1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

28th Annual Synod Assembly Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA May 29-­‐30, 2015 Santander Arena, Reading, PA 2015 Synod Assembly Program Friday, May 29, 2015
8:30 AM Registration Opens 10:00 -­‐ 12:00PM Plenary Session One Opening Worship (with Order for the Opening of an Assembly) Adoption of the Program Report of the Bishop Report of the Nominating Committee; First Ballot Reports of the Vice President and Synod Council Report of the Secretary Report of the Treasurer Ministry Team Reports First Report of the Committee of Reference and Council Greetings from Bear Creek Camp 12:00 -­‐ 2:00 PM Lunch 2:00 -­‐ 2:30 PM 2:30 God’s Playground -­‐ 5:00 PM Plenary Session Two Report of the First Ballot, Second Ballot Greetings from Portico Benefit Services Keynote Address: The Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger Recognition of Hope’s Table SAWC BREAK Ministry Team Reports Recognition of Anniversaries of Rostered Service Adoption of 2016 Program Proposal 5:00 -­‐ 7:00 PM Prayer and Dinner 7:00 -­‐ 8:30 PM Plenary Session Three Report of the Second Ballot, Third Ballot Address by the ELCA representative, Mr. Carlos Peña Greetings from the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Greetings from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia World Hunger Offering Update on Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA Greetings from Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries Saturday, May 30, 2015
8: 30 -­‐ 10:00 AM Festival W orship Service (with installation of deans, synod council members and bishop’s staff) 10:00 -­‐ 12:00 PM Plenary Session Four Report of the Third Ballot, Fourth Ballot Greetings from Pennsylvania Council of Churches Second Report of the Committee of Reference and Council Acknowledgment of retirements; Recognition of rostered individuals new to the synod Introduction of candidates for the roster Recognition of Susquehanna County Church Without Walls SAWC Keynote Address: The Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger Ministry Team Reports Report of the Fourth Ballot, Fifth Ballot (if necessary) Ministry Team Report Action of 2016 Compensation Guidelines Unfinished Business Report of the Committee on Minutes 12:00 -­‐ 12:30 -­‐ 1:00 PM Lunch 4:00 PM God’s Playground 2:30 -­‐ 3:15 PM Ken M edema Concert 3:15 -­‐ 4:00 PM Closing W orship EXECUTIVE REPORTS
(OFFICERS, DEANS)
REPORT OF THE BISHOP
John Lutheran Church.
Dear Friends in Christ Jesus,
Strong mission support also made it possible to
respond favorably to congregational requests for
ministry enhancement funding. Seven
congregations followed up on the offer made by
the Synod Council Finance Committee at the
2014 Assembly to submit Doing What Matters
Requests. Every request was honored, which
means that new efforts at ministry were started
and existing ministries were strengthened in those
congregations who asked for and received
support.
th
I am happy to greet you as we prepare for the 28
Annual Assembly of the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Synod. What a joy it will be to
gather with you at the Santander Arena in
Reading! Over the past few months special
thematic planning for this assembly has crafted an
agenda meant to build relationships among our
congregations. As we near the start of Assembly
2015, I hope that you pray for all who will attend,
so that we can be empowered by the Holy Spirit to
live out our ministries with new faith and renewed
commitment.
The blossoming of such ministry efforts is
important as we move into God’s future for the
congregations of this synod. Recognizing, at the
same time, that local circumstances can make it
difficult for some congregations to find new
opportunities for mission, we seek to be of
assistance to congregations that are faced with
dissolution or closure. Since last year’s assembly,
three synod congregations closed. Along with
faith-related issues at the prospect of closing,
there are legal and ecclesiastical matters that
must be addressed properly. The Synod Council,
therefore, formed a Task Force on the Closing of
Congregations and charged it with creating a
document meant to assist in fulfilling all necessary
steps. Representatives of each mission district
serve on the task force.
In the year since we last assembled, there have
been a few developments in the life of this synod
that deserve attention. July 2014 brought a first
wave of synod staff transitions that resulted in
sharing responsibilities previously attended to by
one staff position. January 2015 then brought a
second wave of transitions that changed the
nature of the staff in terms of personnel and a
move to more part time positions. I am very
happy with the team that shares leadership
responsibilities with me, and I think we are already
forming a strong working relationship. Many
helpful transition outcomes have resulted, one of
which is a group of volunteers willing to give
focused attention to the care and maintenance of
the Lutheran Center. Our stewardship of building
and grounds is now strengthened.
Since we last assembled, a request came to the
Synod Council for the formation of a Creation
Care Task Force which would organize and
coordinate events, promote advocacy, and
disseminate information and ideas meant to
encourage environmental sensitivity across the
synod territory. The council gave its approval. It
is important that we hear from members of this
synod who have interest in consequential issues
of our time.
With the staffing and structural foundation in
place, we are better able to venture into missional
efforts across the synod and around the world. I
am particularly encouraged by progress being
made on three of those efforts on our territory, all
of which are made possible by the mission
support of your congregations. The Susquehanna
County Initiative, an outreach ministry of the
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Mission District, will take
on new dimensions as a seminary intern explores
ways to build on the ministry already taking place
there. The Synod Council recently voted in favor
of Synodically Authorized Worshipping
Community status for Hope’s Table, a new
ministry of Hope Lutheran Church in Reading that
provides a mid-week meal and worship
opportunity to neighborhood residents. Mission
of Hope, a full-communion effort by the Episcopal
Diocese of Bethlehem, the Eastern District of the
Northern Province of the Moravian Church, and
the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod is being
nurtured in Shenandoah under the direction of St.
Voting members at the 2014 Assembly adopted a
Synod Council resolution committing this synod to
participation in Always Being Made New: The
Campaign for the ELCA. The goal is to have
100% participation by synod congregations.
Information about the campaign can be found on
the ELCA website (elca.org) or by contacting Guy
Ehler, our synod’s campaign coordinator. I have
been pleased at the regular campaign
contributions coming into the synod office, and I
look with anticipation at the outcome of Always
Being Made New Sunday on May 3, 2015.
Support of any of the ten ELCA ministries
3 encompassed by the campaign will strengthen
ministries already having profound impact, such
as World Hunger, Malaria, and Fund for Leaders,
as well as new ministries offering fresh
challenges, such as Youth/Young Adult,
Disabilities Ministries, and International Leaders –
Women.
ROSTER OF ORDAINED MINISTERS
Ordinations
Recher, Julie P., September 27, 2014
Williams, Inge M., November 1, 2014
Received from Other Synods
Always Being Made New is important to me
because it offers congregations small and large rural, suburban and urban - a substantive and
transformative stimulus to do what matters for
God. You can make an important contribution to
your congregation by rallying support for one or
more of the ministries of the campaign. There are
resources for each ministry that help members
understand the positive impact they have in a
world hungry for hope. Use the resources and
expand support for the campaign.
Coleman, Kathleen G., Lower Susquehanna
Synod, June 5, 2013
Garman, Timothy R., Upper Susquehanna
Synod, November 26, 2014
Kramer, Robert A., Lower Susquehanna Synod,
August 1, 2014
Middeke-Conlin, Rebecca E., New England
Synod, May 15, 2014
Moore, Richard, Southeast Pennsylvania Synod,
October 1, 2014
At last year’s annual assembly, voting members
elected me to serve a second six-year term. In
my response to the election, I said that the call
renewed meant for me that it was a call
unleashed. Since last May, I have worked to
define the meaning of “unleashed.” A major
component of the defining process took shape in
the planning process for Assembly 2015. During
our time together at the Santander Arena, we will
explore the outcome of the planning process.
Those who have attended previous assemblies
will find that Assembly 2015 contains new
elements. As in previous assemblies, there will
be business to transact; but there will be more
opportunity for interaction among voting members
than has generally been the case.
Transferred to Other Synods
Carlsson, Andrew E., Southwestern
Pennsylvania Synod, February 12, 2015
Hasemann, Marilyn, Nebraska Synod, June 1,
2014
Kaltenbaugh, Robert G., Allegheny Synod,
March 22, 2015
Lemons, Melissa P., Delaware-Maryland Synod,
August 14, 2014
Liepe, Alexandra, Up State New York Synod,
October 31, 2014
McMackin, Tricia A., Lower Susquehanna
Synod, October 1, 2014
Pearson, John G., North Carolina Synod,
February 19, 2015
Reeser, Vicki L. Lower Susquehanna Synod,
October 15, 2015
Schwabe-Fry, Nancy L., Lower Susquehanna
Synod, April 7. 2014
Among the objectives of the unleashed approach
to Assembly 2015 are: putting emphasis upon
congregations; giving congregations opportunity
to define themselves in terms of ministry;
encouraging voting members to speak up about
ministries that excite them; inspiring one another
to embolden our reforming spirit in anticipation of
th
the Reformation’s 500 anniversary in 2017. I
hear about and see the commitment our members
have to their congregations as I visit week after
week. It’s time for more of us to discover how
God is on the loose in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Synod congregations.
Resigned from the Roster
None
Removed from the Roster
None
I look forward to seeing you, hearing from you,
and talking to you at Assembly 2015.
Deaths
With thanksgiving to God for our life together in
Christ Jesus,
Erb, Alfred H., May 10, 2014
Harding, Marvin L., July 18, 2014
Henderschedt, Donald, L., November 16,
2014
Gulliford, Roy Edwin, January, 10, 2015
Loucks, Robert H., August 15, 2014
Martin, Albert C., March 25, 2015
Stippich, Gunther J., December 1, 2014
Weiser, Conrad W., April 1, 2015
Samuel R. Zeiser, Bishop REPORT OF THE SECRETARY
As of April 1, 2015, the following changes have
taken place since the 2014 Assembly:
4 The Rev. Alfred H. Erb, the son of Alfred J. and
Dorothy V. (Fox) Erb, was born on June 27, 1925
in Philadelphia. He graduated from Muhlenberg
College in 1946 and the Lutheran Theological
Seminary at Philadelphia in 1949.
from Muhlenberg College in 1952 and the
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in
1955.
Ordained by the New Jersey Synod in 1955, he
served as the mission developer of St. Stephen’s,
South Plainfield, NJ (1955-1962); as pastor of
Trinity, Topton (1962-1965); Faith, Hillsborough,
NJ (1965-1970); and Nativity, East Brunswick, NJ
(1970-1989). In retirement, Pastor Loucks served
as interim pastor of Holy Trinity, Bethlehem, St.
James, Coopersburg, and Christ, Easton. He also
served on the synod’s World Hunger Appeal Task
Force.
Ordained by the Ministerium of Pennsylvania in
1949, he was called to be the pastor of the
Strausstown Lutheran parish, which he served for
ten years. From 1959 until his retirement in 1990
he served as pastor of the ShoemakersvilleGernants Parish. He also served on the board of
the Inner Mission Society of Schuylkill and Berks
from 1984 to 1988.
On May 16, 1981, Pastor Erb married Elsie Keck.
Pastor Loucks married Ruth Marion Pedersen on
October 20, 1956. They are the parents of three
children, Wendy, Timothy, and Kristin.
The Rev. Martin L. Harding was born on August
5, 1926, in Mohnton, the son of Paul and Debbie
(Stoner) Harding. He graduated from Muhlenberg
College in 1950 and the Lutheran Theological
Seminary at Philadelphia in 1953.
The Rev. Albert C. Martin, the son of Albert F.
and Elizabeth (Voelker) Martin was born on July
26, 1949 in Wilkes-Barre. He graduated from
Wilkes College in 1971 and the Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1977.
Following his ordination by the Ministerium of
Pennsylvania in 1953, Pastor Harding served two
congregations: Jordan, Orefield (1953-1960) and
Schwarzwald, Jacksonwald (1960-1991). In
retirement, he served as the interim pastor of
Trinity, Gouglersville, pastoral assistant at Grace,
Shillington, and Dean to the retired pastors.
Following his ordination by the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Synod in 1977, he served as pastor
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy
Trinity in Hollis, NY (1977-1984) and Christ
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Floral Park, NY
(1984-2009).
On May 30, 1954, he was married to Dorace
Hornberger. They are the parents of two children,
Constance and Joel.
On June 18, 1977, Pastor Martin married Linda
Alver. They are the parents of two sons, Jonathan
and Adam.
The Rev. Roy E. Guilliford, the son of William
and Emily (Lauff) Gulliford, was born on
December 20, 1934 in Philadelphia. He graduated
from Gettysburg College in 1956 and Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 1959.
Following his ordination by the Ministerium of
Pennsylvania, he served several congregations:
St. John (Mayfair), Philadelphia, PA (1959-1960);
St. Paul, Lionville (1960-1964); and Reformation,
Reiffton (1964-1970). In 1970, he became
executive director of the Eastern Pennsylvania
Lutheran Camp Corporation, where he served
until his retirement in 1996. He was active in the
American Camping Association, serving as
section vice president, and also served on the
synod’s Parish Life Committee.
The Rev. Gunther J. Stippich was born on April
13, 1914 in Collinsville, Connecticut. He was the
son of the Re. Herman and Marie (Paulsen)
Stippich. He graduated from Wagner College in
1936 and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Philadelphia in 1939 and subsequently earned an
S.T.M. from that same institution.
Ordained by the New York Synod of the ULCA, he
served as the assistant pastor of St. Matthew,
Bronx, NY (1939-1941) and the pastor of
Emanuel, Brooklyn, NY (1941-1943); St. Michael,
Philadelphia (1943-1949); and St. John, Reading
(1949-1975). He continued to serve there until his
retirement in 1974. Following his retirement,
Pastor Stippich served as interim pastor at St.
Paul, Lobachsville and Zion-St. John,
Stouchsburg, and visitation pastor at Alsace,
Reading. For more than 20 years, he was also a
professor of German at Alvernia College in
Reading.
Pastor Gulliford married Marilyn Kreider on May
24, 1958. They are the parents on one son,
Bradley.
Pastor Stippich was predeceased by his first wife,
Elsie Bothe, whom he married of September 9,
1939; and his second wife, Millicent Lengel, whom
The Rev. Robert H. Loucks was born on
December 29, 1930, in Camden, NJ, the son of
Earl and Kathryn (Dingler) Loucks. He graduated
5 he married on July 10, 1976. On March 18, 2001,
he was married to Jane Dickinson. He is also
survived by two stepsons, Stephen Hartranft and
John E. Dickinson
leave from call, February 1, 2015
Handwerk, Gene E., PT Associate of the Bishop,
to retirement, January 31, 2015
Heffelfinger, Harry L., Arcadia Hospice, Allentown,
to retirement, May 1, 2014
Hetrick, Carolyn K., Holy Spirit, Reading, to Christ,
Conyngham, January 11, 2015
Horst, Susan, M., Life Choice Hospice,
Shoemakersville, July 26, 2014
House, Donna M., St. John, Nazareth, to Life
Choice Hospice, Shoemakersville, July 26, 2014
Kaltenbaugh, Robert G., Shepherd of the Hills,
Dushore, to retirement, August 1, 2014
Knox, Rebecca W., St. Luke’s-Christ Partnership
Parish, Reading, to St. Daniel’s, Robesonia,
November 16, 2014
Kramer, Robert, Lower Susquehanna Synod, to
interim pastor, St. Mark’s, Birdsboro, August 1,
2014
Kringle, Roxanne, on leave from call, July, 26,
2014
Lane, Larry, to Trinity, Bangor, March 1, 2015
Lyon, Katie E., on leave from call, to St. Luke’sChrist Partnership Parish, Reading, September 1,
2014
Machamer, Robert D., Jr., St. Paul’s, Fleetwood,
to St. John, Boyertown, April 16, 2015
Mathews, George J., Jr, Trinity, Clark’s Summit, to
retirement, February 2, 2015
Matthy, Christian P., on leave from call, to St.
Paul, Albrightsville, April 7, 2014
McKeeby, Douglas S., Trinity, Hazleton, to on
leave from call - disability, March 28, 2014
McMackin, Tricia A., New Jerusalem, Saucon
Valley, to Lower Susquehanna Synod, October 1,
2014
Middeke-Conlin, Rebecca E., New England
Synod, to associate pastor Lutheran Church of
the Holy Spirit, Emmaus, May 15, 2014
Moore, Nancy, St. Matthews, Weissport, to on
leave from call, August 5, 2014
Moore, Richard L., Southeast Pennsylvania
Synod, to St. John, Sinking Spring, October 1,
2014
Neel, Thomas A., on leave from call, to retirement,
July 1, 2014
Obrecht, Paulette K., Hope, Cherryville, to on
leave from call, August 15, 2014
Opalinski, Fred S., Trinity, Reading, to retirement,
July 31, 2014
Osterhout, Bruce G., St. Luke’s-Christ
Partnership, Reading to Zion, Perry Township,
September 1, 2014
Pearson, John G., St. John, Boyertown, to
retirement, June 1, 2014
Pfeffer, Peggy Sue, Trinity, Pottsville, to associate
pastor, St. John, Friedensburg, May 1, 2014
Potteiger, Bruce, Salem Belleman’s, Mohrsville, to
retirement, April 30, 2015
The Rev, Conrad W. Weiser, the son of Harvey
and Kathryn (Hagenbuch) Weiser, was born in
Pottstown on November 18, 1939. A 1961
graduate of Muhlenberg College, he graduated
from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Philadelphia in 1964. He subsequently earned an
M.A. from Marywood College and a Ph. D. from
Temple University.
Following his ordination by the Eastern
Pennsylvania Synod in 1964, he served as pastor
of Peace, Reading (1964-1967); campus pastor at
the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon
University (1967-1969); curriculum developer,
writer and editor for the LCA’s Division of Parish
Services (1969-1972); and director of Center 1, a
counseling and training center (1972-1976). In
1976 he was called by the synod to “tent-making
ministry,” which involved consulting with
congregations, intervening in conflicts, working
with candidacy committees and providing a range
of counseling services. Pastor Weiser retired in
1994 but continued to serve as consultant to
many synods and other denominational bodies.
He is the author of numerous articles and books.
Pastor Weiser married Carol A Lanz on December
29, 1962. They are the parents of two children,
Christine and Mark. On June 9, 1984 he married
Barbara Holmberg.
2014-15 Pastoral Changes
Baumann, Richard, St. Paul, Allentown, to on
leave from call, June 1, 2014
Brown, Oliver, Chaplain, on leave from call, to St.
James, Hobbie, December 1, 2014
Buckwalter, Kenneth L., St. John’s, Honesdale,
to St. John, Emmaus, January 18, 2015
Butz, Jeffrey J., Grace. Belfast, to Zion’s Union
Church, Maxatawny, November 23, 2014
Coleman, Kathleen G., Lower Susquehanna
Synod, to retired, June 5, 2013
Diefenderfer, Lee A., Trinity, Wernersville, to St.
