman, Richard and Barbara Hartman, Rev. David Kistler (Secretary), Jean Sandberg (Convener), Mark Stana, Ms. Carolyn Volk; Rev. William Horn and Ms. Mary Smith, Mem-bers Emeritus. We are thankful to Rev. William Horn for his many years of leadership to the A-Team and his gifts as a spokesperson for peo-ple with special needs in our Synod. The team is seeking new members who have a passion for inclusive ministry. Representatives from the Hazleton-Lehighton, Schuylkill, and Scranton-Wilkes- Barre mission district are also needed. A-Team members are available to offer presen-tations and discussions for various age groups. Contact Jean Sandberg via e-mail at jdsand-berg@hotmail.com with inquiries or for interest in volunteering on the A-Team. Jean Sandberg, Convener

CAMPUS MINISTRY AFFINITY GROUP

Lutheran ministries are present on several col-lege and !university campuses in our synod. The primary outreach is through Partner Congregations located near institutions of higher education. Partner Congregations on the Northeastern PA Synod during 2016 include Trinity and St. John's Kutztown relating to Kutztown University, St. Paul's, East Stroudsburg relating to East Stroudsburg Uni-versity and St. Peter's Bethlehem relating to Lehigh University. Threel other Campus Minis-tries at work in our synod include the Chapel at Muhlenberg College, an ELCA-related college, and Camp Ministries of the Northeast, an ecumenical ministry that works cooperatively with synod congregations in the northern territory of the synod. Alvernia Col-lege continues to be a participating partner in the Synods Campus Ministry Affinity Team, as it continues an outreach ministry to the protestant studentslon its campus. During 2016, Campus Ministries of the Northeast de-cided to dissolve their long-time ministry out-reach to variou campuses in that region. We wish to thank Cheryl Cavalari and Lynn Rothrock who offered leadership to this campus ministry effort for many years. It was also dur-ing 2016 that the outreach to protestant stu-dents on fhe campus of Alvernia College end-ed. Thank you to Pastor Marsha Andersen who lead that outreach for several years.

SUPPORT COMMITTEES

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The Campus Ministry Affinity Group meets reg-ularly for mutual support and conversation about the synod vision for campus ministries. The Affinity Group seeks to support existing Partner Congregations and encourage new campus ministry opportunities on our Synod territory. I Synod funding for Campus Ministry comes from congregation benevolence to the synod and ELCA, and is distributed by the Witness and Service team to the Campus Ministry Affinity Group. During 2016, $24,000 was dis-tributed to support Campus Ministry efforts on our Synod territory. During 2016 the Cam-pus Ministries of the Northeast received $7,000 in Synodical funding and the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Kutztown University received $5,000 in Synod funding. Both the Campus Ministries of the Northeast and the Lutheran Campus Ministries at Kutztown Uni-versity received financial support from the National Church during 2616. The Lutheran Campus Ministry at Kutztown University began a partnership in 2016 with Friend Inc. (the area social service agency) to begin a student food pantry. Students experiencing food insecurity issues are the tar-get population for this new outreach. Muhlenberg Chapel ministry, St. Peter's Luther-an Church, Bethlehem and St. John's Lutheran Church, Kutztown continue to be sup-ported in their outreach efforts through grants offered through the Campus Ministry Affinity team of the Synod. Friedens Lutheran Church, Oley and Trinity Lutheran Church, Kutztown both recelved a program grant to support their on going outreach to col-lege students within their congregations. Grants up to $250 are available to congrega-tions for special program incentives for students in higher education or Lutheran stu-dents of Synod congregations that seek to enhance their growth in faith, through specific activities, during their college experience. If you or your congregation would like to be-come involved in campus ministry, please contact Associate to the Bishop Pastor Mary Gade at Maryg@neps.org at the Synod office or Pastor Keith Rohrbach at Krohr6@me.com. Keith Rohrbach, Convener

TRANSITION MINISTRY COMMITTEE

The Transition Ministry Committee (formerly Interim Ministry Committee for Congregations in Transition) serves as an advisory committee to

the Bishop and Synod Staff in designing policy for work with congregations in ministry transi-tion and providing education and communica-tion opportunities for transition ministry leaders. The Committee reviews current trends in con-gregational changes and seeks to provide sup-port for creative approaches to addressing the demands of the ever-shifting demands that ex-ist as a result of diminishing resources and the changing cultural environment. The committee devoted a great deal of effort in the past year to designing efficient and effect meeting arrangements for transition leaders, anticipating the need to address mission chal-lenges in different regions of the synod. The regional plan emphasizes the fact the many transition challenges will require cooperative work among congregations in these regions, including the sharing of clergy in multiple con-gregation arrangements. The work of transition leaders will involve educating congregation lay leadership regarding the adaptive challenges they face in the future. The committee has discussed a model of peer support for transition leaders as they, too, are challenged to rethink how mission and ministry will demand new approaches. In the past year the committee provided quar-terly consultation meetings for transition pastors to foster professional and personal sharing. Those meeting featured the following topics:

