Video Recorded Presentations
Bishop Jon’s Report – Part 1: Remembering & Noticing
Bishop Jon’s Report – Part 2: Trusting & Following
Bible Study by Dr. Deanna Thompson – Part 1: “The Body of Christ in the 21st Century”
Bible Study by Dr. Deanna Thompson – Part 2: “The Body of Christ in the 21st Century”
Vice President’s Report
A Farewell for Pastor Larry on his Retirement
ELCA Report: Rev. Brenda Smith
Welcome to Redwood Falls and the Lower Sioux Community
Gifts of Grace
Stories That Should Be Told
PowerPoint Presentations
Bishop Jon’s Report – Part 1: Remembering & Noticing
Bishop Jon’s Report – Part 2: Trusting and Following [clear-line]
Click here for day 2 assembly notes
Friday, June 7, 2019
Notes by Carla Klawitter
Everyday Spirituality – the theme for this year’s Southwestern Minnesota Synod Assembly in Redwood Falls. Theme text: Joshua 1:9. Theme hymn: “Lord, Be Glorified” – ELW 744.
The field house is set up for about 575 attendees. Lights, sound, cameras, action!
Registration, displays, service projects (visitation bags, rolling bandages, building faith chests), Better Together food packing (goal of 80,000 meals), workshops (Being the Church in the Digital Age with Deanna Thompson, and Living Our Faith in Daily Life with Rev. Brenda Smith).
A little lunch. Orientation for new voting members.
Opening worship with Holy Communion. Rev. Brenda Smith, presider; Bishop Jon Anderson, preacher; Rev. Linda Pedersen, assisting minister; Andres Albertsen and Sarah Larson, lectors; Angela Fischer, pianist.
Opening of the assembly.
Sliding into Plenary I – music by the Synod Youth Band. Members of the band are Emily Hunt, Emily Lenz, Katy Strum, Holly Eckholm, Keagan Hastad, and Rev. Alex Becker.
Denise Kerkhoff, Redwood Falls City Council member, welcomed us to Redwood Falls.
Introductions were made of the platform personnel, parliamentarian, AV specialists, and Synod Youth Band.
Adoption of the agenda, assembly rules and procedures. A brief introduction to the voting keypads.
The Assembly Planning Committee report was given by Rev. Tim Wheatley, chair. Ideas were shared about the possibilities of a one- vs. two-day assembly and proposed sites.
Nominating Committee report was shared by Rev. Mark Astrup. All those on the ballot who are running unopposed will be elected.
Bible Study #1: Deanna Thompson.
Gifts of Grace – the new 3-year Lilly grant match project – was explained by Rev. Andrew Hermodson-Olsen and Rev. Dwaine Bruns. Rev. Laura Aase and Rev. Jeff Fitzkappes also talked of the Cultivating Generous Congregations project.
Credentials report by Rev. John Gabrielson.
Three synod vice-president nominees – Blair Schrader, Kristy Henriksen, Ferman Woodberry – told us a bit about themselves. V.P. Gwen Arneson will complete her service after 20 years. Thank you for sharing your everyday spirituality!
Election Committee report by Rev. Kelly France. The first round of elections for synod positions was completed.
Get up and stretch – music by Synod Youth Band.
Election results: Vice-President Ferman Woodberry; Synod Secretary Rev. Ann Zastrow; Synod Council – Rev. Maggie Falenschek, Leif Hausken; Consultation Committee – Bryson Wachter; and unanimous ballot cast for those unopposed – Treasurer Chuck Engebretson, Consultation Committee – Rev. Mary Hovland, Discipline Committee – Loren Hacker, Keith Klawitter, Sandra Beito; Synod Council – Dale Bransoy, Ben Durheim, Kristy Henriksen.
Bishop Jon gave his first report, including portions by other staff members.
Before moving to the resolutions, Quentin Markfort offered a prayer.
Resolution 19.01 regarding the process for synod bishop elections. Changes affect S9.04. of our synod constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions. Adopted 90%-10%.
Resolution 19.02 regarding synod board membership. Adopted 92%-8%.
Treasurer Chuck Engebretson presented the treasurer’s report and the proposed budget for fiscal year ending January 1, 2021. Decision about the budget will be made tomorrow.
Rev. Don McKee presented the proposed 2020 Compensation Guidelines. The vote regarding adopting the proposed document will happen tomorrow.
Rev. Kathryn Skoglund gave the announcements. Included: The Better Together event packed 80,000 meals today – goal made! And now you guessed it – time to eat. Yummy food served by Baune’s Catering of Wabasso. Our meal blessing was offered by Ashley Gilbertson.
A short concert by the Synod Youth Band followed, closing with a hymn and prayer.