Paul, Orwigsburg, September 2, 2014
Fritch, John, St. James, Coopersburg, to
retirement, April 30, 2015
Garman, Timothy R., Upper Susquehanna
Synod, to on leave from call, November 26,
2014
Goodwin, Virginia A., on leave from call, to
retirement, October 1, 2014
Hamm, MaryAnn, Life Choice Hospice, Dresher,
to St. John, Kutztown, October 1, 2014
Hammond, James R., Mt. Zion, Krumsville, to on
Recher, Julie P., newly ordained to associate
pastor, Atonement, Wyomissing, September 27, 2014
Richter, John C., Diakon Lutheran Social
6 Ministries, Allentown, to retirement, May 31,
2014
Santiago, Rashion, St. Paul, Easton, to on leave
from call, October 22, 2014
Schoffstall, Paul L., Holy Trinity, Palmerton, to
retirement, September 1, 2014
Simmons, Glenn L., PT Associate of the Bishop,
to retirement, December 31, 2014
Stinner, Franklin S., Trinity, Bangor, to on leave
from call, November 28, 2014
Truebenbach, Kim, family leave, to on leave from
call, November 1, 2014
Trump, Suzanne M., Grace, Allentown, to St. John
Windish, Bethlehem, July 16, 2014
Uhler, Willard J., St. John, Hamburg, to
retirement, April 1, 2014
Walbert, Gary L., St. Paul, Catasauqua, to Good
Shepherd, Kreidersville, July 1, 2014
Williams, Inge M., newly ordained, to pastor,
Friedens, Shartlesville, November 17, 2014
Wimmer, Mark A., ELCA Mission Investment
Fund, to Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries, July
2, 2014
Ziel, Catherine A., Exec. Associate of the Bishop,
NEPA Synod, to retirement, July 31, 2014
Received from Other Synods
None
Resigned from Roster
None
Removed from Roster
Wimmer, Leesa L., Oct.4, 2014
Deaths
None
2014-15 Associates in Ministry Changes
Eiche, Beverly A., PT Music Director, St.
Paul, Orwigsburg, to Director of Music,
Jerusalem, Schuylkill Haven, January 26,
2015
Jahn de Torres, Amy, on leave from call, July
26, 2014
Saylor, Bruce, on leave from call, July 26,
2014
Werley, Melanie E., on leave from call, to
retirement, Nov. 1, 2014
Wimmer, Leesa L., on leave from call, to
removed from roster of Associates in
Ministry, Oct.4, 2014
Roster of Deaconesses
No Additions or Changes
Received from Other Synods
Congregational Changes
None
Epiphany, Temple merged into Calvary,
Laureldale, April 13, 2015
St. Joseph’s, Allentown, closed, June 24, 2015
St. Mark, Lackawaxen, closed, May 28, 2014
Zion Evangelical, Girardville, closed, December
29, 2013
Transferred to Other Synods
None
Resigned from Roster
None
Synodically Authorized Worshipping
Community Changes
Removed from Roster
Source of Love Indonesian Chapel, Scranton,
discontinued, July 26, 2014
Hope’s Table, Reading, authorized, October
24, 2014
Susquehanna County Church Without Walls
Ministry Exploration, authorized, March 26,
2015
None
Deaths
None
Respectfully Submitted,
Barbara J. Belón, Synod Council Secretary
Roster of Associates in Ministry
7 REPORT OF THE TREASURER
Mission Support
Total Mission Support from congregations for the past 10 years is pictured in the chart below. Although the
downward trend over this time horizon is apparent, our experience in 2013 and 2014 provided hope that we
had reached a plateau in the $2.5 million range. Unfortunately support from congregations declined 9.5% in
the year ending January 31, 2015. The spending proposal to be voted on at the assembly reflects
anticipated support for the work of the Church of $2.4 million for 2016. (chart $000).
Mission Support $3,500 $3,000 $2,500 $2,000 $1,500 $1,000 $500 $-­‐ 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Spending Proposals
The NEPS budget (portion of spending proposal used within the synod and for support of sponsored
agencies has declined in proportion to the change in Mission Support received during this time frame as well
(chart $000).
$1,800 $1,600 $1,400 $1,200 $1,000 $800 $600 $400 $200 $-­‐ 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2014 Budget Performance (Year ending January 31, 2015)
At this point in time we do not have a final report from our auditors, but we anticipate a surplus for the fiscal
year (receipts exceeding expenditures).
David Hinrichs, Treasurer
8 REPORT OF THE SYNOD COUNCIL
The Synod Council met four times since the last Assembly. Numbers preceding resolutions of the Council
indicate the year, month and sequence number of the resolution. Recommendations for Assembly action
appear in bold face type. All items are presented for review by the Assembly.
Administration
(2014.7.2) Resolved, that the Synod Council affirms the staff appointments made by Bishop Zeiser for his
second term.
(2014.10.2) Resolved, that the NEPA Synod approve the formation of a Creation Care Task Force.
(2014.10.3) Resolved, to approve the synod’s receipt of the St. Mark, Lackawaxen church property and
authorize sale of the property.
(2014.10.9) Resolved, that the part of the 2015 Executive Staff salary to be designated as housing be as follows: Zeiser - $20,000
Handwork - $6,500
Garbe - $13,000
Gade - $24,000
(2015.01.03) Resolved, that 2015 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
acted upon at the October 22, 2014 meeting and shall apply to calendar year 2015 and all future years
unless otherwise provided by this Synod Council. (Numbers are rounded to the nearest dollar.) This
represents a 3% increase over 2014 with the following exception: Pastor Garbe who is receiving a $5,000
increase to bring his salary more in line with synod guidelines. Note: Pastors Crawford, and Kuritz are just
beginning their service in 2015.
NAME***
BASE SALARY
HOUSING
SS
TOTAL
Zeiser
$63,626
$20,000
$6,927
$90,553
Garbe
$51,161
$16,000
$5,563
$72,724
Gade
$49,151
$24,000
$6,060
$79,211
Matthias-Long
$55,914
$4,632*
$60,545
Bennethum
$20,600**
$20,600
Huber
$15,450
$15,450
Richter
$17,510
$17,510
Crawford
$15,000
$15,000
Kuritz
$15,000
$15,000
*
Employer’s required portion of Social Security
**
Pastor Bennethum’s salary as DEM is paid by the ELCA. This amount represents additional
compensation for working as the synod’s Executive Associate of the Bishop.
*** Compensation for the associates serving the Northern Lehigh Valley, Pocono and Schuylkill Mission
Districts is paid to their congregations under a purchase of services arrangement
And that Pastor Garbe’s housing allowance be increased from $13,000 to $16,000.
(2015.01.04) Resolved, that all executive staff be required to complete the Child Abuse History check and
the PA State Police Criminal Record Check every 36 months, as required by law and that Criminal Record
Checks be required of support staff as well, with the Synod paying the cost.
(2015.01.08) Resolved, that future meeting dates for the council be established as follows:
March 26, 2015, 3:00 pm (Location: St. Mark, Bethlehem)
July 11, 2015, 9:00 am
9 October 21, 2015, 3:00 pm
January 20, 2016, 3:00 pm
March 17, 2016, 3:00 pm
(2015.03.01) Resolved that Synod Council, in accordance with S13.21, supports and has approved the vote
by members of St. Joseph’s Lutheran Church, Allentown, to dissolve as of June 24th (Pentecost Sunday.)
(2015.03.10) Resolved, that the congregation of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Temple be merged into the
congregation of Calvary Lutheran Church in Laureldale, effective April 13, 2015.
Assembly
(2014.7.7) Resolved, that the 2015 Synod Assembly be held May 29-30, 2015 at the Santander Arena in
Reading.
(2015.03.04) The following resolution is recommended to the 2015 Synod Assembly:
Resolved that the 2015 Assembly program (as printed in the Bulletin of Reports) be adopted.
Bear Creek Camp
(2014.10.1) Resolved, that the request of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Pennsylvania Camp
Corporation to sell the home and lot located at 3611 Bear Creek Blvd., Wilkes-Barre, PA be approved.
Budget
(2015.03.02) The following resolution is recommended to the 2015 Synod Assembly:
Resolved, that the 2016 program proposal (February 1, 2016, to January 31, 2017) be adopted. The Synod
Council is hereby authorized to establish the 2016 spending program no later than its January, 2016,
meeting, making any necessary adjustment to the budget proposal in light of both realistic anticipation of
receipts and synod priorities (in consultation with the ELCA Treasurer with respect to the ELCA portion
thereof.)
Calls, Appointments, and Roster Maintenance
(2014.7.8) Resolved, that David DeCampli, Elsbeth Haymon, Sandra Jarva Weiss and Daniel Wilson be
elected to three-year terms on the Board of Trustees of the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, terms
commencing in 2014; and that the Rev. John C. Richter be elected to fill the remaining one year of a term
commencing in 2014.
(2014.7.9) 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 (fourth year, study leave):
Roxanne Kringle
Clergy (disability):
Douglas McKeeby
Associate in Ministry (disability):
Bruce Saylor
Associate in Ministry (fourth year, family)
Amy Jahn de Torres
(2014.7.10) Resolved, that a call to be special service be extended to the Rev. Mark Wimmer to serve as
Vice President for Church Relations, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries, effective July 2, 2014.
(2014.7.11) Resolved, that a two-year term call be extended to the Rev. Peggy Sue Pfeffer to serve as halftime assistant pastor of St. John, Friedensburg, effective May 1, 2014.
(2014.7.12) Resolved, that a two-year term call be extended to the Rev. Robert Kramer to serve as
transitional pastor of St. Mark, Birdsboro, effective August 1, 2014.
(2014.7.13) Resolved, that a call to be special service be extended to the Rev. Susan M. Horst to serve as
chaplain at Life Choice Hospice, Shoemakersville, effective July 26, 2014.
(2014.7.14) 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”:
10 •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Rev. Oliver E. Brown, effective June 1, 2014
The Rev. Harry L. Hefflefinger, effective, May 1, 2014
The Rev. Robert G. Kaltenbaugh, effective August 1, 2014
The Rev. Thomas A. Neel, effective July 1, 2014
The Rev. Fred S. Opalinski, effective August 1, 2014
The Rev. John C. Richter, effective June 1, 2014
The Rev. Paul L. Schoffstall, effective September 1, 2014
The Rev. Willard J. Uhler, Jr., effective April 1, 2014
The Rev. Catherine A. Ziel, effective August 1, 2014
(2014.10.11) 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)
Richard Baumann
Nancy Moore
Paulette Obrecht
Rashion Santiago
Clergy ( 6th year, family leave) Kim Truebenbach
(2014.10.12) Resolved, that in accordance with sections 7.31.16 and 7.52.22 of the ELCA Constitution, that
the status of Pastor Oliver Brown be changed from “retired” to “on leave from call, first year.”
(2014.10.13) 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. John Pearson, effective June 1, 2014
• The Rev. Virginia Goodwin, effective October 1, 2014\
• Associate in Ministry Melanie Werley, effective November 1, 2014.
(2015.01.05) 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)
Paulette Obrecht
Clergy (3rd year)
Jennifer Oaks
effective August 15, 2014
effective September 30, 2014
(2015.01.07) 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 Reverend Glenn Simmons, effective December 31, 2014
• The Reverend Gene Handwerk, effective January 31, 2015
• The Reverend George Mathews, effective February 1, 2015
(2015.03.06) 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)
Frank Stinner
James Hammond
(effective 11/28/2014)
(effective 2/1/2015)
(2015.03.07) Resolved, that a two-year term call be issued to the Rev. Larry Lane to serve as pastor of
Trinity, Bangor, effective March 1, 2015.
(2015.03.08) 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 Reverend John Fritch, effective April 30, 2015
• The Reverend Bruce Potteiger, effective April 30, 2015
Campaign for the ELCA
(2015.01.01) Resolved, that May 3rd be designated as “Always Being Made New Sunday” within the
congregations in the NE PA Synod.
Elections
(2014.7.1) Resolved, that the Rev. Barry Spatz and the Rev. Jeff Odgren be elected to fill vacant positions
11 on the synod council, to serve until the 2015 Synod Assembly when there will be an election to fill the
unexpired 2 year terms of Pr. Jeff Butz and Pr. Jerry Kulp.
Finance
(2014.7.4) Resolved, that the following grants be made from the Prosser/Pahse/Mission Fund:
• Allegheny, Mohnton - $650 for mailing for parish education;
• St. John, Stroudsburg - $12,000 for Astroturf for daycare;
• New Jerusalem, Saucon Valley - $4000 for meal ministry and senior seminarian;
• Hope, Reading - $6,000 for meal ministry;
• Arndt’s, Easton - $4,000 for preschool and living nativity education program;
• Adult Lutherans Organized for Action - $300 for senior ministry festival.
(2014.7.5) Resolved, that the spending limit for the Kelchner Fund for 2015 be set at 10%, and the Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia be informed that $138,776 will be available for that year.
th
(2014.7.6) Resolved, that in honor of the 150 anniversary of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Philadelphia, the synod make a one-time gift to the seminary of $75 for each LTSP graduate serving in
rostered ministry in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, for a total of $21,675, the funds to come from the
Prosse/Pahse/Mission Fund.
(2014.10.4) Resolved, that when considering financial proposals, two bids be sought for any project costing
more than $5,000.
(2014.10.5) Resolved, that a grant of $15,000 from the Prosser/Pahse Mission Fund be given to Zion’s
Lutheran Church, Weatherly for several projects that will enhance the congregations’ ministries. Approved –
Unanimous
(2014.10.6) Resolved, that spending policies for synod funds for 2015 be established as follows:
• 10% of the Prosser/Pahse Mission Fund - $74,847
• 10% of the Student Education Fund - $13,955
• 7% of the Leadership Fund - $3,881
• 10% of the Social Ministry Fund - $51,780
(2014.10.7) Resolved, that the following persons be approved as signers for synod financial accounts:
Bishop Samuel Zeiser, Pastor Mary Gade, Pastor D. Michael Bennethum, Mr. David Hinrichs.
(2014.10.8) Resolved, (As presented by Carl Shankweiler, regarding St. Paul’s, Gordon) to utilize $5,000
from the sale of the church property to be directed to the Lutheran Archives Center in Philadelphia.
(2015.03.05) Resolved, that the 2015 budget of the Hazleton-Lehighton Mission District be approved.
(2015.03.11) Resolved, that Synod apply to Thrivent for the addition of NEPA Synod to their list of approved
organizations who can receive member-directed funds.
Property
(2014.7.4) Resolved, that we accept the proposal of Keystone Paving for $81,600 to pave the parking lot of
the Lutheran Center, and that the expense be financed from the Prosser/Phase/Mission Fund.
(2014.10.10) Resolved, to award a contract for up to $4,600 for HVAC services for the Schoenersville
property.
Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities
(2014.7.3) Resolved, that the designation of Source of Love, Scranton, as a synodically authorized
worshipping committee be rescinded.
2014.10.14) Resolved, that Hope’s Table, a new ministry housed at Hope Lutheran Church, 601 N. Front
12 Street, Reading PA, 19601, be designated as a Synodically Authorized Worshiping Community of the
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod and that (until such time as a mission developer be identified) Pastor Mary
Wolfe be designated as the ministry’s servant leader.
(2015.01.02) Resolved, that $12,000 be granted from the Prosser/Pahse Mission Fund to the Common
Ground Recovery Ministry, Wyomissing and that $12,000 be granted from the Prosser/Pahse Mission Fund
to Hope’s Table, Reading.
(2015.03.03) Resolved, that a grant of $12,000 from the Prosser/Pahse Mission Fund be given to the
Susquehanna County Church Without Walls Initiative.
(2015.03.09) Resolved, that the Susquehanna County Church Without Walls Initiative be designated as a
Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community Exploration of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod and
that Pastor Jira Albers (who will supervise the seminary intern screened for mission development) be
designated as the ministry’s servant leader.
Barbara J. Belón, Secretary
REPORT ON THE COMMITTEE OF
DEANS
and luncheon for rostered leaders celebrating
major anniversaries.
Anniversaries of Rostered Service
The Committee of Deans met five times since the
last synod assembly. Consideration of roster
matters was an ongoing task of the deans at all of
their meetings.
2015 marks the 15th anniversary of service for the
following leaders:
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Melot
The Rev. Elna M. Stratton
The Rev. Rebecca W. Knox
At its June meeting, the deans shared
impressions of the 2014 synod assembly as well
as of the recognition event for rostered leaders
celebrating major anniversaries. The deans
affirmed decision to hold this event at the
Lutheran Center at a time preceding the
assembly. At the September meeting, the deans
began preparations for the 2015 anniversary
recognition worship and luncheon.
The following rostered leaders are celebrating 25
years of service:
The Rev. Barbara J. Shade
The Rev. John E. Lamb
The Rev. Kenneth L. Buckwalter
The Rev. Kim L. Lengert
The Rev. Lisa K. Borrell
The Rev. Peter A. Pettit
In December, the deans began formulating a
strategy for supporting congregations and their
leaders as they implement Pennsylvania's new
Mandated Reporter law. They also considered a
policy for congregations using supply preachers
when worship needs to be cancelled due to
inclement weather. With the goal of honoring the
preparations of those who serve as pulpit supplies
without placing an unnecessary burden on
congregations, the deans decided that if worship
is cancelled less than 48 hours before a worship
service due to inclement weather, the expectation
is that the pulpit supply will be compensated fully,
minus the mileage reimbursement.
Observing their 40th anniversary of consecration
or ordination are:
Sister Verna E. Meckes
The Rev. Bruce W. Potteiger
The Rev. Charles F. Terhune
The Rev. David L. Roper
The Rev. Gerald C. Arndt
The Rev. Gregory A. Stoddard
The Rev. Guy R. Grube
The Rev. John C. Richter
The Rev. John W. Harding
The Rev. Kenneth A. Gould
The Rev. Norman E. Dresher
The Rev. Paul E. Bartlett
The Rev. Robert K. Bohm
The Rev. Rodney H. Saylor
The Rev. Thomas E. Richards, Jr.
The February meeting gave the deans an
opportunity to meet Ms. Yvonne Lembo, hired by
the ELCA Foundation to be the synod's new "gift
planner." At its March meeting, Pastor Mary Gade
met with the deans to help them further plans to
assist congregations in complying with the
clearances and training requirements for the
Mandated Reporter law. There was also further
conversation about the upcoming worship service
Celebrating their 50th anniversary of ordained
service are:
13 B. and Esther Mae (Rohrbach) Hassler, he
graduated from Kutztown University in 1962 and
the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia
in 1965.
The Rev. Andrew J. Stauffer
The Rev. Larry R. Hassler
The Rev. LeRoy H. Aden
The Rev. Stanley R. Trout
Ordained by the Eastern Pennsylvania Synod in
1965, Pastor Hassler served as assistant pastor
at Alsace, Reading (1965-1970) and pastor of the
Rehrersburg-Bethel Lutheran Parish (1970-1979)
and St. John and St. Matthew, Pine Grove (19791997). Since his retirement, he has served as a
supply pastor in a number of synod
congregations.
Celebrating 55 years of rostered service are:
The Rev. Hartland H. Gifford
The Rev. James L. Henderschedt
The Rev. Jay C. Klick
The Rev. Jerry Mraz
The Rev. Norman C. Krapf
The Rev. Rodney R. Heckert
The Rev. Walter H. Wagner
On October 17, 1965, Pastor Hassler was married
to Peggy Deborah Angstadt. They are the parents
of the Rev. John P. Hassler.
Celebrating their 60th anniversary of ordination
are:
The Rev. Harold S. Weiss
The Rev. Klaus G. W. Molzahn
The Rev. Manfred K. Bahmann
The Rev. Paul L. Buehrle
The Rev. Richard R. Boyer
THE REV. ANDREW J. STAUFFER, the son of
Charles B. and Verna A. (Boyer) Stauffer, was
born on January 26, 1940 in Topton. He
graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1961 and
the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia
in 1965.
Observing 65 years of ordained service are:
Following his ordination by the Eastern
Pennsylvania Synod on May 30, 1965, Pastor
Stauffer served the following congregations: the
Mt. Bethel Lutheran Parish in Bangor (19651968); St. James, Geigertown (1969-1972); St.