June 30, 2016 – A Case Study on one of our congregations in transition September 8, 2016 – Open discussion and sharing of attending transition pastors regarding the feasibility and practical implications of regional meet-ings of transition leaders. December 8, 2016 – Cancelled due to presenter’s illness. March 9, 2017 – Presentation, “Leadership for Congregations in Transition (Adaptive Challenges vs. Technical Problems)”

Currently, the Transition Ministry Committee is in transition itself. In the past year the following persons served on the Committee: M. Scott Edelman, Edie Kuhnsman, Prs. Donald Billeck, John Deisinger, George Zacharda, Dody Sieg-fried, Norman Dresher, Sonja Ware (Chairperson, Lorie Kochanski (Staff Liaison), and Raymond Hittinger (Coordinator). In De-cember, Norman Dresher, John Deisinger, and Sonja Ware resigned from the committee.

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The synod is extremely grateful for the time, effort, and service these loyal leaders have provided in the enterprise of creating and guid-ing this vital ministry on our synod territory. Thank you very much, Ned, John, and Sonja!

Raymond C. Hittinger, Coordinator

CANDIDACY COMMITTEE

How interesting that last year’s report began with the words “Some things don’t change.” This has been a year filled with change. On the national level, we have made our way into the new system that was approved at the ELCA Assembly in 2016. Beginning in January 2017, instead of having four separate rosters, we now have gone to just two. One is the roster for Ministers of Word and Sacrament while the other is the roster for Ministers of Word and Service. All the lay rosters have been com-bined into one with those persons having the title ‘Deacon.’ Another long coming change will take effect come July 1, 2017. As far back as the 1970’s [if not before] conversations have taken place suggesting that the Philadelphia and Gettys-burg Seminaries become one. That conversa-tion never went very far until the last couple of years when it took on a much more earnest tone. In what has been a rather short time co-operative conversations have taken place as well as difficult decisions. Things are in place now for it to actually happen. There will still be two campuses but for all intents and purposes there will be one “United Lutheran Seminary.” You can read much more about the process that has brought them faithfully to this time and place by googling United Lutheran Seminary or either of the current seminary websites. We are still the committee that works with those who are in the process of discerning whether God is calling them to public (rostered) ministry. We still, on behalf of the church, are the group in our synod that discerns whether there is an external call to match the sense of inner call a person might be feeling by prayer-fully and carefully engaging the candidate in the ELCA Candidacy process. We still are re-sponsible for making decisions that significantly impact people’s lives. In so doing this work continues to have its moments of great joy and deep sadness. While Pastor Mary Gade is still our synod staff liaison, who first meets with students and re-lates to the committee, there have been chang-es in other key roles. We want to express our

sincere appreciation to Pastor Rick Summy who had served as our Candidacy Committee chair for over five years. He worked closely with the committee and students to make sure that the important work we do was done with integrity and sincerity. Rick has moved on to a new call in Apple Valley, Minnesota [really, Minnesota] and will be greatly missed. The new chair of the committee is Pastor Paul Metzloff, who has been serving as a member since 2009, and who is the pastor of Holy Trinity, Kingston. Another important change comes in form of a revamp of ELCA structure. It was decided that for practical reasons, mainly financial, that the Regional Coordinator positions throughout the ELCA would be eliminated. One of the primary functions of the coordinator was to work with synodical Candidacy Committees to make sure our work was done with appropriate consisten-cy and within the parameters of candidacy ex-pectations. The goal was not to be legalistic but to safeguard the stability and quality of leader-ship within the whole church - a good order and discipline sort of goal. What this means for our synod is that we will have to say goodbye to Pastor Peggy Wuertele and the invaluable gifts she brought to her role on our committee, as well as all the Candidacy Committees of Re-gion 7. Pastor Wuertele was able to do this while building sincere relationships with candi-dates that would both empower them in the process while caring for them through many very complicated steps as they prepared for the possibility of being rostered. She will be greatly missed in that role. That being said, we are in the privileged position of being able to invite Peggy to serve on our committee because she is rostered in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. We are extremely pleased she has agreed to do so. We have fewer students than in recent memory. We continue to need your help in identifying future candidates. You can help us in several specific ways: 1) Continue to identify those in your congre-

gation (or of your acquaintance) who have gifts for public ministry. Oft times young people consider ministry around the age when they are involved in confirmation

classes.

