Central States Synod E-Newsletter, October 27, 2021

Nancy Nagel, the vice-president, opened the meeting by asking reflecting on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ( For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven . . . ) and the image of the changing leaves.

Following the Bishop and Vice-President’s support, the synod council:

Ratified the following members to serve on the executive committee along with the officers: Dallas Rakestraw, Joanie Saltzman, and David Frerichs
Received the treasurer’s report
- Through 9/30/21 we have received $1,012,914 from congregations which is $16,734 less than received at this time last year
- $506,457 was shared with churchwide ($8,838 less than last year) while synod expenditures totaled $563,419 ($44,960 less than was budgeted)
- Using the designated portion of the reserves from the PPP Loan ($60,000) there is a net surplus of $41,341 as compared to last year’s surplus of $74,274.
- Scott, the synod treasurer, noted that for the first time in a while there is a moderate shortfall in expected giving from congregations and that giving this year is more uneven. But synod expenditures continue to be lower due primarily to travel, operations, and candidacy expenses.
Heard updates from Rev. Donna Simon (DEM) regarding Faithful Innovations and from Rev. Dave Whetter (bishop’s associate) regarding leadership development for congregations in transition
Discussed the recent ELCA Declaration to American Indian and Alaska Native People and the importance of land acknowledgments which are ways to honor a place’s indigenous people, past and present, and recognize the history that brought us to where we are today.
Adopted the following resolution: To follow the bishop’s direction and make land acknowledgments at any Synod gathering, including the Synod Council.
- (Here are a couple helpful websites to help with land acknowledgments: https://nativegov.org/resources/ and https://native-land.ca )
Engaged in a preliminary budget discussion to identify resources and allocations to carry out the mission and core values of the synod.
Appointed David Frederking from the Western Kansas Conference to serve as a voting member to the churchwide assembly. (Nathan Wutka was appointed by the executive committee in August to serve as a youth voting member.)
Acted on recommendations from the synod mission table regarding reauthorization of synod authorized worshipping communities.
Approved housing allowances for all rostered clergy paid through the synod payroll, including campus pastors. (This is something that must be done each year by congregational councils.)

The executive committee will next meet January 14, 2022.

The full synod council will meet March 11-12, 2022.

Prayers

The Lord will guide you continually,
    and satisfy your needs in parched places,
    and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
    like a spring of water,
    whose waters never fail.

Isaiah 58:11

Merciful God,

Welcome home, Rev. Rolland Christenson , and Rev. Elwin Bergstraesser.

Pastor Bergstraesser died Friday morning, October 22 in the Lindsborg Community Hospital. Burial took place within 24 hours and a Memorial service to be held at Bethany, Lindsborg, KS is being planned.

Pastor Christenson died Saturday night, October 23 surrounded by his children. Tentative plans have been made for a viewing on Monday the 1st of November at Messiah, Lindsborg, KS and funeral on Tuesday, November 2 at 10 a.m.

We hold in prayer Rolland’s and Elwin's friends and family, knowing that they will rest in God’s eternal peace.

We ask for your guiding hand to lead Rev. Orin Cummings as he is installed on November 7 at 2:00 to lead Messiah, Springfield, MO . May they support each other as they seek to fulfill your mission.

Offer your blessings on Rev. Tim Meyer as he resigns from the roster of the ELCA. Comfort and lead Christ, Eureka, KS as they begin a time of transition and discernment.

Amen.

The next webinar in the Hunger at the Crossroads series will focus on

“Climate Change and Hunger.”

October 27 at 6:00pm Central time.

Led by Ryan Cumming and Brooke De Jong of ELCA World Hunger.

What:

We know that hunger is about more than food. Understanding hunger – and working to end it – means seeing the many ways hunger and poverty intersect with so many other issues, including climate change, food production, access to housing, racial justice, gender justice and more. In “Hunger at the Crossroads,” a new webinar series hosted by ELCA World Hunger, we will explore these intersections and the ways we can be part of God’s promise of a just world where all are fed.

Who:

The webinars are open to anyone passionate about ending hunger and eager to learn more. In each session, we will dive deeply into the topic, with presentations from ELCA World Hunger staff and partners and time for questions and conversation.

How:

If you would like to join, you will need to register at https://forms.office.com/r/UrY1kKmH6e .

More information on the series can be found at https://blogs.elca.org/worldhunger/crossroads .

Monday, November 15, 2021

7:00-8:00 pm on Zoom

Zoom Login

Meeting ID: 847 0668 5884

Dial by your location: 312 626 6799

You are invited to the very first

Central States Synod

Food and Faith meeting ,

Synod Council Meeting – October 22-24, 2021