John, Tremont (1972-1980); the Lobach'sShalter's Lutheran Parish in Oley (1980-1988); St.
Paul, Lobachsville (1989-1991); and Christ Stone
Church, Mt. Bethel (1991-2002). Following his
retirement, he has served the synod as a frequent
supply pastor for congregations in transition.
The Rev. Charles E. Fair
The Rev. Paul F. Kramp, Jr.
Marking the 70th anniversary of his ordination is:
The Rev. Glenn G. Neubauer
THE REV. LEROY H. ADEN, the son of Reamer
and Nellie (Reiter) Aden, was born in Palmer,
Iowa on September 28, 1929. A 1951 graduate of
Wartburg College, he graduated from Wartburg
Theological Seminary in 1954. He subsequently
earned an M.A. from Chicago Theological
Seminary and a Ph.D. from the Divinity School of
the University of Chicago.
On October 21, 1961, Pastor Stauffer married
Sharlene A. Moyer. They are the parents of two
daughters, Jennifer Ann and Bethany Joy.
THE REV. STANLEY R. TROUT was born on
April 11, 1940 in Reading. The son of Stanley and
Dorothy (Burk) Trout, he graduated from
Bloomsburg State College in 1962 and the
Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg
(B.D., 1965; M.Div. 1972).
Following his ordination in June of 1965 by the
Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Synod, he
served as pastor of First Lutheran Church in
Pittsburgh (1965-1967) before being called to be
the Professor of Pastoral Care at the Lutheran
Theological Seminary of Philadelphia. He served
in that role until his retirement in 1994. Pastor
Aden has authored a number of books and
articles, both during his active ministry and in
retirement.
He was ordained by the Eastern Pennsylvania
Synod on May 30, 1965. He was called to serve
as the associate pastor (1965-1967), then as the
pastor of Holy Trinity, Hershey (1967-1975), the
co-ordinator of the Allentown Area Lutheran
Parish (1975-1979), and the pastor of Christ,
Hazleton (1979-2004). In retirement, Pastor Trout
has served at the interim pastor of Zion, Old
In December 17, 1951, Pastor Aden married Ruth
M. Meyer. They are the parents of two children,
David and Elizabeth.
THE REV. LARRY R. HASSLER, was born on
June 5, 1940 in Lyons Station. The son of LeRoy
14 Zionsville and St. John, Fogelsville. His service to
the larger church included serving as a leader in
synod worship days.
On August 30, 1964, he married Carole Anne
Smith.
The Rev. D. Michael Bennethum, Executive
Associate of the Bishop
15 MINISTRY TEAMS
GLOBAL MISSION
and companions in different parts of the Synod
while they were here. They also had a chance to
visit Bear Creek Camp and the Lehigh Valley Mall
during their visit. They attended and took part in a
forum during the Synod Assembly. Bishop Sanga
also assisted with the worship service during the
Assembly.
For the most part, Global Mission in the
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod plays out
through our 4 Companion Synods
(Argentina/Uruguay; Saxony, Germany; Slovenia;
and the South Central Diocese, ELC Tanzania).
Each of our Companion Synods has a subcommittee which is tasked to find the most
effective and beneficial way to maintain their
particular relationship. Following are the reports of
these sub-committees:
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Palmerton has
become the newest companion as they have been
partnered with the Bulongwa Orphanage.
A Youth Vision Trip to the South Central Diocese
is planned for the summer of 2016. This will be
the fourth Youth trip to the diocese. We are
currently in the process of selecting the youth who
will attend this trip. They will have a year of team
building and learning about the South Central
Diocese before their trip.
SAXONY
This year was a very light year for the Saxony
Committee as there were no exchanges planned
with our Companion Synod, the Lobau/Zittau
District of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of
Saxony. In the Fall of 2014 we began to plan a
Youth Exchange scheduled for October 2015. 16
youth and 2 Adults will be coming to spend 10
days with us in the Reading Area. Efforts will be
made to visit New York City, Washington, DC and
local ministries in the Reading Area.
If your congregation is interested in becoming a
companion to a congregation in the South Central
Diocese, please be in contact with the Synod
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
We are also in the planning stage for a trip to
Germany in June of 2016. The group will visit
Berlin, Wittenberg, and Upper Lusatia. This
exchange will be held in conjunction with a
gathering of all the Companion Synods of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saxony.
ARGENTINA-URUGUAY
The Argentina Committee serves to foster
relations with the Northeastern Pennsylvania
Synod’s Companion Synod in Argentina, the
United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Argentina
and Uruguay, or Iglesia Evangelica Luterana
Unida (IELU), in Spanish. IELU consists of 27
churches throughout Argentina and one in
Uruguay.
The Rev. Wayne Kaufman, Convener
SOUTH CENTRAL DIOCESE OF
TANZANIA
The Argentina Committee currently consists of 7
members: Jira Albers, Charles Grube, Jonathan
Haab (committee chair), Linda Hess, Philip
Kaufman, Peggy Wuertele, and Kurt Garbe as an
ex officio member representing the Bishop.
The Global Missions/Tanzania Team continues to
share our partnership with our Companion Synod
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 another
way to encourage conversation and
communication, we have an occasional newsletter
that is sent to those interested in learning more
about our partnership and to share news from the
Diocese as it becomes available.
This year, our focus has been on building
sustainable relationships with our partners in
Argentina. We have done this through meaningful
discussions and Skype sessions with IELU
leaders. We will complete our sustainability
discussions when Pastora Wilma, the vice
president of IELU, comes to visit our synod. For
her visit we have planned many opportunities for
her to meet and interact with members of the
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod as well as
experience American culture.
In 2014, we welcomed Bishop Levis Sanga and
his wife to the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
They were able to get a taste of American life and
our churches during his time in the Synod. He
attended a Memorial Day Service and Parade in
Shillington, had meetings in various congregations
17 We are also looking forward to a visit from an
Argentine youth who will be attending the National
Youth Gathering this summer in Detroit with the
members of St. Paul’s in Dallas who are going to
the gathering. The Argentine youth will attend an
orientation in Chicago, spend time with the
congregation in Dallas, and then travel with the
group to Detroit for the Gathering.
many of the other ministries of the synod,
including Faith Formation, Leadership
Development and Global Mission.
In August, 2014 we held a TLC day for Youth
leaders (Thanks, Link, Collaborate). We will be
offering future events to connect people who work
with youth as well as offer some continuing
education, utilizing the ELCA's Practice
Discipleship Curriculum.
Peering into the future, we are looking forward to
building upon our already strong relationship with
IELU.
In November, the Faithapalooza Leadership
Training Event for youth leaders in grades 9-12
was held at Kenbrook Retreat and Conference
Center in Lebanon County. Facilitated by
Associate in Ministry Kathy Schaeffer, this year’s
event focused on planning skills.
If you have further questions regarding the work of
the Argentina Committee, or would like to join us,
please contact Pastor Kurt Garbe, Jonathan
Haab, or anyone else on the committee for more
information!
On December 28-30, 2014 our team sponsored
Reclaiming Jubilee: Following the Star in
Jonathan Haab, Convener
Together as Companion Synods, companion
congregations, and partners in Global Mission, we
will continue to meet the changes, challenges,
and mission and ministry opportunities that God
blesses us with on our faith journey.
Bethlehem. The event included opportunity for
service, a tour of Bethlehem and hearing from a
pastor who was homeless as a youth.
Another area of concern was how our synod can
assist congregations preparing for the changes in
Child Protection Policies and Procedures.
Webinars and information on the synod website
were offered.
The Rev. Kurt E. Garbe, Staff Liaison
WOLRD HUNGER COMMITTEE
Over 600 youth and adults have registered to
participate in Rise Up! -the ELCA Youth Gathering
which will be in Detroit, MI July 15-19. Pastor
Bruce McLaughlin has been working with a team
to help coordinate and communicate information
about the Gathering. AiM Kathy Schaeffer is
coordinating the Proclaim Story Day - a day of
mutual learning for our synod congregations.
Many thanks to the dedicated and creative
members of this team: Pastor Dan Burris, Pastor
Jennifer Dee, Fran Ferarri, Deaconess Deborah
Matern Graf - convener, Colleen Hall, AiM Karen
Matthias-Long - synod staff liaison, Seth Noggle,
and Mark Stana.
The World Hunger Committee continues to put
much of its work in planning and implementing our
Annual Bike 4 World Hunger. Our event was held
on a beautiful May 17 from 9AM to 1PM at the
Robert Rodale Cycling and Fitness Park in
Trexlertown, PA. We had 27 congregations and
195 participants and raised $10.408.03. The
Rodale Park is an excellent facility for this event.
The figure eight track can be used by walkers,
bikers, and roller bladders. There is plenty of
grass for congregations to gather together and a
pavilion for shelter.
At the end of 2014 we began our planning for the
2015 Bike 4 World Hunger to be held at the
Rodale Park on Saturday, May 16 from 9AM –
1PM.
Deaconess Deborah Matern Graf, Convener
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
MINISTRY TEAM
The Rev. Wayne Kaufman, Convener
YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT, AND FAMILY
MINISTRY TEAM
The Leadership Development Ministry Team met
quarterly throughout the year centering its work on
the synodical priority “We will develop leaders for
a new church in a new world.” Our primary task is
to identify candidates for and encourage lay and
rostered leaders in the church, to develop and
grow their gifts for ministry and to support them as
brothers and sisters in Christ. To accomplish this
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
18 we are committed to providing and communicating
opportunities for leadership development and
making funds available, allocated by the synod,
for programs and grants for educational
opportunities.
congregations with gifts for leadership,
particularly youth and young adults. With those
names, we plan on holding a “gifted gathering”
with them and other interested leaders. This is
just the beginning. Help us identify and
connect with folks who have spark, passion,
and depth.
1. Help congregations to identify, equip and
support lay leaders
•
•
4. Provide or insure support for the families of
rostered leaders
The team supports regular workshops for
congregational council presidents, vicepresidents, secretaries and treasurers. These
workshops cover Christian leadership
principles, technique and style, planning,
resourcing, volunteer development and other
congregational leadership issues. We held a
successful Secretary and Treasurer’s
workshop in October 2014.
The team maintains and reviews the salary and
compensation guidelines found in the bulletin of
reports and has included a statement
concerning education funds. Please consider
applying for continuing education grants!
4. 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 and has included a statement concerning
the new healthcare benefits recommendation of
the ELCA Church Council.
The team provided grants to lay leaders to
match continuing education funds for
congregational leadership programs.
2. Equip and support rostered and other leaders
for ministry needs.
Many thanks to the current team members for
their hard work and dedication to developing
leaders for a new church in a new world; the Rev.
David Blitch, the Rev. Rachael Dietz; the Rev.
Kurt Garbe; Ilse Hassler, and Dan Scharnhorst.
The team supports a grant process for
rostered leaders to match continuing
3. Intentionally seek out candidates for rostered
leadership
•
•
The Rev. Rachael C. R. Dietz, Convener
At the 2014 Synod Assembly, we asked voting
members to identify people in their
2016 MINIMUM COMPENSATION GUIDELINES
These guidelines represent a 2% increase over 2015.
PARISH PASTORS
2016 Minimum Salary Guidelines
Resolved that:
1) The 2016 minimum base salary for pastors in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the
ELCA be in agreement with the following guidelines:
Years completed
Service in ordained
Ministry
2016
Recommended Salary Range
(including housing allowance)
0-1
2-3
4-7
8-10
11-15
16-20
21+
49,454 – 54,419
50,549 – 55,186
51,645 – 56,810
53,806 – 59,220
55,481 – 66,577
58,221 – 69,864
60,961 – 79,249
2016
Recommended
Salary Range (parsonage
provided)
34,372 – 37,809
35,467 – 39,019
36,563 – 40,220
38,755 – 42,631
40,399 – 44,439
43,139 – 51,767
45,880 – 59,643
2) It is the responsibility of each congregation to provide housing for its pastor(s). This may be
19 accomplished in either of two ways:
a) Housing Allowance. A portion of the pastor’s salary may be designated as a housing
allowance. This amount will vary, depending upon location and the needs of the pastor.
Congregations and pastors should check current tax laws in establishing this figure. This
amount should be established before the beginning of each year by a resolution of the
Congregation Council or the listing of an amount in the congregation’s budget.
b) Parsonage. This is free use of a church-owned house, including utilities. A portion of the
pastor’s base salary may be set aside for furnishings and other housing expenses according to
the IRS code. An annual equity allowance of a minimum of 3%-5% of salary is recommended for
all parsonage situations.
3) Congregations should remember that the figures in the grid are minimums. Congregations are
encouraged to exceed these minimum guidelines. Additional compensation should be provided
based on criteria such as continuing education, special skills, responsibilities, merit, and local
conditions.
4) Each congregation shall establish a Mutual Ministry Committee to facilitate the discussion by
which these criteria are evaluated (as well as for carrying out the other functions of mutual ministry).
5) A congregation that fails to meet the synodical guidelines shall submit a report to the bishop on a
form to be provided, detailing the reasons why these minimums are not being met and the steps that
will be taken to establish these minimums as soon as possible.
The following minimum benefits should be provided in addition to salary:
1) A Social Security Allowance equal to one half of the pastor’s social security liability. This allowance is
taxable for income tax purposes. For 2016, the Social Security liability is expected to be equal to 15.3% of
the combined base salary and housing provision. (Parsonages are subject to this tax at their fair rental
value.)
2) An Automobile Allowance equal to IRS guidelines per mile for business travel. Pastors reimbursed for
auto expense on a per mile basis do not have to report this allowance as income if they submit written
mileage reports to the calling institution.
3) Continuing Education provisions including a congregation/agency providing at least $550 for tuition,
books, etc., and two weeks of time (not vacation), and the pastor providing at least $250. It is recommended
that this money be deposited in the synod’s PLACE program. (Programs that include Sundays must be
negotiated with the congregation council.) It is encouraged that congregations/agencies and pastors work
towards a partnership goal of $1,000.
4) Four full weeks of vacation time annually.
5) One to two days off per week, and, at least once a month, two consecutive days off.
6) For the purposes of Worker’s Compensation, pastors are considered to be employees of the
congregation and therefore should be included in Worker’s Compensation insurance.
7) Health and pension benefits according to the guidelines of the ELCA, including a 12% pension provision
shall be provided for by the congregation or calling agency. In 2013, the ELCA Church Council
recommended that in order to maintain the current level of health benefits for our rostered leaders and lay
church workers, congregations offer to provide the Gold + ELCA health plan option in 2016 for their rostered
leaders and lay church workers. The Gold + option most closely resembles the 2013 ELCA Primary health
coverage. The Leadership Development Team of the NEPA Synod supports this recommendation of ELCA
Church Council, and urges all synod congregations to offer the Gold + option (or its equivalent) for rostered
leaders and lay church workers each year.
8) Congregations may also reimburse the pastor(s) for professional expenses such as dues, entertainment,
supplies, and malpractice insurance.
20 PASTORS WITH PART TIME CALLS
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.
ROSTERED LAY LEADERS
2016 Minimum Salary Guidelines
Resolved that:
1) The 2016 minimum salary for rostered lay leaders in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the
ELCA be in agreement with the following guidelines:
Years completed
Service in rostered
ministry
0-1
2-3
4-7
8-10
11-15
16-20
21+
2016
Recommended
Salary Range Bachelor’s Degree
33,663 – 37,088
34,897 – 38,386
36,076 – 39,684
38,436 – 42,279
40,206 – 48,246
43,155 – 51,787
46,105 – 59,937
2016
Recommended
Salary Range Master’s Degree
35,829 – 39,412
38,091 – 41,900
39,271 – 43,197
41,630 – 45,793
43,400 – 52,080
46,350 – 55,620
49,300 – 64,090
2) Congregations should remember that the figures in the grid are minimums. Congregations are
encouraged to exceed these minimum guidelines. Additional compensation should be provided
based on criteria such as continuing education, special skills, responsibilities, merit, and local
conditions.
3) Each congregation shall establish a Mutual Ministry Committee to facilitate the discussion by
which these criteria are evaluated (as well as for carrying out the other functions of mutual ministry).
4) A congregation that fails to meet the synodical guidelines shall submit a report to the bishop on a
form to be provided, detailing the reasons why these minimums are not being met and the steps that
will be taken to establish these minimums as soon as possible.
The following minimum benefits should be provided in addition to salary:
1) An Automobile Allowance equal to IRS guidelines per mile for business travel. Rostered lay leaders
reimbursed for auto expense on a per mile basis do not have to report this allowance as income if they
submit written mileage to the calling institution.
2) Continuing Education provisions including a congregation/agency providing at least $550 for tuition,
books, etc., and two weeks of time (not vacation), and the leader providing at least $250. It is recommended
that this money be deposited in the synod’s PACE program. (Programs that include Sundays must be
negotiated with the congregation council.) It is encouraged that congregations/agencies and rostered lay
professional leaders work towards a partnership goal of $1,000.
3) Four full weeks of vacation time annually.
4) One to two days off per week, and, at least once a month, two consecutive days off.
5) For the purposes of Worker’s Compensation, rostered lay leaders are considered to be employees of
the congregation and therefore should be included in Worker’s Compensation insurance.
6) Health and pension benefits according to the guidelines of the ELCA, including a 12% pension
provision shall be provided for by the congregation or calling agency. In 2013, the ELCA Church
21 Council recommended that in order to maintain the current level of health benefits for our rostered leaders
and lay church workers, congregations offer to provide the Gold + ELCA health plan option in 2016 for their
rostered leaders and lay church workers. The Gold + option most closely resembles the 2013 ELCA Primary
health coverage. The Leadership Development Team of the NEPA Synod supports this recommendation of
ELCA Church Council, and urges all synod congregations to offer the Gold + option (or its equivalent) for
rostered leaders and lay church workers each year.
7) Congregations may also reimburse the lay leader(s) for professional expenses such as dues,
entertainment, supplies, and malpractice insurance.
MISSION INTERPRETATION
MINISTRY TEAM
authorized worshipping communities. One new
ministry is Hope's Table, bringing Word and
Sacrament ministry to neighbors who have long
turned to the church for their physical needs, but
have not connected to the Sunday worshipping
community. Next is Susquehanna County Church
Without Walls, an initiative to explore new ways of
unleashing the gospel to those in the community
who have no religious affiliation. The Witness and
Service Ministry Team walks with and assist these
ministries by overseeing partnership support
grants from our synod and the churchwide
organization. Look to hear more about these new
ministries at the synod assembly.
Mission Interpreters share stories and
communicate with congregations on how we are
using our hands to do God’s work. They visit
congregations to say thank you and help
congregations understand how their Mission
Support commitments fulfill many ministries.
We are continuing to build the Synod team of
Mission Interpreters. Interpreters use printed
Synod and ELCA brochures, videos and temple
talks to let people know more about how the
Synod and ELCA are using their Mission Support
dollars. We are always interested to hear from
congregations about the ministries they are doing
so we can share with others.
We see the Spirit unleashing congregations in
their engagement for witness, outreach and social
ministry. The Witness and Service Ministry
Team walks with and assist congregations and
ministry groups who have a passion for reaching
out to share the gospel in creative ways. During
the past year we have seen God unleashed in the
following new and expanding ministries:
Workshops are held when requested to train
rostered leaders and lay people on how to tell
stories and use various resources to share the
good news about ministries within the Synod and
the ELCA.