2) Contribute to the synod’s student fund, which provides financial aid to those who

demonstrate need.

3) Start a seminary student fund in your con-gregation, not only for those from your con-

gregation who may be called to serve in

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public ministry but also for those who are members of congregations who don’t have

the funds to help.

4) Donate to the ELCA Fund for Leaders, which provides considerable support to stu-dents preparing for public ministry at our

ELCA seminaries.

5) Consider helping a new pastor who is carry-

ing a heavy burden of debt.

This year we are pleased to share that at our Approval Retreat in November, 2016, the com-mittee voted unanimously to give a positive Ap-proval Decision to four students pending the receipt and acceptance of a call: Justin G Lingenfelter is a member of New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Tripo-li. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from George Washington Univer-sity, Washington, D.C. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Justin completed a quarter unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA and served as an intern at Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Naples, FL. Justin has been assigned to the Lower Susquehanna Synod. Brian S. Riedy is a member of St. James Lu-

theran Church in Coopersburg. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business Administration from Strayer University out of Washington, D.C. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theologi-cal Seminary at Philadelphia. Brian completed a quarter of Clinical Pastoral Education at Penn Foundation in Sellersville, PA and served as an intern as part of the West End Allentown Coop-erative in Allentown, PA. Brian has been as-signed to Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. Deborah J. Taylor is a member of St. Paul

Lutheran Church in Tannersville. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business Administration from East Strouds-burg University, East Stroudsburg, PA. She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Mo-ravian Seminary and was affiliated at the Lu-theran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Deb completed a quarter of Clinical Pastoral Education at Phoebe Ministries in Allentown, PA and served as an intern with both St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Smithfield in Craigs Mead-ows, PA and Salem-St. Paul in Kresgeville, PA. Deborah has been assigned to Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. Cindy L. White is a member of St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Nativity in Allentown. She received her Bachelor of Social

Work degree in Social Work from Temple Uni-versity, Philadelphia, PA. She earned her Mas-ter of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theo-logical Seminary at Gettysburg. Cindy complet-ed a quarter of Clinical Pastoral Education at Phoebe Ministries in Allentown, PA and served a residency at Zion Lutheran Church, Tamaqua, PA. Cindy has been assigned to Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. We are pleased that when our committee gath-ers in July we will be meeting with three addi-tional students to make Approval Decisions. Their information will be shared in next years report, after they receive final approval. Please feel free to contact Pastor Mary Gade at the synod office should you have any questions or concerns with regard to the candidacy pro-cess. Please keep us in your prayers as we carry out this task for the sake and well-being of the church and in service to our Lord. The Rev. Paul Metzloff, Chair The Rev. Mary Gade, Synod Staff for Candidacy

THE LESBIAN, GAY, BI-SEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, QUEER + TASK

FORCE (LGBTQ + TASK FORCE)

During the past year, the Gay and Lesbian Min-istry Task Force was renamed to “The Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer + Task Force” in order to be more inclusive of the gay community. This task force endeavors to aid congregations in becoming an being truly wel-coming to LGBTQ individuals and couples. The task force makes educational information available through an interactive display at syn-od assemblies. In addition, speakers and edu-cational materials are provided to congrega-tions upon request. Task force members, both clergy and lay are eager to meet with congrega-tional staff and/or groups upon request. Ken Miller, Convener

LUTHERAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

This past year has been a very productive year for the LYF. The LYF has accomplished many of our goals and also tackled some very difficult topics with an open mind and an open heart. At last year's 2016 LYF Assembly, no resolu-tions were passed. However, we decided to take a closer look and revisit the constitution to reassure we are making all the correct deci-sions in the election process. The Assembly

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elected the following new officers; Emily Gethen as Secretary, Izzy Dara as Treasurer, Kayla Bicskei as Vice President and myself, Emily McManaman as President. The Executive board was very excited to work together with a new set of Mission District Representatives. I am very thankful that the Executive board and the full board are all devoted to LYF, and be-cause of that, our meetings moved very smoothly and we were able to accomplish our goals set for those meeting. The new executive board decided that we would meet separately every other month to have a meeting with the officers and adults to make sure we are on the right path with setting up a successful 2017 LYF Assembly. As a full board we decided our theme for 2017 assembly would be “ Love in action” in the spirit of Ro-mans 12:9-21 being “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be de-voted to one another in love… but overcome evil with good”. This year, we are very excited to have Pastor Nelson Quinones as our Chaplain to lead our sessions. He will be teaching us how we have seen “love in action” in the past and how we can put love in action now and in future. All of this will be taken place June 16 through 18th at Muhlenberg College in Allentown Pa.