Trinity, Wernersville - Appalachia Trip
IHarvest Potato Project
St. Paul's, Bethlehem - Backpack Program
Good Shepherd, St. John's and St. Mark's in
Wilkes-Barre - Bear Creek Summer Day Camp
St. Luke's Neighborhood Center in Allentown
West Berks Mission District - Summer Day
Camp
Hunger Task Force - Bike for World Hunger
Gay & Lesbian Ministry Task Force - Family
Diversity Assembly Table
Oley Cluster - Mission Trip
Hunger Task Force - Leaders Gathering
Northern Berks Community Garden
Hope's Table, Reading
St. Stephen's Neighborhood Outreach Center
of Christ Church, Allentown - Playing in the Park
Program
St. John's Windish, Bethlehem & Iglesia
Esperanza, Bethlehem - Feed the Children
St. Paul's, Hawley
Task Force on Bulling, Harassment and
Related Violence
St Luke's, Shoemakersville - Church Mouse
Nursery
The Mission Support Table provides guidance for
the Mission Interpreter Ministry during the year.
In Christ,
Georgia Suranofsky Convener
WITNESS AND SERVICE
MINISTRY TEAM
The Spirit is unleashing congregations and
ministry groups to do new and exciting ministry for
the gospel. We see this with the specialized
ministries we have supported in the past year,
ministries whose mission is to ensure that
populations that may be ignored or excluded hear
the Good News. These ministries included
the Common Ground Recovery Ministry, San
Martin de Porres, Trinity Deaf Ministry, and Iglesia
Cristiana La Hermosa.
We see the Spirit unleashing congregations and
ministry groups to explore new fields for mission
and evangelical outreach with new synodically
22 Friedens, Oley - Parish Nursing Ministry
Holy Trinity, Kingston - "Have Two" Coat
Closet
Ministry with the Modern Family that included
discussion about the divers make up of twentyfirst century families. The task force also brings to
the assembly resolutions relating to equality
issues and ministry with GLBT persons.
The Witness and Service Ministry Team is here to
walk with and assist your ministry through
evangelism and social ministry grants, specialized
ministry and partnership support, and ministry
coaching. We’re here to help you to be unleashed
and do bold things for the Gospel.
In 2014, the Task Force was represented at
Reading and Allentown area Pride events making
information and resources available to the GLBT
communities in those areas. We are thankful to
task force member, Dr. Nadine Anderson, for her
continued energy and passion in taking a lead role
in these events.
Robert J. Cimerol, convener
The Rev. D. Michael Bennethum, Staff Liaison
The purpose of the Gay and Lesbian Ministry
Task Force is to assist congregations in
welcoming people of all sexual orientations and
gender identities and their families in the church.
We have information, resources, and educational
materials available about the full inclusion of our
GLBT brothers and sisters in Christ into the life of
the church. Task force members are available to
meet with pastors, councils, committees, or
congregations who wish to know more about
being welcoming to GLBT persons and their
families. We are also available to help
congregations who are considering becoming
Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregations through
ReconcilingWorks and who wish to publicly state
their welcome.
CONNECTIONS BUILDING
MINISTRY TEAM
We will build a network that uses our gifts, skills,
and resources to maximize what we can do
together and strengthen congregations in their
ministry.
The connections Building Team met regularly
throughout the past year. In October we hosted a
daylong event with Meredith Gould, author of The
Social Media Gospel, as our presenter. The event
introduced congregations to the role that social
media can play in helping their members stay
connected to one another and to the ministries of
their congregation.
The Gay and Lesbian Ministry Task Force meets
monthly at The Lutheran Center. New members
to the task force are welcome! If you would like
more information, have questions about our
mission, or have a desire to serve, please, contact
us through the Synod website.
Future priorities include:
1. Providing congregations with “how to”
information on technology.
2. Helping congregations and mission districts to
build a simple yet effective website.
The Rev. E. Ann Melot, Convener
3. Helping congregations establish a social media
presence.
ACCESSIBILITY MINISTRY TEAM
My thanks to the team members who will work on
these priorities: Craig Babcock, Pr. Jeff Carstens,
Pr. Mary Gade, AiM Karen Matthias-Long, Robert
Siegfried, and Carol Weiser.
The "A Team" mission is to "…encourage and
assist congregations of the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Synod to open their hearts, minds,
and doors to all of God’s people by removing
barriers 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.
Among the Team’s efforts were:
The Rev. Paul Braden, Convener
GAY AND LESBIAN MINISTRY
TASK FORCE
Each year at the NEPA Synod Assembly, the Gay
and Lesbian Ministry Task Force hosts a display
in order to provide printed information and
resources on a variety of GLBT concerns. We
make every attempt to have a task force member
present at the display at all times during the
assembly to offer assistance and share in
conversation with assembly attendees. The Gay
and Lesbian Ministry Task Force works to present
a forum workshop on a timely topic at each
assembly. In 2014, we presented a forum on
+ A 2014 Annual Synod Spring Assembly display
highlighting an expanded 27 page resource for
Sunday bulletins, monthly newsletters or Christian
Education forums: “Accessibility Basics for
Congregation” includes specific suggestions on
how to accomplish the A-Team mission. More
pages on Bible Resources, Ministry to Frail Elders
and Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Dependency
were added. A-Team members are available to
offer presentations and discussions for various
23 age groups (Please note Convener, Rev. William
M. Horn’s phone number and e-mail at the end of
this report).
Much of the work is completed because people
feel inspired, that it is “Gods work, but our hands.”
This year’s theme, “Live the Love from Above,” is
based on 1 Corinthians 13:4-10: Love is patient,
love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it
is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not
self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no
record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but
rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always
trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Love
never fails. But where there are prophecies, they
will cease; where there are tongues, they will be
stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass
away. For we know in part and we prophesy in
part, but when completeness comes, what is in
part disappears.
Because this year LYF is open to all children of
god inviting anyone who wishes to experience the
love of God. So sons and daughters of God I ask
you to join myself and many others like myself for
this weekend to experience something you have
never experienced before. Come and “Live the
Love from Above”.
The team is redesigning its web page in the
Synod website: www.godslove.org and adding
links to other Internet sites suitable for
congregational or individual use.
The A-Team members are: Mrs. Barbara
Hartman, Rev. William Horn (Convener), Rev.
David Kistler (Secretary), Ms. Carolyn Volk and
Ms. Mary Smith, Member Emeritus. The team is
seeking new members, especially someone to
represent people challenged by autism and/or
loss of vision. Representatives from the HazletonLehighton, Schuylkill, and Scranton-Wilkes- Barre
mission district are also needed. Interested
persons may call Rev. Bill Horn at 610.797.6019
or e-mail him at h3027@ptd.net to suggest names
or to volunteer.
The Rev. William M. Horn, Convener
LUTHERAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Throughout this past year the Lutheran Youth
Fellowship has made huge strides. Back in June,
when our assembly was held, three of the four
officers were reelected to the executive board.
This group of veterans included myself, Garrett
Nelson whom was selected President for my
second and final term. Ilse Heisler was voted Vice
President (who was the former treasurer) and
Emily Layden served her second term as
secretary of LYF. At the assembly, 3 resolutions
were passed, the most resolutions passed at an
assembly in a while. These three resolutions
included a paperless resolution for all LYF events,
an anti-bullying resolution to stop bullying and
give an outlet to those who are being bullied to
talk about it, and finally a sign of unity when doing
the Lord ’s Prayer, where everyone holds hands
as they do the lord’s prayer at LYF sponsored
events. Then in November we had our winter
gathering formerly known as “Faithapalooza”, at
this event we were taught how best to lead a
person or a group of people. What was best
retained from this gathering was the saying “a
leader can only lead a person as well as he knows
that person.” Because this explains that you have
to get to know people to most effectively lead
them. This gathering had about 40 kids attending,
primarily made up of new members of the LYF.
This is a promising preview for this summer’s
assembly. This year LYF has their meetings
every other month Sunday’s, which means we
only meet as a full board 6 times a year. This puts
a lot of responsibility of kids to do work from home
and be prepared at the meetings to do gods work.
Garrett Nelson, LYF President
WORSHIP MINISTRY TEAM
The year since the last synod assembly has been
one of transition for the Worship Team in terms of
both focus and personnel.
Focus
In the recent past, the Worship Team had been
offering regular educational events throughout the
year. The current committee found this model
unsustainable, both in terms of personnel and in
generating interest in and attendance at such
events. We therefore adopted a narrower focus of
planning and implementing worship for the two
major synodical events: the Bishop’s Conference
and the Synod Assembly.
For worship at the Bishop’s Conference, the
committee acted in a supportive role, helping to
implement the worship planned by committee
member, the Rev. Charlie Grube.
In preparing worship for the Synod Assembly, the
committee expressed a strong desire to be a part
of the assembly planning process so that worship
could be woven into the fabric of the entire
assembly rather than just being scheduled in. To
that end, the Revs. Callista Isabelle and Gary
Walbert represented our committee on the
assembly creative and visioning team. Being a
part of assembly planning from the start has also
helped us to capture the spirit and theme of this
year’s assembly in ways that we hope will be
obvious in the worship you experience at this
24 year’s event. Your feedback is always
encouraged through the synod assembly
evaluation. We also welcome comments and
suggestions through any of our members
individually, or through our team’s e-mail:
nepsworship@gmail.com
also continue to explore different resources and
ways to disseminate the information throughout
the synod.
We continue to look for ways to live by faith as we
share stories of hope in faith formation for future
generations. Team members include Joy Gerhart,
recorder, Connie Riedy, Bruce Saylor, Marlene
Werkheiser, Samantha Drennan, Roger
Timm, Margaret Gable, James Muske, and Karen
Matthias-Long as staff liaison.
Cheryl Statham, Convener
Personnel
The current committee roster includes Jean
Grube, the Rev. Callista Isabelle (co-chair),
Michael Krentz, Sally Reeser, the Rev. Martha
Sipe (co-chair), the Rev. Gary Walbert, and our
current Partner in Evangelical Worship, the Rev.
Charlie Grube. The Rev. Michael Bennethum
served as our liaison to the synod staff for the first
part of the year; the Rev.Kurt Garbe is currently
serving in that role. Thanks to all for their service.
Thanks also to the Rev. Jennifer Ollikainen who
helped us to gain our focus by leading us through
a visioning process in the fall of 2014.
CAMPUS MINISTRY
Lutheran ministries are present on several college
and university campuses in our synod, sharing the
Gospel through a variety of outreach ministries.
The primary outreach is through Partner
Congregations located near institutions of higher
education. Partner Congregations on the
Northeastern PA Synod during 2014 include
Trinity and St. John’s Kutztown relating to
Kutztown University, St. Paul’s, East Stroudsburg
relating to East Stroudsburg University and St.
Peter’s Bethlehem relating to Lehigh
University. Three other Campus Ministries at
work in our synod include the Chapel at
Muhlenberg College, an ELCA-related college,
and Campus Ministries of the Northeast, an
ecumenical ministry that works cooperatively with
synod congregations in the northern territory of
the synod. Alvernia College continues to be a
participating partner in the Synods Campus
Ministry Affinity Team, as it continues an outreach
ministry to the protestant students on its campus.
Pastor Marsha Anderson of Grace Lutheran
Church Reading heads up that ministry effort.
The Rev. Martha Sipe, Worship Ministry Team
Co-Convener
FAITH FORMATION RESOURCE
MINISTRY TEAM
The Faith Formation Resource Team offers a
variety of learning opportunities to nurture the fiath
development of people in congregations, mission
districts, and the Synod. We also keep apprised
of curret Christian Education trends and
curriculum resources.
This year’s Learning Ministry Day had to be
th
postponed until April 18 , due to a snow
storm. The event was held at Hope, Cherryville.
Our keynote speaker was Debbie Streicher, who
talked about Milestone Ministry, and how it is
important to celebrate everyday milestones in
addition to the special church moments. A variety
of workshops were held for participants, including
one led by our keynoter. Planning has already
begun on Learning Ministry Day for 2016, which
will hopefully happen on its regularly scheduled
day in January.
The Campus Ministry Affinity Group meets
regularly 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.
Team members continue to respond to requests
from congregations for consultations on a wide
variety of subjects. The team is also planning a
couple of synod-wide events for 2015 and
beyond.
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 2014, $24,000 was distributed to
support Campus Ministry efforts on our Synod
territory.
In August, the team gathered at a retreat center
for three days of brainstorming, planning future
events, personal growth and sharing
resources. One of the items we will be working on
will be planning video blurbs about the Lutheran
Basics for the synod web site. The team
continues to work on ways to increase our
presence on the web through various means. We
Additional grants from the internal grant program
were distributed to students at Kutztown
University to support its 2014 Alternative Spring
Break service trip to New York City. Students
from Kutztown University also received a block
grant to attend the Jubilee (Young Adult Christian
25 Conference) held in Pittsburgh PA. Friedens
Lutheran Church, Oley received a program grant
to support its on going outreach to college
students within its congregation. Grants up to
$250 are available to congregations for special
program incentives for students in higher
education or Lutheran students of Synod
congregations that seek to enhance their growth
in faith, through specific activities, during their
college experience.
process and two who are in the application
process. These numbers are down significantly
from what had been typical over the years. This is
happening in various degrees across the church.
One of several factors in this might be the
increased cost of college and seminary education.
Potential candidates sometimes come to us
having already incurred significant debt earning
their college degree. And, again for various
reasons, the cost of seminary education is higher
than it used to be and synods, including our own,
have fewer resources with which to help. This
has added a new but necessary dimension to our
work with candidates.
If you or your congregation would like to become
involved in campus ministry, please contact
Associate to the Bishop Pastor Mary Gade at
Maryg@nepsynod.org at the Synod office or
Pastor Keith Rohrbach at Krohr6@me.com.
Pastor Rohrbach functions as the Affinity Group
convener.
You can help us and, more importantly, the
church, in several ways:
1) Continue to identify those in your
congregation who have gifts for public
ministry. An internal call is often
awakened by an observation of brothers
and sisters in Christ who recognize gifts in
someone before he or she does.
2) Contribute to the synod’s student fund,
which provides financial aid to those who
demonstrate need.
3) Donate to the ELCA Fund for Leaders,
which provides considerable support to
students preparing for public ministry at
our ELCA seminaries.
For more information about ELCA Campus
Ministries, check http://www.elca.org/Growing-InFaith/Ministry/Campus-Ministry.aspx.
The Campus Ministry Affinity Group
CANDIDACY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Candidacy Committee works with those who
are in the process of discerning whether God is
calling them to public ministry. Our tradition has
always held that the call is two-sided—both
internal and external. On behalf of the church, we
are the group in our synod that discerns the
external call by prayerfully and carefully engaging
the candidate in the ELCA Candidacy process—a
journey of discovery, growth and development
with the intention of determining a person’s
appropriateness and potential to carry out public
ministry and whether or not that person is ready to
begin the preparation that, should all go well,
leads to such ministry. Because God calls some
Christians to public ministry and others to ministry
in daily life, and because we are charged, along
with our partners at churchwide and the
seminaries, with making this determination, this
work has its moments of great joy but also,
sometimes, deep sadness.
The ELCA is continues to work on revising the
candidacy process and seminary education is also
evolving, so there are likely to be changes to
report in the coming years. I am grateful to all
who are carrying out this work with the health and
welfare of Christ’s church in mind.
It is great to end with good news. At our meeting
in November, 2014, the committee voted
unanimously to give a positive Approval Decision
to four students pending the receipt and
acceptance of a call:
I am grateful for all of the members of the
committee who give considerable time to our work
by faithfully reading many pages, considering
many factors, and meeting for many hours—and
for our synod staff liaison, Pastor Mary Gade, who
keeps us organized and well-informed, and Pastor
Peggy Wuertele, the ELCA representative to the
committee, who knows the rules and makes sure
we play by them.
Samantha Wertz Johnson is a member
of Trinity Lutheran Church in Pottsville. She
received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical
Studies from Grove City College, Grove City, PA
in 2010. She earned her Master of Divinity degree
from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in
Columbia, South Carolina in 2015. Sami
completed a quarter of Clinical Pastoral Education
at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA and
served as an intern at the Evangelical Lutheran
Church of the Atonement in Syracuse, NY. Sami
and her husband, Joshua, are both assigned to
the South Dakota Synod.
Beyond those who have now received positive
Approval Decisions [listed below] we have 8
students in various stages of the candidacy
Anthony D. Setley is a member of
Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing. He
26 received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political
Science from Lebanon Valley College in 2008. He
earned his Master of Divinity degree from The
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg in
2015. Tony completed a quarter of Clinical
Pastoral Education at G.V. [Sonny] Montgomery
VA Medical Center in Jackson Mississippi and
served as an intern at Mellingers Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Stevens, PA. He has been
assigned to the Northwest Ohio Synod. Tony and
his wife, Stephanie, are the parents of a baby son,
Samuel Joseph.
Bachelor of Arts Interdisciplinary degree from
Valparaiso University in 1970 and a Master of
Science in Family Life Education from Purdue in
1971. She earned her Master of Divinity degree
from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Philadelphia in 2004. Ruth completed a quarter of
Clinical Pastoral Education at St. Luke Hospital in
Bethlehem, PA and served as an intern at St.
John’s Lutheran Church in Sinking Springs, PA.
She is assigned to Northeastern Pennsylvania
Synod. Ruth and her husband, Richard, are the
parents of two adult sons.
Jennifer M. Soltis is a member of Trinity
Lutheran Church in West Hazleton. She received
her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from
Bloomsburg University in 2008. She earned her
Master of Divinity degree from The Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Jennifer
completed a quarter of Clinical Pastoral Education
at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. and
served as an intern at Resurrection Lutheran
Church in Oakdale, PA and at St. Paul Lutheran
Church in Arlington, MA. Jennifer is assigned to
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod.
Joshua H. Ferris is a member of New Life
Lutheran Church in New Tripoli. He received his
Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology as well as
a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Penn
State in 2007. He earned his Master of Divinity
degree from The Lutheran Theological Seminary
at Philadelphia in 2014. Josh completed a quarter
of Clinical Pastoral Education at Jefferson
University Hospital in Philadelphia and has been
serving a residency at Holy Trinity Lutheran
Church in Narbeth, PA. He is assigned to
Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod. Josh is
married to wife, Annie.
Karen Ward Talyea is a member of
Trinity Lutheran Church in Pottsville. She received
her Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from
Susquehanna University in 2011. She earned her
Master of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary,
St. Paul, Minnesota in 2015. Karen completed a
quarter of Clinical Pastoral Education at Geisinger
Medical Center in Danville, PA and served as an
intern at Zion Lutheran Church of Amor in Battle
Lake, MN. Karen has been assigned to Allegheny
Synod. Karen and her husband, John, married in
June of 2013.
At our meeting that took place in April of 2015 we
were pleased to again vote unanimously to give a
positive Approval Decision to three additional
students pending the receipt and acceptance of a
call:
Chris A. Rothharpt is a member of St. Mark
Lutheran Church in Birdsboro. He received his
Bachelor of Science degree in Biblical Studies
from Lancaster Bible College in 2007. He earned
his Master of Divinity degree from The Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in 2014.
Chris completed a quarter of Clinical Pastoral
Education at Reading Health System School of
Health Sciences, Reading, PA and served as an
intern at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pottsville, PA.
He is currently awaiting assignment. Chris and his
wife, Lori, have three adult daughters.
Please feel free to contact Pastor Mary Gade at
the synod office should you have any questions or
concerns with regard to the candidacy process.
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.
Ruth F. Doty is a member of the Lutheran Church
of the Holy Spirit in Emmaus. She received her
The Rev. Rick Summy, chair
27 SUPPORT COMMITTEES
LUTHERAN ARCHIVES CENTER
AT PHILADELPHIA
intersected the world in a great variety of contexts
and situations. The archives at your Center are a
testimony to how Lutheran Christians have
ministered the Gospel in the northeastern United
States since the seventeenth century.
President’s Letter to Synod Assemblies
There is a popular television series airing on NBC
television called “Who Do You Think You Are?”
Partnering with the web site Ancestry.Com, this
television series has generated some interest in
the area of family genealogy. The show focusses
on the search for family ancestors by celebrities in
the fields of television, movies, and music.
According to the show’s web site:
With my fellow Officers and the entire Board of
Directors, and with our Staff (John Peterson,
Curator, and Kim-Eric Williams, Archivist) I bring
your Assembly greetings from the Lutheran
Archives Center at Philadelphia. We are grateful
to the partnerships we have with the Synods of
Region Seven, as well as the Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia that houses
the Center. Synod Archivists serve as Affiliated
Directors on our Board, together with our NonAffiliated Directors who come from ministries and
congregations in our Region.
NBC's acclaimed alternative series "Who Do You
Think You Are?" follows some of today's most
beloved and iconic celebrities as they embark on
personal journeys of self-discovery to trace their
family trees. From Ireland's freedom fighters to the
American Revolutionary War, and from the African
nation of Cameroon to Bulgaria, this season will
reveal the fabric of humanity through everyone's
place in history.
Please make sure to pick up a copy of the
Archives Advocate, the newsletter of your regional
Archives Center, that details some of our work,
and please say a thank you to your Synod
Archivist at your Synod Assembly for the work that
he or she does on your behalf. Feel free to speak
to your Archivist about any archival help you may
need within your congregation, or about how your
Synod is supporting the necessary and
Constitutionally-mandated work of preserving our
archival heritage, as well as about the treasures
contained in the archives. And finally, if you
haven’t already done so, please come by for a
visit!
Each episode has the celebrities conduct their
research in a variety of archives around the world.
There is a fascinating diversity of information that
is unearthed by these “personal journeys of selfdiscovery.” Some family members of these
celebrities were thieves and scoundrels and
others were heroes and role models; there were
artists and clergypersons and cab drivers, doctors
and teachers and soldiers. In short, the stories
unearthed by this television show display the vast
panorama of humanity that have brought these
celebrities to the places they are now. “Who Do
You Think You Are?” is an entertaining and
fascinating way to get people thinking about
where they have come from. And that, of course,
is one of the purposes of the Lutheran Archives
Center at Philadelphia – assisting the Church and
researchers is remembering where we have come
from. The archives contained at your regional
Archives Center are the record of parishes,
Synods, and ministries that have existed
throughout what is now Region Seven of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Our
archives stretch from the Colonial period up to the
present day.
Wishing you blessings on your Synod Assembly!
The Rev. J. Francis Watson, Ph.D., President
TASK FORCE
ON BULLYING, HARASSMENT, AND
RELATED VIOLENCE
The Task Force on Bullying, Harassment, and
Related Violence was formed in November 2011.
Its original purpose was to encourage new
partnerships between churches and schools or
community organizations so they might work
together to address issues related to bullying,
harassment, and related violence and to provide a
list of resources for congregations to use. It is felt
that these tasks have been addressed – and that
schools have taken the initiative to address the
problem of bullying and youth. A list of resources
Answering the question of “Who Do We Think We
Are?” as a Church body can be facilitated by a
visit to the Lutheran Archives Center at
Philadelphia. The archives contained there bear
witness to the ways in which the Gospel has
29 that can be used is posted on our Synod web-site
link.
The Rev. Paulette Obrecht, Convener
INTERIM MINISTRY COMMITTEE FOR
CONGREGATIONS IN TRANSITION
In 2013 the Task Force began exploring
resources for helping adults in congregations deal
with issues related to adult bullying in both the
church and the workplace. Here are some of the
things we discovered as we searched for
information:
With the erosion of support and activity among our
synod’s congregations, it has been very important
that interim pastors be provide to assist the
congregations and synod staff as they deal with
difficult decisions regarding ministry in the near
and distant future. The Interim Ministry
Committee seeks to assist in any way that it can
by providing support, dialogue, and suggestions
about various options available for future planning
whenever there are questions about the means
and feasibility of pastoral leadership.
• There is not a whole lot of information
available on this topic. It seems to be a
topic that is not discussed openly and not
a lot of research has been done.
• The three areas in church relationships
needing to be explored were identified as
bullying by congregational members of
other members, by congregational
members of the pastor, and by the
pastor of congregational members.
The committee offers information sharing through
assembly displays, discussion forums, brochures,
and promotional meetings with congregations,
outlining the work of interim pastors and
explaining the advantages of working with interim
pastors in times of congregational transition.
• It would be good to have information on
ways for congregations/pastors to heal
and recover after experiencing the effects
of bullying in the congregation.
The committee provides opportunities to all of our
interim pastors for discussion and dialogue four
times a year through consultation meetings and
presentations in March, June, September, and
December.
This year the task force offered two workshops on
the topic of bullying in the church. The first one
was offered at Synod Assembly where
participants learned was that not only children and
young people are dealing with this issue. Many
adults deal with conflict and the misuse of power
in the workplace or their social groups, including
in their church. This month (April) a ½ day
workshop was conducted and we discussed the
value of using a code of conduct in congregations
that addresses commitment to open and honest
communication, even when there is disagreement.
Our speaker, the Reverend Melissa Miller, a
leader in the Mennonite Church USA and Canada,
offered some good strategies to overcome the
power imbalance of bullies and led us to some
new resources, which will be shared on our website link.
During 2014, the following consultation meetings
were held:
• March – Open dialogue regarding the
needs of maintenance interim pastors as
they encounter congregational transition
challenges.
• June – Cancelled due to calendar
conflicts.
• September – Presentation of a case study
by Pr. Sonja Ware.
• December – Presentation of a case study
by Pr. Burl Latshaw.
The task force meets monthly, usually at the
Lutheran Center. Our next steps will be to
continue learning more about materials and
programs for congregations and adults to use as
they address bullying in the workplace and in the
church. We will be working on ways to present
additional workshops on this topic, including
practice in conflict resolution techniques.
Members of the Task Force include Rev. Colleen
Cox, AiM Marlane Druckenmiller (our Synod
Council rep), Mr. Greg Gill, Rev. John Lamb, Rev.
Thomas Richards, and Rev. Paulette Obrecht. If
you are interested in joining with us, please
contact one of the members about meeting dates
and times – or call the Synod Office.
The Committee met five times in 2014 (January,
March, June, September, and December). Its
work included:
• Planning and providing a display and
forum for the 2014 annual assembly.
• Recruitment of three person to train for
and serve as Intentional Interim Pastors.
• Formulated suggested edits to the
proposed revised document Procedures
for Congregations in Pastoral Transition.
• Met with Bishops Zeiser to dialogue about
improving communication between the
Bishop, synod staff, and the committee
regarding transition/interim ministry
issues.
30 •
•
•
Receiving the news of Pr. Glenn
Simmons’ retirement from synod staff and
Interim Ministry Committee liaison
responsibilities. With that news, the
committee was informed in December
that Pr. Lori Kochanski would replace Pr.
Simmons as the liaison to the staff and
the committee.
Planning for presentation at the 2015
annual assembly.
Received the resignation of Pr. Norman
Dresher as Chairperson of the committee.
•
The committee holds its meetings at the Lutheran
Center in Allentown, Pa.
The Rev. Sonja Ware, Convener
The Rev. Raymond C. Hitttinger, Interim Ministry
Coordinator
31 Pr. Sonja Ware was appointed by Bishop
Zeiser as the new Chairperson of the
committee.
OTHER COMMITTEES AND GROUPS
ELCA MISSION INVESTMENT FUND
LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY
IN PENNSYLVANIA (LAMPA)
The Mission Investment Fund (MIF), a ministry of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America, makes low-interest loans to established
ELCA congregations, new-start congregations
and ELCA-related ministries for capital projects.
In response to God’s love in Jesus Christ, we
advocate for wise and just public policies in
Pennsylvania that promote the common good.
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania is a
shared ministry of seven Pennsylvania synods,
the ELCA Congregational and Synodical Mission
unit, and Pennsylvania ELCA agencies and
institutions. Through LAMPa, Lutherans are
supported to voice their faith convictions in the
public arena with and on behalf of those who are
hungry and vulnerable while seeking greater
justice in the commonwealth.
Established congregations use MIF loans to
renovate, expand or relocate. New-start
congregations rely on MIF loans to buy land and
construct their first church buildings.
ELCA-related ministries use MIF loans for a
variety of capital projects.
To fund these loans, MIF offers a variety of
investments for congregations, their members,
synods and ELCA-related ministries to purchase.
MIF investments offer adjustable- or fixed-rate
terms and earn interest at competitive rates.
In 2014 LAMPa celebrated 35 years of advocacy
ministry that supported and deepened your
congregational efforts that address hunger,
poverty, immigration, child abuse and care for
creation. Thanks be to God for our able and
committed Policy Council representatives, The
Rev. Bruce Osterhout, The Rev. Dennis Ritter and
the leadership of Bishop Zeiser.
The Mission Investment Fund is financially strong
and stable, with a record of steady, controlled
growth:
With total assets of $661 million and net assets of
$192 million at year-end 2014, MIF achieved a
capital ratio of 29 percent—maintaining MIF's
position in the top tier of well-capitalized church
extension funds.
LAMPa advocacy takes place through direct
contacts in Harrisburg and involving the LAMPa
network in email and call-in advocacy, offering
testimony, writing letters to the editors and district
visits. The impact of LAMPa advocacy in 2014
includes:
At year-end 2014, loans for capital projects for
more than 780 ELCA congregations and
ministries totaled $461 million. MIF investments
by congregations, their members, synods and
ELCA-related ministries totaled $464 million.
Investments and Loans in the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Synod
•
Connecting Service to Advocacy by
providing information, resources and
support for congregations and
conferences work on the ELCA Day of
Service.
•
Feeding the Hungry through increasing
funding for the State Food Purchase
Program (SFPP) in the state budget and
making sure more kids start the day right
by involving congregations in expanding
the School Breakfast Program.
•
Addressing Poverty through supporting
the Beyond Poverty initiative of the House
Majority Policy Committee to address the
roots of poverty in the Commonwealth.
•
Protecting children by providing
resources and updates in child protection
law changes for ministries, including a
web page and access to webinars.
As of December 31, 2014: 13 Mission Investment
Fund loans, with a balance of $2,301,312, are at
work throughout
the synod.
Investments in the Mission Investment Fund by
224 individuals, 99 congregations,
6 ministries and the Northeastern Pennsylvania
Synod totaled $11,057,336.
MIF representative for the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Synod:
Gerry Lauro, Regional Manager: Tel. (312) 8056502; e-mail: gerry.lauro@elca.org
Mission Investment Fund | 8765 West Higgins
Road | Chicago, Illinois 60631
33 •
Increasing affordable housing through
the State Housing Trust Fund to create
jobs, strengthen communities and prevent
homelessness.
•
Welcoming the stranger by starting a
state-wide Lutheran Immigration
Leadership Circle, with efforts on passing
the state Dream Act and creating a
ministry to those held in immigrant
detention facilities.
•
Working to halt a several bills that
sought to legalize predatory lending bill by
lifting Pennsylvania’s 24% interest cap to
allow short-term lending rates of up to
360% APR.
•
Caring for Creation through work on the
ELCA Clean Air for All God’s Children
campaign.
is comprised of these six geographic synods:
New Jersey, New England, Metro New York,
Upstate New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania
and Southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition, the
only non-geographic synod of the church body,
the Slovak Zion Synod is assigned as a partner in
Region 7. Another key institutional partner is the
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.
In all regions, the coordinator is the churchwide
resource person for the candidacy committees
and process of that region, as well as coordinating
first call assignment. In Region 7 the coordinator
also directs the first call theological event called
the Leadership Guild. Regional coordinators also
assist the bishops and their staff as well as key
synod leaders in a variety of ways. We
sometimes refer to ourselves as “air traffic control”
or “connective tissue.”
Region 7 welcomed two new key partners this
year with the election of John Macholz as bishop
of the Upstate NY Synod and David as the new
president of LTSP. New partners bring new
energies and vision to any group and the whole of
our region will benefit as they share their gifts.
The LAMPa staff also engaged synods, youth
assemblies, congregation and conference groups
in education on hunger and poverty and the
biblical call to serve and do justice. We would be
glad to come to you to lead a program, preach,
teach or lead a simulation called “Hunger 101”.
th
Website: www.lutheranadvocacypa.org, Twitter:
@LAMPaADVOCACY
Facebook: LAMPaAdvocacy
This summer will mark my 10 year as Region 7
coordinator, and I continue to be invigorated,
inspired and challenged by this call. Mostly I am
honored and deeply grateful to serve the people
of the ELCA in this area.
The Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Tracey DePasquale,
The Rev. Paul Lubold
Peggy M. Wuertele, Region 7 Coordinator WOMEN OF THE ELCA (WELCA)
APPALACHIAN SMALL TOWN AND
RURAL MINISTRY REPORT (ASTAR)
The Women of the ELCA functions under three
expressions: Congregational Units, Synodical
Women’s Organization and Churchwide Women
of the ELCA. We are active in ministries that
promote healing and wholeness in the church, the
society and in the world. Our women advocate for
those that cannot. They are generous with their
financial gifts that are used to provide grants to
seminarians and social organizations whose
needs complement the mission of Women of the
ELCA. We also support World Hunger and
Disaster Response. Additionally, Congregational
Units continue to support the needs of Lutheran
World Relief through their donations of health kits,
school kits, baby layettes and quilts.
th
June 13 annual convention BREAD FOR
EVERYONE AT THE TABLE will focus on hunger
Spring Cluster Events - We are looking at
Immigration -- How can we help?
Fall 2015 Cluster Events have the topic of
Alzheimer’s a devastating disease
This will be our last report to the Synod. Because
of dwindling support from Synods and ELCA
Churchwide the Board of ELCMA agreed to
dissolve the organization. Much of our
committee’s work revolved around the Evangelical
Lutheran Coalition for MIssion in Appalachia
(ELCMA). Five members of our committee
attended the final Assembly of ELCMA in May at
East Liverpool, Ohio.
Wayne Kaufman, Chair
REGION 7
The ELCA constitution provides for nine
geographic regions for the purpose of
administration and shared ministry. Each of the
regions is staffed by one full time coordinator, who
is churchwide staffr; some regions may have
additional staff as the work varies somewhat,
depending on the synods of the region. Region 7
34 FALL FUN EVENT at Tuscarora Retreat Center
Oct. 16 – 18, 2015
th
10 Triennial Convention & Gathering will be in
Minneapolis MN July, 2017
PV for Phebe - The Women of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church of America have partnered with
the RuralRenewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) to
propose the construction of a photovoltaic solar
array to serve the energy needs of Phebe
Hospital. The PV for Phebe project aims to realize
cash payoff of the installation costs within five
years, with further savings expected up to and
through the system’s 30-year lifespan. Check it
out -- skip the grid.org
Stewardship emphasis in our NE PA SWO is
2015-Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Services
Churchwide Women of the ELCA produce a
number of resources that can be downloaded
from their website for free, that help women grow
in faith and support them on their spiritual journey
as they develop and nurture relationships and
opportunities to serve.
ministry and action. Gather is published 10 times
a year with combined issues in January/February
and July/August; A new Bible study format, with
shorter studies throughout the liturgical year will
encourage all to use the studies.
Boldcafe.org is an online e-zine that reaches out
to younger women. Churchwide Women of the
ELCA also utilizes pod casts & social media with
Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Need an on-the-go companion for your faith
journey? Daily Grace offers brief reflections every
day in which you’ll encounter God’s extravagant,
boundless and often surprising grace. Be
comforted, challenged, inspired, consoled and
confronted. - See more at:
http://www.womenoftheelca.org/#sthash.oauSU5c
9.dpuf
We communicate to the women of the synod
through our Facebook Page, Bold Women of the
NEPA Women of the ELCA; a website,
nepasynodwelca.org; and The Flame, which is
available in print, on our website, and the synod’s
website.
Gather the magazine of Women of the ELCA,
offers a mix of articles, theological reflections,
devotions, and stories of comfort and challenge
that help readers grow in faith and engage in
Marilyn Mazsa, President
35 AGENICIES AND INSTITUTIONS
University about the possibility of Palmer
relocating to our Mt. Airy campus in order to share
facilities and to explore other possibilities of
collegial collaboration in forming leaders for faith
communities.
LUTHERAN THEOLOGICAL
SEMINARY AT PHILADELPHIA
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ!
New Programs
After an extensive period of conversation with
representatives of our supporting synods and
other constituent groups, it has become clear that
there are needs in our church that LTSP is well
positioned to meet. Chief among these is creating
robust Life-long Learning opportunities that draw
congregational leaders into rich learning,
conversation, and collaboration about how best to
minister in a changed and changing world.
Focusing our D.Min. degree offerings toward
particular ministry-oriented tracks (biblical
preaching, for example) and offering a Distributed
Learning program for M.Div. student are two more
strategies we are currently pursuing. This past
year, we have experimented with a “Co-operative”
model of education whereby students can earn an
M.Div. while working in a congregation across
three years, a model that will continue to be
valuable in our immediate region and will pair well
with a DL M.Div. program.
I write with a heart filled with gratitude for the
ministry we share to educate leaders for Christ’s
Church. This is a mission that The Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Philadelphia has pursued
with passion and fidelity for 150 years and will
continue to pursue well into the future. But let me
be clear: we could not fulfill this mission without
your prayers, financial gifts, and partnership in
identifying and forming capable congregational
leaders, and so we are most grateful for your
support. As we all know, the landscape in which
our congregations and church-related agencies do
ministry has changed dramatically over the last
twenty-five years and will continue to change. For
this reason, our challenges and opportunities are
often bound closely to one another. In this report, I
will outline several of those.
Financial Sustainability
The major challenge facing all seminaries today is
financial sustainability. LTSP is addressing these
concerns by re-organizing its administrative
structures in order to function more effectively and
efficiently. The cost savings of these adjustments
are absolutely critical to moving to a healthier
future. LTSP is also actively seeking a) to make
better use of its campus to further the mission of
the school and generate additional revenue, b)
expand opportunities for life-long learning in
response to the requests of congregational
leaders throughout our territory, c) more
effectively market its specific programs and urban
location to prospective students, and d) rebuild
and redirect our mission advancement team in
order to increase annual unrestricted giving.
As I said at the outset, we couldn’t do any of this
without your help, and so I would encourage every
congregation to place in its budget a commitment
to support LTSP in training our future leaders and
to hold all the seminaries of the ELCA in prayer.
We will live into God’s preferred future together or
not at all. As we move forward, know of our
gratitude for your fidelity and partnership.