Many of our youth not only participated in the Assembly in June but also participated in other church wide events such as May Play Day, Faith-A-Palooza, The Youth Leadership con-vention, and the Race Forward. Many of our LYF members also participated in smaller events such as sharing their faith stories. May Play Day was such a huge success last year , that we wanted to participate again this year. The May Play day will take place May 7th. Both current and past LYF members will be speaking about how LYF has changed their lives. In No-vember, Ginny George, the multicultural repre-sentative along with Tracey Hassler, our adult adviser, and myself attended the Youth Leader-ship Conference in North Carolina. We en-gaged with other youth from all over the nation to share our faith. This was my first year attend-ing the event and it was very inspiring to see America's youth talk about such hard topics in the world today. We came together with open minds using scripture to help guide us through our discussions about the issues we all face as teens. Faith-A-Palooza also took place in No-vember at a different location at the Kenbrook Bible camp in New Jersey. Other youth attend-ed events such as “The Race Forward” where the discussion focused on the effects that rac-ism can have on the nation and how we can try

to put an end to it.

Reflecting back to the first year of my 3 years in LYF, the assembly was what I needed in my life. It was so inspiring and it helped me to grow stronger in my faith and as an individual. I am very grateful for being a part of something so life changing. As president, I set it as one of my goals for everyone at the assembly to not only grow as a family in Christ but to help strengthen everyone's personal relationship with the Lord. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as pres-ident of LYF and for the inspiration LYF has provided to me over the past 3 years. I am look-ing forward to this year's assembly where in the hope of providing the same inspiration to the next generation of LYF members. Emily L. McManaman, LYF President

GLOBAL MISSION

Global Mission is the response to our Baptismal calling to go into all the world. In the Northeast-ern Pennsylvania Synod that calling is carried out mainly through our 4 Companion Synods. A Com-panion Synod is a special relationship with the Lutheran Christians in another part of the world. Our 4 Companion Synod's are Argentina/Uruguay; Saxony, Germany; Slovenia; and the South Central Diocese of the ELC Tanzania.

SOUTH CENTRAL

DIOCESE OF TANZANIA

The Global Missions/Tanzania Team continues to share our partnership with our companions in the South Central Diocese of Tanzania. We continue to work to find ways to strengthen the ties between the synod and diocese as well as between companion congregations. As a way to encourage conversation and communication, we have an occasional newsletter sent to those interested in learning more about our partner-ship and to share news from the Diocese as it

becomes available.

This has been a slow year in our partnership. There has been very little travel between the synod and diocese. In November, I attended the ELCA Tanzania Consultation in Chicago where we discussed the changes that are hap-pening within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. Several new dioceses are forming in what were previously mission areas. The ELCT is a church that continues to grow and there are many lessons that can be learned from them! We also began to look at the Gather-ing of Bishops that will be happening in Arusha, Tanzania in August of 2018. This gathering will be for the ELCA and ELCT Bishops of Companions.

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In March, the Companion Synod Team met with Rev. Hartmut Barsnick, a retired German pastor who has dealings with the South Central Diocese through his church in Germany. He also spends several months each year on the territory of the diocese. He will be a good con-tact in our dealings with the diocese. If your congregation is a companion, I ask you to share some of the things you do within your partnership so that it may be shared within the committee. We also ask that if you are sending any money to your companion congregations or agencies that you also inform the synod of the transaction. This will greatly help with the ac-countability between the synod and the diocese. If your congregation is interested in becoming a

companion to a congregation in the South Cen-tral Diocese, please be in contact with the Syn-od Office or me. We can share with you the Guidelines for Companion Congregations. You can also contact me if you want to be included in the Tanzania E-mail list. The Rev. Russell Haab, Convener Our Synod is blessed by each of these 4 Com-panion Synods---4 special relation-ships. Together we witness to each other how the resurrected Christ calls us into partner-ship. I ask that you prayerfully consider being a part of this ministry. The Rev. Kurt Garbe, Staff Liaison

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ELCA MISSION INVESTMENT FUND

The Mission Investment Fund (MIF), the lending ministry Lutheran Church in America, makes low-interest loans to ELCA congretiions and ELCA-related ministries for building and reno-vation projects. At year-end 2016, MIF had 860 loans outstand-ing, totaling $524 million. To fund these loans, MIF offers a portfolio of investments for congregations, their members, synods and ELCA-related ministries to pur-chase. At year end 2016, MIF investment by congregations totaled $474 million. The Mission Investment Fund is a financially strong and stable organization, with a record of steady, controlled growth. With total assets of $678 million and net assets of $198 million at year-end 2016, MIF maintains a capital ratio of 29 percent-positioning MIF in the top tier of well-capitalized church extension funds. MIF Loans and Investments in the North-eastern Pennsylvania Synod (as of Decem-ber 31, 2016)

12 Mission Investment Fund loans, with a balance of $3,737,488

$10,384,851 in Mission Investment Fund investments by 210 individuals, 94 congre-gations, 5 ministries and the synod.

Gerry Lauro, Regional Manager, MIF Representative

WOMEN OF THE ELCA (WELCA)

As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Je-sus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. Our Northeastern Pennsylvania Synodical Unit held the 2016 annual convention at

Trinity Lutheran, Lehighton. Our convention theme: “Molded by the Master” was taken from the Book of Jeremiah. Calling us to be Christ’s ambassadors and represent him with holy lives. God is shaping us for a specific purpose, one that is individually designed – so that we may build up His kingdom. Our part as the molded clay, is to submit to His purpose. As we recognize this, we must accept our responsibility and ac-

cept these changes – confident that we are in God’s hands. There is no greater privilege than being the hands of Jesus to a world in need. We held elections and approved a budget – learned of the newest events with the project PV for Phebe – the effort to install solar power to generate electricity for Phebe Hospital in Liberia. Our designated offerings were directed to the Woman’s Resource Center in the Scranton-Wilkes Barre Cluster. Triennial Offerings will be taken to Minneapolis this summer (2017). In-kind- gifts were directed to “Bare Necessities” a program for the families of the Lehighton School District—over a thousand pounds of personal care items were donated. We also viewed the film “SOUL KEEPING“; and had a discussion afterwards. The afternoon was dedicated to a second learn-ing opportunity. This emphasis also came out of the Millennium Development Goals adopted at the 2014 Triennial Convention: The Awareness and Prevention of Human Trafficking. Educating ourselves is one step toward fighting this hu-man horror. Supporting an agency dedicated to helping victims is another, to that end we voted to support "She Is Safe" (Atlanta, Georgia ) we contributed $1200. We gathered at Union Lutheran in Schnecks-ville for our day long Fall Fun Event. Starting

our day and finishing our day with worship we fashioned items for which we are thankful, out of playdough. We nurtured our inner child with adult coloring time and we played outdoors with chalk, hula-hoops and bubbles. We also did a service project for the American Red Cross; sign-ing over 1200 cards for service men & women. In 2015 we chose to send $2,000 from our funds to support the PV for Phebe program to put Solar Energy at the Phebe Hospital in Mon-rovia Liberia. In February two containers of components, materials, and supplies were shipped to Liberia. On March 20th the Team from RREAL embarked on their trip to begin the 100kW installation at Phebe Hospital. Eight Li-berian partners assisted the installation team. (More news will be forthcoming; the installation team was due back in Mid-April.) Spring 2017 saw us gather for a Justice Re-treat: WORDS HAVE POWER. We recalled the

scripture from Mathew 15:10 "It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles." " Our day centered on activities that helped us understand this scripture passage.“

OTHER COMMITTEES AND GROUPS

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It has been a great year and those of us who love and support Women of the ELCA encour-age others to join us! After all were are “500 Years and Growing”!!! There is no greater privi-lege than being the hands of Jesus to a world in need. Marilyn Mazsa, President

LUTHERAN ARCHIVES CENTER

AT PHILADELPHIA

Towards the end of 2016 I had the opportunity to travel to Armagh, in Northern Ireland. Ar-magh is the ancient ecclesiastical center of Ire-land, and it was the episcopal seat of St. Pat-rick. In Armagh I toured the Cardinal Thomas O’ Fiaich Library and Archive, which is the headquarters of the Armagh Diocesan Ar-chives. The Archives Director, Roddy Hegarty, was kind enough to show me their facility and a sampling of their collection that dates back to the 16th century. One of the fascinating items that I viewed was a scroll that looked like it was one of the Dead Sea Scrolls when it was rolled up on its shelf. The scroll was actually one of a number of similar items in their collection, and it dated back to the 17th century. This scroll was a genealogical chart that attempted to prove that the owner had a legitimate claim to the Irish nobility, and it was produced by an Irish Earl who had fled to France after he was deprived of his station. This Earl had been on the “wrong side” of history during a time of religious and social unrest in his homeland, and he had to flee to another country to try and rebuild his life after he lost practi