David J. Lose, President, LTSP
EASTERN CLUSTER OF LUTHERAN
SEMINARIES REGIONS 7, 8 AND 9
Since its founding in 1995, the Eastern Cluster of
Lutheran Seminaries (ECLS) has fostered strong
collaboration between the three eastern schools
and other partners, enhancing our common task
of theological education for a broad spectrum of
students and lifelong learners. In these
challenging times when all seminaries seek new
approaches to forming leaders for the Church, we
are also engaged with the other ELCA seminaries,
our regional synods and additional partners in the
search for financial sustainability and
programmatic flexibility.
Partnerships
If we are to have a future as a seminary, it will
only be as a deeply invested and trusted partner
with many other parts of the church. For this
reason, we are actively cultivating partnerships
with congregations and synods, social ministry
agencies, church camps, and other seminaries. In
this last category, our work with The Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Gettysburg to share
faculty and explore means by which to align our
administrative structures has been most exciting.
Closer to home, we are currently in conversation
with Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern
A separately incorporated entity, the Cluster is
governed by a Board of Directors made up of
board chairs and other officers from each of the
37 EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
LUTHERAN CAMP CORPORATION
(BEAR CREEK CAMP)
three schools. One of the three seminary
presidents serves in rotation as Cluster executive
director. With the retirement of Philadelphia’s
president Phil Krey, the Cluster is pleased to
welcome David Lose as the new leader of LTSP.
We continue on with only modest core funding
from the seminaries. One of the key partnerships
that has made the work of the Cluster flourish has
been the reception of over $6 million in grants
from foundations to support common projects and
subsidize seminary budgets.
Greetings from Bear Creek Camp the Lutheran
Outdoor Ministry for the Northeast and Southeast
Pennsylvania Synods of the ELCA.
The summer of 2014 was a great one at Bear Creek Camp!
Current Collaborative Programs
•
•
•
•
-
The Cluster’s One Library Under Three Roofs
links the collections at Gettysburg,
Philadelphia and Columbia, providing
students, faculty and other borrowers with
access to a vast array of books, periodicals
and e-resources.
Through the Cluster-sponsored Project
Connect, hundreds of young persons have
been invited to “consider their callings” over
the past half-dozen years. With project
funding from Lilly Endowment now completed,
each school’s Admissions Office continues
working closely with many partners in
encouraging persons to consider public
ministry. The Cluster is working with a grant
researcher who will help to identify potential
partners for future work.
The Abundant Life Grant was received this
past year from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Totaling $750,000, this grant enables each
school to engage in research on the subject of
seminarian indebtedness and explore means
by which to reduce graduate debt.
Given the geographical proximity of the two
Pennsylvania seminaries, Gettysburg and
Philadelphia have joined forces in exploring
new ways to work together, including faculty
sharing.
-
-
Future Cluster Directions: Following the merger
of LTSS with Lenoir Rhyne University, the Cluster
is exploring new directions and new strategic
partnerships for the coming years.
With Appreciation: The Cluster is grateful for
support to theological education and our
seminaries from our partner synods and
churchwide organization. Special appreciation is
expressed to Phil Krey for his many years of
faithful service to the Cluster and the church.
Our Church Day Camp program continues to
grow as we will serve 11 churches this
summer with our “on the road” day camp
program.
Thank you Northeast and Southeast PA Synods
and congregations for your ongoing support of the
ministry at Bear Creek Camp. We are grateful to
work in partnership with each of you and to be an
extension of your ministries at our location near
Wilkes-Barre. The enthusiasm for the ministry of
Bear Creek Camp is spreading we are very
excited about the months and years to come.
-
The Rev. Dr. Bill Trexler, Cluster Board Chair
The Rev. Dr. Clay Schmit, Cluster Executive
Director
38 For the first time since 2004-2005 our summer
camp attendance increased in back to back
summers. 2014 saw an increase of 14% over
the previous summer and we are up 28%
since 2013.
35 Summer staff members did an excellent
job of showing and sharing the Gospel
through activities, Bible studies, games, team
building moments and having fun!
Campers, parents and chaplains were very
encouraging of the current program that is in
place at BCC.
o Among the comments we received:
§ We were amazed when she
shared many verses out of her
Bible that were favorites. It's been
tough for us to get her interested
in reading the Word so we were
really shocked to see her interest
grow. Camper Parent
§ Faith and song are central for the
campers. The daily theme and
verse are well done, and help the
campers know and think about
that biblical center. As a parent, a
pastor of the church, and a
regular volunteer chaplain, I am
so pleased and excited about
Bear Creek Camp and the future I
see before us. - Chaplain
§ It's like a vacation except one
hundred times better. - Camper
• I had so much fun here. I met
new friends, learned about God
and had a LOT of fun. - Camper
Our associate director, Pete Smith, and I have
been very busy visiting congregations to promote
BCC and our summer programs. If you are
interested in a visit, please contact us after our
summer season ends and we will be happy to find
a date that works.
care professionals program, which have been the
flagship programs at the College for many years.
Muhlenberg’s nationally ranked theatre and dance
program produced several outstanding
productions, including the summer music theatre
productions of “Spamalot” and “A Chorus Line.”
Creative children's programming included this
year’s production of “Gruff.” The mainstage
production was Steven Sondheim's rarely
produced early musical "Anyone Can Whistle."
The Master Choreographers dance concert and
“New Visions” were also well received. The
Muhlenberg College choir, under the direction of
music professor Michael Schnack, performed at
the New York Workshop production of "The
Events."
Please continue to pray for Bear Creek Camp this
summer as we have a great time exploring,
celebrating and growing in God’s creation.
Dan Scharnhorst, Executive Director
MUHLENBERG COLLEGE
At Muhlenberg College, admissions, development,
academic quality and the student experience
continued to be robust during the past year. The
College opened the year with a record 15%
students of color in the freshman class. The first
year class also included 19 international students,
including students from Jordan, Afghanistan,
Rwanda and nine students from China. This past
November, the College also approved its Diversity
Strategic Plan.
Four creative and successful alumni events
generated both alumni pride and support.
Mulementum, a 24-hour “Day of Giving,” inspired
more than 1600 donors, smashing last year's
inaugural day of giving by more than 200and
producing many first time donors. In January, the
College hosted the second annual THAW events
– Toast Heard Around the World – in more than
30 different locations. People toasted the College
from Tel Aviv to Florida to Los Angeles to Hilton
Head to New York City. Mule Madness, in its
fourth year, produced dozens of new donors and
increased participation rates as former athletes
rose to the competitive challenge. The
Muhlenberg Golf Classic raised significant dollars
for the athletic programs. In sports, the Mules won
the Centennial Conference soccer championship
and advanced to the NCAA playoffs. The football
team also earned an NCAA tournament bid. The
wrestling team competed in the "Grapple at the
Garden" event in Madison Square Garden. The
women’s basketball team won its eighth
Centential Conference Championship and
continued to the NCAA tournament.
Religious Life continues to thrive at Muhlenberg.
Drawing on our relationship with the ELCA, the
College welcomes students from all faith
traditions. We have a thriving Interfaith Leadership
Council, in addition to offering worship services for
our Protestant, Roman Catholic and Jewish
students. This year we hosted Eboo Patel from
the Interfaith Youth Core and sent ten students to
three different national interfaith leadership
training events. Muhlenberg Chapel is part of the
WestSide Mission Collaborative along with three
ELCA congregations in Allentown.
Mallory Bernstein '14 earned a Fulbright Grant
and biology professor Bruce Wightman was
awarded a prestigious NIH grant. The College
received a three year grant from the Mellon
Foundation. The grant will help the College
implement its new general education curriculum,
especially in areas of global engagement and
digital pedagogy, and provides bridge funding for
a faculty position in Religion Studies. In addition,
the College is part of the newly formed
Pennsylvania Liberal Arts Consortium, also
initially funded by a grant from the Mellon
Foundation, which will provide cost-efficient
opportunities for faculty and staff development,
shared programming, and other benefits. The
College also earned "Community Engagement
Classification" by Carnegie Foundation.
The faculty added public health as a major. This
is an exciting new development and will
complement Muhlenberg's science and health
The Center for Ethics brought several nationally
recognized speakers to campus, including
performance artist and poet Ursula Rucker. This
year's theme was "Civility and Disobedience." Other
campus programming included "Black Lives Matter:
A Luta Continua (The Struggle Continues), a week of
interactive, interdisciplinary programming that
celebrated the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Artist
and curator Vicki Meek delivered the Black History
Money keynote address.
Student engagement in service continues to be a
hallmark of the Muhlenberg. Students volunteer
for scores of service projects and organizations in
the community and the College has a presence in
schools, churches and non-profit agencies
throughout Allentown and the Lehigh Valley. This
past year, Air Products and Chemicals Inc.,
39 partnered with the College to set up a paid
internship program at five non-profit organizations.
The College has also partnered with the Civic
Theatre and the West End Alliance to strengthen
the surrounding neighborhood.
The Pennsylvania Religious Leaders’ Gathering in
December in State College provided a space for
sharing ideas, concerns, prayer and worship for
attendees which included representatives from
several Council member bodies, the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, and Council staff.
President Randy Helm, who retires June 30,
2015, had a farewell tour that included 13 stops
including Los Angeles, San Francisco, several
stops in Florida, plus Boston, New York,
Philadelphia and Washington, DC. After leading
the College for 12 years, Helm turns the reigns
over to John I. Williams, Jr., an entrepreneur and
innovator who has been involved as a trustee or
life trustee at Amherst College for more than 30
years.
COUNCIL MINISTRIES
Commission on Public Witness & Public
Witness Ministry. The Council’s advocacy efforts
in 2014 focused on the following areas:
•
Human needs/poverty-related work, primarily
in coordination with the Coalition for Low
Income Pennsylvanians (Clip) (NOTE: The
Director is co-chair of this group.) Much of the
effort focused on education legislators
working on a poverty initiative launched by
Rep. Dave Reed. Other work focused on the
“cliff effect” (how increases in wages affect
public benefits) and launching a coalition
called “Making Work Pay” that will address
related issues.
•
Efforts to raise the minimum wage, primarily in
coordination with the Raise the Wage PA
Coalition.
•
Public education funding, primarily in
coordination with the Campaign for Fair
Education Funding, focusing on developing a
new formula for fund public schools in
Pennsylvania.
•
Criminal justice reform, primarily in
coordination with the Pennsylvania Network
Against Torture and the National Religious
Campaign Against Torture, focusing on the
misuse of solitary confinement.
Dr. Peyton R. Helm, President
PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF
CHURCHES
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches is the
state-wide ecumenical presence in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Formed by 42
church bodies and agencies representing 20
Anabaptist, Anglican, Orthodox, Pentecostal and
Protestant communions (denominations), the
Council works for Christian unity for the sake of
the World. (John 17:20)
2014 was a year of transition for the Council with
the retirement of Executive Director Rev. Gary
Harke on March 1, the naming of Jan Gulick, the
Council’s Director of Finance and Facilities, to
serve as interim director, the retirement of longtime Executive Assistant Darlene Schlegel in
August, and the addition of responsibilities and
title change for Rev. Sandy Strauss to Director of
Advocacy and Ecumenical Outreach. The Council
also initiated a process of discernment for the
future.
The Commission set the direction for the Council’s
advocacy efforts during the 2015-16 legislative
session to focus on education on and boosting of
civic engagement, addressing “upstream” issues
(such as many of the issues named above) in
order to improve the lives of people on the
margins and where possible, addressing the role
of money in our political system.
IMPORTANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Several of the Council’s Commissions and
Committees have been revamped and revitalized
with the addition of new members and staff
leadership.
Commission on Unity & Relationships. As
noted above, a team of planners, under the
umbrella of the Commission, planned and carried
out the extremely successful “Witness in
Common: An Exploration of Full Communion
Agreements.” The Commission is interested in
exploring future programs that will foster unity and
relationships among Christians in Pennsylvania.
The Council of Churches relaunched a quarterly
newsletter, Ecumenical News, in the Fall of 2014.
The Council held a very successful event in
November. “Witness in Common: An Exploration
of Full Communion Agreements” in Camp Hill.
The conference was well-attended (over 80 in
attendance), and evaluations were glowing and
indicated that all aspects of the event were wellreceived.
40 Commission on Common Ministries. The
Council has continued to provide support to its
Trucker/Traveler Ministry, Leisure Ministries, and
Farmworker Ministries. The Commission also
started discussion about other areas of ministry
where the Council might engage in the future. On
a sadder note, the I-80 Truckerl/Traveler Ministry
in Brookville lost long-time Chaplain Bob
Bickerstaff on September 15. Bob served the
ministry since March of 1993. Rick Youngdahl
assisted Bob in his last days, and is now serving
as the full-time chaplain in the ministry.
With congregations, volunteers and your support,
we resettled 80 refugees in the Lehigh Valley
last year and anticipate resettling more
individuals this year out of the LCS office
through our partnership with Lutheran Children
and Family Service and Liberty Lutheran. Many of
these newcomers arrive with barely more than a
suitcase and limited English language skills. You
can assist with this ministry by donating
household items, volunteering your time for
conversation or to drive to doctors’ appointments,
or by donating funds for our emergency fund.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
With congregations, volunteers and your support,
we began a “Disaster Spiritual Partners” pilot
program with funding from ELCA Lutheran
Disaster Response. This program trains Disaster
Spiritual Partners to reach out to congregational
leaders in disaster affected communities offering
assistance, information, support and ideas for how
the congregation can serve its community.
Disasters, large and small, happen frequently yet
many times, we don’t gather the knowledge or
experience we need to respond efficiently and
appropriately until we’ve been through it. Our
DSPs are trained to walk with you with their
expertise when the time comes. Contact us if you
have questions or would like assistance. And we’ll
call you if we see something happening in your
community to see how we can help.
Council staff have begun meeting regularly to
discuss activities and areas where the Council
might engage to be of service to our members,
the wider faith community, and the world, and how
we might boost the council’s visibility so as to
achieve maximum impact for our efforts. Some
area are:
•
Rebuilding/redesigning the Council’s website
to make it feel more inviting and user-friendly,
with appropriate elements to drive viewers to
the site.
•
Making more and better use of social media.
•
Conversation with the Partnership for Sacred
Places on how the United Church Center can
become a better resource to the community.
•
Exploring the revival of former events such as
the Pastors’ Conference and a Council
advocacy day at the Capitol, as well as new
statewide and regional events of interest to
clergy and faith leaders in Pennsylvania.
•
Continuing to focus on making the United
Church Center a more energy-efficient facility.
•
In July 2015, LCS will support two Camp Noah
volunteer teams travelling to Cristfield, Maryland,
a place still recovering and rebuilding from
Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Fifty volunteers are
needed to offer a safe place for children to build
resiliency skills and learn about God’s abiding
presence even in the aftermath of disaster.
Contact us at
info@lutherancongregationalservices.org or
610.770.9205 for more information.
With congregations, volunteers and your support,
the Share Our Surplus Network continues
provide food pantries with items not normally
covered by assistance programs. We distribute
laundry detergents and cleaning supplies in
partnership with Diakon’s Kathryn’s Kloset. We
distribute bottled water in partnership with Nestle.
And in partnership with The Philadelphia Diaper
Bank, we collect and distribute disposable diapers
to non-profit food pantries in our service area. You
can help by volunteering to “stage” donations in
preparation for distribution to food pantries,
coordinate a disposable diaper drive in your
community, explore your community connections
to discover surplus and unwanted supplies that
may be of use to others, or donate funds to
support our warehouse and distribution.
Exploring how the Service Department could
expand and/or improve services.
Janet A Gulick, Interim Executive Director and
Director of Finance and Facilities
LUTHERAN CONGREGATIONAL
SERVICES, INC
Lutheran Congregational Services (LCS) builds
capacity for service in communities following
Christ’s call “to serve all people according to the
example of Jesus Christ and to work for peace
and justice in all the world.” (Evangelical Lutheran
Worship, Affirmation of Baptism)
41 In 2014, LCS received an ELCA Domestic
Hunger Grant in partnership with the Easton
Hunger Coalition. With these funds, we took a
step beyond food relief to long-lasting solutions by
hosting cooking classes for food pantry patrons.
Participants learned to plan and cook healthy,
economical meals and took home basic cooking
equipment and vouchers to try the recipes again.
Given the resources our congregations hold in
cooking expertise and kitchen facilities, we are
certain that this idea can grow into more
communities.
guided by One Heart, Diakon maintains a nearly
150-year tradition of care for people of all ages,
especially those with limited financial resources.
In 2014, Diakon provided $16.23 million in
benevolent care, including more than $3.69 million
within the synod.
Luther Crest in Allentown dedicated a major
construction project, part of whose funding
included a successful capital campaign. The multimillion-dollar renovation project represented the
last phase of a multi-year repositioning effort,
transforming health-care rooms and common
areas from a traditional medical model to a
residential concept. The project updated interior
finishes in 45 skilled care and 30 personal care
suites as well as within hallways, dining rooms,
common areas, therapy and medical rooms,
nursing stations, and bathing areas. The work
included the addition of a 3,100-square-foot
country kitchen and expansion of personal care
accommodations to include memory-support
services.
LCS continues to provide congregations with
programs, ministries and services that offer
supplemental programming to your congregation’s
ministries. We offer Marriage Preparedness,
Workshops for Confirmands, Lay Eucharistic
Visitor Trainings, Grief workshops for the
congregation and Journeys through Grief for
nd
those who are grieving. Watch for the 2 annual
“Reconciled with Grief” workshop on October 31,
2015, a workshop where we explore how the
congregation can best serve people who are
grieving.
Already offering multiple levels of care for those
with Alzheimer’s disease and similar illnesses,
The Lutheran Home at Topton renovated some
of its senior living accommodations and continued
to participate in Diakon efforts to determine
potential long-term uses for the historic Old Main
building on the Topton campus.
Background Check services to congregations
continue. We assist congregations with
compliance with the new PA state law now that all
volunteers and staff need criminal history and
child abuse clearances. Our service’s background
check may be used for the PA State clearance.
Soon, we will be able to offer an instant PA Child
Abuse Clearance through an online portal. FBI
fingerprint clearances are not available through
our services.
Diakon-sponsored Girls on the Run – Lehigh
County expanded the number of girls it served in
2014 over the 2013 total, providing self-respectbuilding running programs for 440, a 29.4%
increase. More than 100 volunteer coaches With congregations, volunteers and your support,
we look forward to the next year and new
opportunities to “Help people help people.”
Thanks be to God for your support and
collaboration over this past year. It has been a
pleasure to serve alongside the volunteers and
congregations of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Synod.
contributed 3,000 hours of service to the program,
which secured a number of grants to provide
scholarships to girls from specific school regions.
Diakon Family Life Services continued efforts to
expand its behavioral health services including
beginning work with an area school district, aiding
156 clients.
DIAKON LUTHERAN SOCIAL
MINISTRIES &
DIAKON CHILD, FAMILY &
COMMUNITY MINISTRIES
Diakon Adoption & Foster Care served 1,679
children and families in the synod, a more than
50% increase over work in 2013. The program
continued to emphasize post-placement and childspecific recruitment/family-finding programs.
Separately, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries
manages the Statewide Adoption & Permanency
Network, which served 4,381 children and families
in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Diakon celebrates our partnership with the
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod and its
congregations as we live out our mission to
demonstrate God’s command to love our neighbor
through acts of service. Through Many Hands,
Diakon Community Services in Schuylkill
County continued to increase the number of
people it serves, offering programming for 13,810
people in 2014, a 19% increase over 2013.
Among its successful outreach programs is
The Rev. Dr. Jennifer Phelps Ollikainen,
Executive Director
42 Diakon Living & Learning After 50, a seniorcenter-without-walls effort. The program held 520
classes and workshops—a significant increase
over 2014—with total attendance at these
educational sessions, plus that at 12 special
events, totaling 7,831. Volunteers for Diakon
Volunteer Home Care provided more than 5,700
hours of service, transporting 321 clients; they
also delivered 480 food totes and made more than
8,500 telephone-based reassurance calls to
Meals on Wheels clients.
square-foot-suite on the second floor of
the Health & Technology Center in
Allentown, which allowed for expansion of
many services that focus on performance,
function and recovery, including
locomotor (movement) training, Pilates
rehabilitation, women’s health, oncology
rehabilitation, vision therapy, vestibular
(balance) rehabilitation and Neuro-IFRAH
(an integrated therapy program for people
affected by lesions of the brain stem and
higher).
Diakon Kathryn’s Kloset maintained
connections with partners throughout
Pennsylvania including within the Northeastern
Pennsylvania Synod. Diakon Kathryn’s Kloset,
Baltimore, solicits and stores corporately donated
personal-care items for pick-up by shelters and
other non-profits, which in turn distribute the
goods, free of charge to the end-recipient, to
people in need in their community. The program,
which served more than 200,000 people
regionally, nationally, and internationally last year
(not included in the Diakon yearly total of directly
served individuals), was supported by $254,000 in
Diakon subsidy. Products valued at more than
$1.5 million were distributed through 183 partner
non-profit organizations in 2014.
•
Due to the above renovation, Good
Shepherd’s Assistive Technology & Mobility
Services Department moved to the newly
renovated Edwards Center, which offers a
larger area for the Wheelchair Clinic.
•
Other facility additions and upgrades included
the opening of a new physical therapy site in
Forks Township and the renovation and
expansion of Good Shepherd Physical
Therapy – East Greenville, which included the
addition of a new warm-water therapy pool.
•
The GSRH Pediatric Unit in Bethlehem, the
region’s only inpatient rehabilitation facility for
children, celebrated its fifth birthday. The unit
introduced new programs that include:
o A recovery program for infants and
toddlers who have experienced nonaccidental injury (NAI) or physical abuse
and neglect
o A treatment program for infants who are
born with drug dependence and who
require inpatient care to address complex
medical needs.
The Good Shepherd Physician Group
welcomed a new Division Medical Officer and
Vice President of Medical Affairs, Sandeep
Singh, M.D., who specializes in spinal cord
injury rehabilitation, as well as new physicians
with expertise in brain injury rehabilitation,
stroke, musculoskeletal medicine,
electrodiagnostic medicine (EMGs), noninterventional pain management and
spasticity management.
We thank God for the gifts of staff, volunteers,
congregations, donors, and board members who,
together, enabled us to directly serve nearly
70,000 people last year, including more than
23,000 within the Northeastern Pennsylvania
Synod.
Mark T. Pile, MSHA, MSW. President/CEO
GOOD SHEPHERD
REHABILITATION NETWORK
•
We are proud to report that, over the past year,
Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network has
executed its mission by providing innovative and
outstanding care throughout the Lehigh Valley
and beyond. Last year Good Shepherd (including
Good Shepherd Penn Partners, our joint venture
with Penn Medicine in Philadelphia) served more
than 60,000 men, women and children recovering
from injury or illness. We provided services at 57
locations, including 36 in the greater Lehigh Valley
and 21 in the Philadelphia area.
•
We fulfilled our Core Values – compassionate
care, excellent service and community partnership
– in many ways. Highlights from the past year
include:
•
The opening of a newly renovated, 4,000-
43 The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital
began using tele-health services for inpatients
following off-site neurosurgery. The telehealth initiative allows for post-surgical followup appointments via two-way, secure HD
video conferencing and reduces the number
of times patients must be transported off-site
and increases their comfort level. Good
Shepherd also uses tele-health services for
speech therapy and infectious disease
appointments.
•
During the 2014 fiscal year, 97 percent of
patients at the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation
Hospital in Allentown reported they are “likely
to recommend” Good Shepherd to others,
according to the Press Ganey survey.
•
The Good Shepherd Specialty Hospital, a
long-term acute care hospital in Bethlehem,
had better outcomes than similar facilities
both regionally and nationally, with a higher
rate of liberation from mechanical ventilation
and shorter length of stay.
•
Good Shepherd continues to be a leader in
using technologies to help patients reach their
full potential:
o
o
o
o
o
•
o
o
•
Good Shepherd received its third Ekso
bionic exoskeleton, a device that helps
people with paralysis stand up and walk.
Patients at Good Shepherd marked a
milestone this past year, reaching
1,000,000 steps, more than any other
facility in the world.
Good Shepherd was the first in the region
to offer the AlterG antigravity treadmill,
which uses a lifting force to allow people
with lower extremity conditions to walk or
run at 20 to 100 percent of their body
weight.
Good Shepherd was the first rehabilitation
facility on the East Coast and the third in
the country to debut the Bertec Balance
Advantage system, which uses virtual
reality to evaluate and treat people with
sensory processing and balance
disorders.
Good Shepherd received both the adult
and pediatric ZeroG systems, which use a
ceiling track and body harness to partially
support body weight and reduce fall risk.
This technology helps patients
undergoing rehabilitation for conditions
such as paralysis, stroke, cerebral palsy
and amputation.
Good Shepherd was the first in the region
to offer the ProtoKinetics Zeno Walkway,
a state-of-the-art gait and balance
analysis system.
Good Shepherd’s long-term care homes
received rankings of five stars overall in U.S.
News & World Report’s Best Nursing Homes
for the fourth year in a row.
Thank you for your support, which is vital in
helping Good Shepherd continue its mission and
the legacy of our founders, the Raker family.
John Kristel, MBA, MPT, President and CEO
David G. DeCampli, MS, Chair, Board of Trustees
AUGSBURG FORTRESS
Ten Things You Might Not Know about
Augsburg Fortress
Spring 2015
1. Augsburg Fortress, the ministry of publishing
of the ELCA, receives no financial support
except through the sale of resources to our
partners in ministry.
2. We publish a number of innovative faith
formation resources for children including
Spark: Activate Faith, Holy Moly, Connect,
and Whirl. These all include print resources.
In addition, Holy Moly, Connect, and Whirl
include animated videos for teaching and
learning. Learn more at
http://wearesparkhouse.org
3. Sunday school planning has never been
easier than with Sparkhouse Online Sunday
School, our web-based subscription resource
for our children’s faith formation resources.
Your congregation may subscribe to one
curriculum, several, or all with this innovative
online resource.
http://wearesparkhouse.org/kids/SHOSS
Good Shepherd and its employees take an
active role in the community, making a
positive impact through volunteer service,
fundraising and by offering a variety of free
community programs:
o Good Shepherd employees raised more
than $53,000 for the United Way and
44 thousands of dollars for charitable
organizations by participating in the
March for Babies, Autism Walk, MDA
Muscle Walk, MS Walk and MS City to
Shore Bike Ride.
Associates who have been designated
Community Liaisons serve on the boards
or as committee members of more than a
dozen community organizations.
Free community programs this past year
included soccer clinics for children with
disabilities held at Soccerfest in
Bethlehem during the World Cup and a
stroke risk screening for adults at the
Allentown Campus.
4.
sparkhouse is proud to announce Colaborate,
a new Lutheran confirmation resource! This
innovative curriculum invites students to ask
tough questions and work together to find
answers. Colaborate will be published this
summer, but information is available now at
http://wearesparkhouse.org/teens/colaborate
8. Augsburg Fortress continues to partner with
churchwide worship staff toward the ongoing
renewal of worship in the ELCA, especially
through the Evangelical Lutheran Worship
and Sundays and Seasons resource families.
Since Fall 2014 these resources have
included a new annual publication, Sundays
and Seasons: Preaching, and a bilingual
version of Evangelical Lutheran Worship
Setting Seven, Santa Comunión /Holy
Communion. Coming in 2015 are major
enhancements to sundaysandseasons.com,
which has served the ELCA as a rich and
reliable online worship planner since 2005.
5. Augsburg Fortress is delighted to partner with
Liturgical Press, the Roman Catholic
publishing house, in the co-publication of One
Hope: Re-Membering the Body of Christ, a
resource to help Lutheran and Catholic
communities walk together, recognizing and
nourishing unity at a grassroots level. Find out
more at
http://www.augsburgfortress.org/onehope
9. We offer free webinars every week on a
variety of topics related to congregational life.
Explore and register at
http://gatherlearnlead.org
6. For higher education, our Fortress Press
imprint publishes in three categories:
education (textbooks) academic (specialized
monographs), and reference. Learn more at
http://fortresspress.com
10. Want to learn more? Sign up for emails and
our free eNewsletters!
http://augsburgfortress.org/eNewsSignup.jsp
http://wearesparkhouse.org
http://fortresspress.com
7. Later this year, Fortress Press is launching a
new initiative, Theology for the People,
offering adult readers books that are culturally
engaged and grounded in fresh, substantive,
and accessible theological reflection. Watch
for more information at
http://fortresspress.com this fall.
45 BETHLEHEM-EASTON MISSION DISTRICT TREASURER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS FOR 2014
Location, Congregation
BETHLEHEM, HOLY CROSS
World
Homes &
Other
2014
2014.00
2015
Commit
Response
Commit
Hunger
Agencies
Desig.
2014
2014
2014
0.00
0.00
0.00
2,000.00
2000.00
BETHLEHEM, HOLY TRINITY
1511.00
3080.00
0.00
9,735.00
9705.50
9,735.00
BETHLEHEM, MESSIAH
3140.50
840.50
0.00
9,680.00
9680.00
9,680.00
BETHLEHEM, ROSEMONT
1783.00
0.00
0.00
1,835.00
1835.00
1,835.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
7,000.00
6000.00
5,000.00
12000.00
12,000.00
BETHLEHEM, SALEM
BETHLEHEM, ST. JOHN
1000.00
0.00
0.00
BETHLEHEM, ST. MARK
0.00
1544.98
0.00
8,250.00
8250.00
BETHLEHEM, ST. MATTHEW
3746.00
3796.18
0.00
9,000.00
9000.00
BETHLEHEM, ST. PAUL
1064.00
0.00
0.00
4,000.00
2118.00
BETHLEHEM, ST. PETER
5161.20
0.00
0.00
22,600.00
22600.00
BETHLEHEM, ST. STEPHEN
3,000.00
3000.00
1075.00
0.00
0.00
BETHLEHEM, ZION/HUNGARIAN
0.00
0.00
0.00
FARMERSVILLE, ST. JOHN
0.00
0.00
0.00
244.53
107.87
0.00
3,000.00
3187.50
3,000.00
85.50
1558.37
0.00
16,754.00
15242.25
15,720.00
EASTON, ST. ANDREW
100.00
1000.00
500.00
19,600.00
20047.70
20,500.00
EASTON, ST. JOHN
765.00
0.00
0.00
16,800.00
17000.00
18,000.00
EASTON, ST. PAUL
189.00
334.00
161.00
3,000.00
3000.00
EASTON, ST. PAUL THIRD
783.37
183.46
0.00
6,848.00
6932.08
EASTON, ARNDTS (FORKS TWP)
EASTON, GOOD SHEPHERD
HELLERTOWN, CHRIST
4,950.00
4950.00
40.00
0.00
0.00
24,000.00
27083.29
2869.00
141.80
0.00
8,000.00
6157.75
MARTINS CREEK, GOOD SHEPHERD
210.00
777.00
0.00
WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP, ST. JOHN
119.43
0.00
0.00
2,000.00
2067.31
SAUCON VALLEY, NEW JERUSALEM
480.00
125.00
0.00
4,000.00
4000.00
LOWER SAUCON, CHRIST
TATAMY, HOPE
4176.00
1200.00
400.00
6,000.00
7032.04
0.00
0.00
0.00
3,300.00
3150.00
BETHLEHEM-EASTON DIST. MISC.
0.00
0.00
0.00
28,542.53
14,689.16
1061.00
Total churches responding
Note: Amounts above do not include benevolences sent directly to agencies..
47 5,200.00
6,000.00
877.00
WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP, ST. LUKE.
DISTRICT TOTALS
3,000.00
0.00
5,500.00
0.00
195,352.00
23
206,915.42
115,170.00
13
EAST BERKS MISSION DISTRICT TREASURER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR 2014
Location, Congregation
BECHTELSVILLE, TRINITY
BLANDON, MAIDENCREEK
BOWERS, HOPE
BOYERTOWN, ST. JOHN
MOHRSVILLE, (SALEM) BELLEMAN'S
World
Homes &
Other
Hunger
Agencies
Desig.
2014
2014
2014
3745.00
0.00
0.00
2014
2014
2015
Commit
Response
Commit
3,630.00
7536.00
3,366.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
3500.00
3,750.00
971.22
0.00
0.00
2,500.00
2276.00
2,500.00
10744.20
22362.00
51.00
22,000.00
22454.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
3,000.00
3104.00
3,000.00
DOUGLASSVILLE, ST. PAUL
4739.00
925.00
0.00
46,200.00
46200.00
46,200.00
DRYVILLE, CHRIST
2051.00
0.00
0.00
14,000.00
14699.56
14,000.00
FLEETWOOD, ST. PAUL
1698.80
0.00
0.00
31,622.00
31884.79
34,775.00
HAMBURG, ST. JOHN.
2289.40
160.10
0.00
20844.50
20,000.00
HAMBURG, ST. MICHAEL
186.00
881.45
87.00
4,000.00
1885.00
4,000.00
HAMBURG, ST. PAUL
218.00
0.00
0.00
3,600.00
3900.00
3,600.00
1845.30
23.00
18.00
15,650.00
16082.20
12,000.00
865.00
300.00
51.50
10,250.00
12460.00
15.00
0.00
600.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
2,800.00
2800.00
BOYERTOWN, ST. JOSEPH (HILL)
ALBURTIS, HUFFS,
FLEETWOOD, NEW JERUSALEM
KEMPTON, JERUSALEM (RED)
KEMPTON, NEW BETHEL
1622.50
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,250.00
750.00
STONY RUN, FRIEDENS
1034.00
20.00
0.00
4,300.00
0.00
KRUMSVILLE, MT. ZION
3007.69
0.00
0.00
KUTZTOWN, ST. JOHN
160.00
40.00
0.00
4643.36
20.00
0.00
19,800.00
OLEY, ST. PAUL (LOBACHSVILLE)
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,840.00
852.00
FLEETWOOD, SALEM.(SHALTERS)
0.00
0.00
0.00
3,300.00
3625.00
3,300.00
15.00
0.00
0.00
11381.05
10,750.00
4523.50
5,500.00
KUTZTOWN, TRINITY
MAXATAWNY, ZION
MERTZTOWN, ST. PAUL
5,000.00
1200.00
7260.00
24,677.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
145.00
100.00
0.00
2400.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1200.00
1,320.00
OLEY, FRIEDENS
3210.95
667.00
150.00
26,000.00
20747.00
23,000.00
SHOEMAKERSVILLE, ZION
6465.00
25.00
0.00
22,000.00
22000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
9,375.00
2255.83
600.00
KUTZTOWN, ZION MOSELEM
FLEETWOOD, ST. PETER (BECKERS)
SHOEMAKERSVILLE, ST. LUKE
LEESPORT, ST. JOHN. (GERNANTS)
5,500.00
19939.09
0.00
0.00
0.00
OLEY, CHRIST (SPANGSVILLE)
500.00
0.00
0.00
READING, ZION SPIES
754.00
580.00
0.00
10,000.00
10000.00
0.00
95.00
0.00
1,700.00
1361.00
500.00
TOPTON HOME, GRACE
850.00
825.00
0.00
9,000.00
9275.00
9,000.00
LEESPORT, HOLY TRINITY
11,000.00
TOPTON, TRINITY
600.00
184.60
917.00
0.00
11,000.00
9166.00
SHARTLESVILLE, FRIEDENS
0.00
0.00
0.00
3,750.00
7165.57
EAST BERKS DISTRICT
0.00
0.00
0.00
50337.52
27940.55
957.50
DISTRICT TOTALS
Total churches responding
48 10,000.00
0.00
329,449.59
27
Note: Amounts above do not include benevolences sent directly to agencies.
600.00
2500.00
329449.59
251,838.00
23
HAZLETON-LEHIGHTON MISSION DISTRICT TREASURER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR 2014
Location, Congregation
World
Hunger
2014
Homes &
Agencies
2014
Other
Desig.
2014
ASHFIELD, DINKEY MEMORIAL
741.00
0.00
0.00
BIG CREEK, ST. PAUL
0.00
0.00
0.00
AUDENRIED, SALEM
552.00
0.00
0.00
BEAVER MEADOWS, ST. PAUL
97.00
21.00
0.00
BOWMANSTOWN, TRINITY
429.00
73.51
0.00
PENN FOREST. TWP, CHRIST.
0.00
0.00
0.00
CONYNGHAM, CHRIST
10177.50
1225.00
0.00
MAHONING, ST. JOHN
0.00
180.00
0.00
FREELAND, ST. LUKE
0.00
0.00
0.00
HAZLETON, CHRIST
1612.85
0.00
0.00
HAZLETON, TRINITY
0.00
0.00
0.00
JIM THORPE EAST, ST. JOHN
705.50
0.00
0.00
JIM THORPE HGHTS, ST. JOHN
687.00
0.00
0.00
LANSFORD, TRINITY
142.00
0.00
0.00
LEHIGHTON, TRINITY
8655.50
75090.00
0.00
LEHIGHTON, GRACE
775.00
250.00
0.00
PACKERTON, ZION
0.00
0.00
0.00
MAHANOY CITY, CHRIST
381.00
105.00
0.00
NEW RINGGOLD, ADVENT
0.00
0.00
0.00
NEW RINGGOLD, FRIEDENS
1148.00
0.00
0.00
N WEISSPORT, ST. MATTHEW
708.09
346.00
0.00
NUREMBERG, EMMANUEL
0.00
0.00
0.00
ZION GROVE, MT ZION
0.00
0.00
0.00
PALMERTON, HOLY TRINITY
333.85
0.00
0.00
QUAKAKE, ASCENSION
0.00
0.00
0.00
BARNESVILLE, CHRIST
0.00
0.00
0.00
RINGTOWN, ST. JOHN
1886.50
1220.00 126.00
BRANDONVILLE, ST. JOHN
168.31
0.00
0.00
SAINT JOHNS, ST. JOHN
3076.00
264.00
0.00
SHENANDOAH, ST. JOHN
0.00
0.00
0.00
SUMMIT HILL, ST. PAUL
203.00
105.00
0.00
NESQUEHONING, ZION
0.00
0.00
0.00
TAMAQUA, ST. JOHN
199.00
0.00
0.00
TAMAQUA, ZION
1600.00
0.00
0.00
TOWAMENSING, ST. JOHN
292.00
25.00
0.00
TRACHSVILLE, JERUSALEM
10.00
0.00
0.00
WEATHERLY, ST. MATTHEW
0.00
0.00
0.00
WEATHERLY, ZION
50.00
0.00
0.00
WEISSPORT, ST. PAUL
0.00
0.00
0.00
WEST HAZLETON, TRINITY
645.48
0.00
0.00
MANTZVILLE, ST. PETER
70.00
202.00
0.00
WEST PENN, ZION STONE
436.25
1288.75
0.00
WHITE HAVEN, ST. PAUL
0.00
0.00
0.00
HAZLETON-LEHIGHTON MISC
0.00
0.00
0.00
DISTRICT TOTALS
35781.83
80395.26 126.00
Total churches responding
Note: Amounts above do not include benevolences sent directly to agencies.
49 2014
Commit
2,700.00
1,000.00
3,000.00
47,000.00
8,500.00
20,376.00
2,000.00
15,155.00
3,600.00
3,000.00
3,594.00
500.00
2,500.00
4,554.00
6,000.00
8,120.00
2,700.00
8,200.00
6,600.00
10,000.00
4,500.00
9,850.00
5,600.00
1,000.00
1,200.00
2,000.00
5,500.00
188,749.00
27
2014
Response
2725.00
1500.00
1126.00
2165.00
3796.10
3000.00
45926.00
9222.50
0.00
19912.40
3300.00
4572.00
7608.00
2000.00
12563.98
3457.50
3401.38
2559.50
500.00
3043.50
4858.00
5500.00
8119.92
1253.00
0.00
0.00
8505.00
3300.00
10000.00
660.00
3870.00
3967.00
9661.00
6071.05
17299.00
5775.00
1000.00
1200.00
0.00
7436.00
6520.50
1705.00
0.00
0.00
239,079.33
2015
Commit
2,800.00
1,000.00
3,000.00
48,000.00
8,860.00
7,608.00
14,205.00
3,600.00
3,000.00
3,594.00
2,500.00
8,200.00
8,400.00
8,500.00
15,000.00
1,000.00
1,200.00
1,000.00
141,467.00
18
LEHIGH MISSION DISTRICT TREASURER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR 2014
Location, Congregation
ALBURTIS, ZION LEHIGH
World
Homes &
Other
2014
2014
2015
Hunger
Agencies
Desig.
Commit
Response
Commit
2014
2014
2014
0.00
0.00
0.00
2,500.00
0.00
ALLENTOWN, CHRIST
3,043.77
250.00
0.00
40,000.00
40,666.63
ALLENTOWN, GRACE
190.00
245.00
0.00
8,000.00
12,563.50
1,240.00
2,000.00
785.00
7,500.00
7,500.00
85.00
240.00
0.00
30,000.00
33,000.00
ALLENTOWN, ST. JOSEPH
2,362.00
0.00
0.00
ALLENTOWN, ST. LUKE
1,382.50
500.00
0.00
ALLENTOWN, ST. MARK
857.65
92.00
0.00
ALLENTOWN, ST. MATTHEW
0.00
0.00
0.00
ALLENTOWN, ST. PAUL
ALLENTOWN, ST.
PETER/HANOVER
0.00
0.00
0.00
393.00
125.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
421.00
0.00
0.00
10,500.00
11,350.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,210.00
1,200.00
1,000.00
947.00
1,375.00
0.00
21,600.00
21,600.00
21,600.00
2,567.70
50.00
0.00
34,008.00
31,174.00
34,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
15,000.00
12,083.31
10,000.00
EMMAUS, HOLY SPIRIT
5,700.00
5,600.00
0.00
33,000.00
33,000.00
EMMAUS, ST. JOHN
6,971.04
1,170.00
0.00
FOGELSVILLE, ST. JOHN
432.00
1,821.71
0.00
FRIEDENSVILLE, FRIEDENS
120.00
540.00
0.00
1,760.00
1,760.00
MACUNGIE, GRACE
726.00
750.00
0.00
16,100.00
16,100.00
OLD ZIONSVILLE, ZION
245.00
0.00
0.00
ALLENTOWN, REDEEMER
ALLENTOWN, ST. JOHN
ALLENTOWN, ST. PETER/TENTH
ALLENTOWN, ST. TIMOTHY
ALLENTOWN, TRINITY MEMORIAL
CETRONIA, CEDAR
COOPERSBURG, ST. JAMES
COOPERSBURG, ST. PAUL
EAST SALISBURY, JERUSALEM
SUMMIT LAWN, ST. ANDREW
TREXLERTOWN, ST. PAUL
MACUNGIE R. D., ST. PETER
WEST SALISBURY, JERUSALEM
ALTWN, SAN MARTIN DE PORRES
ALLENTOWN, NATIVITY
LEHIGH DISTRICT, MISC.
DISTRICT TOTALS
7,500.00
567.00
8,800.00
8,800.00
4,752.00
250.00
260.00
8,190.00
9,600.00
9,600.00
9,600.00
0.00
6,160.00
10,500.00
16,311.20
16,528.00
5,671.44
6,160.00
16,100.00
16,040.61
0.00
0.00
31.00
82.76
0.00
0.00
1,140.00
1,140.00
1,140.00
753.00
4,200.00
0.00
18,180.00
18,280.00
18,660.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,000.00
155.00
1,792.00
0.00
9,200.00
6,698.50
6,000.00
110.00
110.00
42,000.00
38,692.87
42,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
4,256.16
540.00
5,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
32,930.58
21,290.71
5,816.00
Total churches responding
Note: Amounts above do not include benevolences sent directly to agencies.
50 42,000.00
500.00
0.00
316,508.00
21
357,611.06
243,898.00
17
NORTHERN LEHIGH VALLEY MISSION DISTRICT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR 2014
Location, Congregation
World
Homes &
Other
2014
2014
2015
Hunger
Agencies
Desig.
Commit
Response
Commit
2014
2014
2014
BATH, ST. JOHN
0.00
0.00
0.00
CATASAUQUA, HOLY TRINITY
0.00
0.00
0.00
581.16
400.00
0.00
CATASAUQUA, ST. PAUL
7,022.00
6,000.00
6,025.00
CHERRYVILLE, HOPE
1,539.29
365.00
0.00
COPLAY, ST. JOHN
1,502.00
2,500.08
0.00
EMANUELSVILLE, EMMANUEL
3,352.00
25.00
0.00
36,000.00
33,000.00
1,000.00
33,000.00
34,000.00
9,750.00
9,750.00
39,000.00
37,000.00
HEIDELBERG, HEIDELBERG
0.00
0.00
0.00
SLATEDALE, HOLY TRINITY
0.00
200.00
0.00
4,225.00
LYNNVILLE, ST. PETER
156.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
KREIDERSVILLE, GOOD SHEPHERD
140.00
775.00
0.00
4,583.37
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,500.99
LOWHILL TWNSP, MORGENLAND
6,300.00
8,800.00
0.00
NAZARETH, ST. JOHN
3,900.00
0.00
0.00
33,000.00
33,000.00
30,000.00
SCHNECKSVILLE, UNION
1,784.00
239.00
25.00
10,000.00
10,833.33
10,000.00
NEW TRIPOLI, NEW LIFE
0.00
0.00
0.00
32,136.00
31,832.00
NORTHAMPTON, HOLY TRINITY
NORTHAMPTON, ZION
NORTHAMP HOLY TRINITY SLOVAK
SLATINGTON, ST. JOHN
0.00
100.00
0.00
3,837.00
90.00
0.00
11,400.00
11,400.00
1,800.00
458.00
0.00
0.00
2,400.00
2,400.00
889.82
157.33
0.00
2,074.63
OREFIELD, JORDAN
3,635.41
2,444.00
0.00
30,000.00
WEISENBERG TWP, WEISENBERG
1,222.00
1,478.00
0.00
22,509.50
WEISENBERG TWP, ZIEGELS
2,352.00
7,350.00
0.00
WHITEHALL, FAITH
2,726.50
3,086.00
0.00
22,248.00
22,248.00
WHITEHALL, SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS
3,968.50
840.00
0.00
15,129.00
5,031.50
BELFAST, GRACE
1,481.50
725.00
0.00
4,455.00
4,788.37
WHITEHALL, ST. JOHN
1,816.02
425.04
0.00
19,800.00
19,784.08
518.65
797.85
0.00
9,680.00
9,684.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
35,859.85
21,997.30
25.00
236,248.00
338,291.77
HECKTOWN, TRINITY
NORTHERN LEHGH VALLEY MISC.
DISTRICT TOTALS
Total churches responding
Note: Amounts above do not include benevolences sent directly to agencies.
51 17,000.00
11,400.00
2,500.00
17,000.00
4,000.00
0.00
14
161,950.00
10
POCONO MISSION DISTRICT TREASURER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR 2014
Location, Congregation
ALBRIGHTSVILLE, ST. PAUL
World
Homes &
Other
2014
2014
2015
Hunger
Agencies
Desig.
Commit
Response
Commit
2014
2014
2014
561.85
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
6,662.00
682.00
0.00
0.00
6,955.50
3,465.00
0.00
0.00
8,400.00
9,850.00
451.73
0.00
0.00
6,200.00
6,200.00
23.50
0.00
0.00
11,000.00
5,550.52
DINGMANS FERRY, HOLY TRINITY
0.00
0.00
0.00
4,000.00
5,944.00
5,500.00
EFFORT, ST.JOHN
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
GOULDSBORO, GRACE
0.00
0.00
0.00
2,850.00
2,900.00
GREELEY, ST. LUKE
0.00
0.00
0.00
335.00
HAMILTON SQUARE, CHRIST
0.00
3,000.00
3,500.00
0.00
APPENZELL, ST. MARK
BANGOR, TRINITY
BLAKESLEE, FAITH
BRODHEADSVILLE, ZION UNITED
SMITHFIELD, ST.PAUL
5,200.00
5,108.25
HAWLEY, ST. PAUL
858.00
0.00
0.00
HONESDALE, ST. JOHN
802.52
186.00
0.00
4,500.00
6,200.00
4,500.00
JOHNSONVILLE/PRINCE OF PEACE
2,989.00
1,869.25
0.00
12,650.00
12,758.92
14,200.00
KRESGEVILLE, SALEM-ST. PAUL
9,000.00
9,117.00
9,000.00
4,293.11
198.83
0.00
LACKAWAXEN, ST .MARK
0.00
0.00
0.00
MINISINK HILLS, ST. MARK
0.00
0.00
0.00
PEN ARGYL, ST. JOHN
4,833.32
10,200.00
6,000.00
50.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
2,300.00
1,800.00
0.00
125.00
0.00
1,754.28
716.00
0.00
16,000.00
15,999.96
591.25
0.00
0.00
2,600.00
2,600.00
SHOHOLA, ST. JACOBI
84.00
0.00
0.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
STONE CHURCH, CHRIST
25.00
0.00
0.00
STROUDSBURG, ST. JOHN
1,875.00
0.00
0.00
7,200.00
7,200.00
7,200.00
TANNERSVILLE, ST. PAUL
1,098.00
0.00
0.00
2,100.00
7,100.00
2,100.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
19,554.24
6,095.08
3,500.00
94,700.00
Total churches responding
Note: Amounts above do not include benevolences sent directly to agencies.
16
PLAINFIELD, ST. PETER
SCOTRUN, ST. JOHN
POCONO DISTRICT
DISTRICT TOTALS
52 1,000.00
1,000.00
0.00
121,664.47
63,500.00
12
SCHUYLKILL MISSION DISTRICT TREASURER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR 2014
Location, Congregation
World
Homes &
Other
2014
2014
2015
Hunger
Agencies
Desig.
Commit
Response
Commit
2014
2014
2014
ASHLAND, GOOD SHEPHERD
0.00
0.00
0.00
4,000.00
2,106.50
AUBURN, ST. JOHN
0.00
0.00
0.00
3,500.00
3,957.00
FRACKVILLE, ZION
0.00
0.00
0.00
3,850.00
2,263.00
FRIEDENSBURG, ST. JOHN
580.00
785.00
0.00
9,000.00
9,296.00
9,000.00
ASHLAND, CHRIST. UNITED
899.84
0.00
0.00
20,600.00
16,750.50
20,000.00
HEGINS, FRIEDENS
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,500.00
0.00
1,500.00
PITMAN, ST. JAMES
4,525.00
0.00
0.00
8,000.00
7,787.76
12.00
0.00
0.00
1,000.00
285.00
0.00
0.00
MINERSVILLE, ENGLISH
0.00
0.00
0.00
457.65
BUCK RUN, TRINITY
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,100.00
1,937.00
1,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
PINE GROVE, ST. JOHN
1,201.00
0.00
0.00
PINE GROVE, ST. PETER
2,247.22
25.00
45.00
0.00
0.00
LLEWELLYN, FRIEDENS
MINERSVILLE, ZION
ORWIGSBURG, ST. PAUL
ORWIGSBURG RD, ZION
PINE GROVE RD 1, JACOBS
PINE GROVE RD 1, OUTWOOD
PINE GROVE, SALEM-HETZELS
427.75
3,500.00
3,850.00
800.00
1,819.00
10,500.00
7,528.25
7,500.00
100.00
1,000.00
2,500.00
2,392.00
2,000.00
0.00
4,800.00
2,047.50
3,000.00
0.00
2,420.00
2,665.50
2,420.00
200.00
0.00
1,815.00
1,815.00
1,815.00
558.00
0.00
0.00
4,000.00
4,000.00
PORT CARBON, ST. PAUL
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,500.00
2,000.00
MIDDLEPORT, ST. PAUL
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
POTTSVILLE, TRINITY
0.00
0.00
0.00
50,000.00
21,937.75
RAVINE, ST. MATTHEW
1,627.00
0.00
0.00
3,206.00
2,956.30
REINERTON, ST. PETER
1,002.00
95.00
0.00
900.00
1,310.00
SUMMER HILL, ST. PAUL
2,500.00
0.00
0.00
8,528.00
0.00
TOWER CITY, ST. PAUL
1,042.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
850.00
800.00
TREMONT, ST. JOHN
454.50
0.00
0.00
VALLEY VIEW, TRINITY
879.00
113.00
0.00
4,243.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,042.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
20,836.56
2,218.00
0.00
GIRARDVILLE, ZION
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, JERUSALEM
SCHUYLKILL DISTRICT MISC.
DISTRICT TOTALS
Total churches responding
Note: Amounts above do not include benevolences sent directly to agencies.
53 800.00
11,000.00
12,671.50
2,822.00
12,000.00
0.00
139,391.00
18
120,509.96
78,007.00
19
SCRANTON-WILKES-BARRE MISSION DISTRICT TREASURER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR 2014
Location, Congregation
ARCHBALD, ST. LUKE
CLARKS SUMMIT, TRINITY
DUSHORE, SHEPHERD OF HILLS
HOBBIE, ST. JAMES
World
Homes &
Other
2014
2014
2015
Hunger
Agencies
Desig.
Commit
Response
Commit
2014
2014
2014
0.00
0.00
0.00
515.00
1,100.00
0.00
3,322.74
384.00
0.00
1,000.00
1,400.00
20,333.33
23,000.00
9,960.00
9,814.77
8,476.00
877.00
0.00
0.00
8,300.00
6,549.00
POND HILL, ST. MARK
0.00
0.00
0.00
3,611.00
1,805.50
3,650.00
KINGSTON, HOLY TRINITY
0.00
0.00
0.00
8,000.00
0.00
8,000.00
MOUNTAINTOP, ST. PAUL
1,833.31
1,412.00
0.00
7,000.00
7,000.00
NANTICOKE, ST. JOHN
217.00
500.00
0.00
4,300.00
4,253.00
ZENITH, ST. JAMES
162.00
400.25
0.00
HUGHESTOWN, ST. PETER
SAYRE, ST. JOHN
NESCOPECK, FAITH UNITED
SCRANTON, ST. PETER
DALLAS, ST. PAUL
TOWANDA, TRINITY
WILKES-BARRE, GOOD
SHEPHERD
WILKES-BARRE, MESSIAH
WILKES-BARRE, ST. JOHN
WILKES-BARRE HGTS, ST. MARK
NOXEN, ST. LUKE
SCRANTON, ST. MATTHEW
UNITED
SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE MISC.
DISTRICT TOTALS
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,825.00
1,371.00
2,978.00
0.00
0.00
4,500.00
3,071.00
906.00
0.00
0.00
6,000.00
6,618.70
0.00
0.00
0.00
2,055.02
2,282.00
200.00
18,517.00
18,517.00
17,861.00
527.00
250.00
0.00
13,200.00
13,000.00
14,000.00
418.50
0.00
0.00
11,670.00
11,670.00
11,670.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
25.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
440.00
440.00
489.00
158.00
0.00
8,000.00
8,000.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
14,535.57
6,486.25
200.00
54 1,825.00
4,995.58
210.00
Total churches responding
Note: Amounts above do not include benevolences sent directly to agencies.
4,300.00
1,540.50
3,000.00
3,000.00
3,000.00
2,500.00
8,000.00
0.00
109,323.00
16
125,879.38
103,782.00
11
WEST BERKS MISSION DISTRICT TREASURER’S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR 2014
Location, Congregation
World
Homes &
Other
2014
2014
2015
Commit
Response
Commit
Hunger
Agencies
Desig.
2014
2014
2014
KNAUERS, ALLEGHENY
14,609.00
391.50
0.00
25,000.00
8,000.00
15,000.00
BERN TOWNSHIP, BERN
2,171.50
1,421.00
0.00
4,000.00
4,000.00
4,000.00
BERNVILLE, FRIEDENS
2,425.50
178.17
0.00
1,200.00
1,200.00
1,200.00
BIRDSBORO, ST. MARK
1,596.00
0.00
0.00
GEIGERTOWN, ST. JAMES
GIBRALTER, ST. JOHN
4,718.50
0.00
898.90
0.00
0.00
0.00
7,500.00
6,794.10
0.00
7,500.00
GOUGLERSVILLE, TRINITY
0.00
643.00
0.00
1,800.00
1,750.00
1,200.00
GRILL, CHRIST
0.00
0.00
0.00
600.00
600.00
JACKSONWALD, SCHWARZWALD
3,765.50
30.00
475.00
0.00
10,880.00
1,153.22
0.00
7.00
507.80
0.00
0.00
3,118.18
5,029.00
7,000.00
0.00
1,754.00
0.00
11,400.00
11,400.00
PLOWVILLE, ROBESON
5,641.06
215.72
0.00
6,000.00
6,000.00
READING, CHRIST
1,474.00
0.00
0.00
4,045.02
5,000.00
READING, GOOD SHEPHERD
READING, GRACE
386.75
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,348.50
3,200.00
READING, HOLY SPIRIT
110.00
0.00
0.00
3,300.00
3,300.00
READING, HOPE
583.00
0.00
0.00
3,300.00
2,661.00
5,000.00
READING, INCARNATION
READING, NATIVITY
0.00
588.00
0.00
1,900.00
0.00
0.00
1,100.00
3,997.00
1,100.00
3,108.00
LAURELDALE, CALVARY
MOHNTON, ST. JOHN
MT PENN, FAITH
READING, PEACE
7,000.00
6,000.00
10,868.00
1,336.00
0.00
0.00
3,108.00
3,108.00
READING, ST. JOHN
153.00
1,020.00
0.00
25,000.00
22,916.67
READING, ST. LUKE
285.35
0.00
0.00
READING, ST. MARK
READING, ST. PAUL
277.66
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
25.00
3,700.00
3,285.00
2,420.00
READING, TRINITY
297.08
0.00
0.00
56,000.00
54,167.00
REHRERSBURG, ALTALAHA
0.00
0.00
0.00
BETHEL, SALEM
0.00
0.00
0.00
6,000.00
4,454.00
REIFFTON, REFORMATION
ROBESONIA, ST. DANIEL
3,833.00
1,662.00
0.00
1,200.00
0.00
0.00
21,722.00
24,000.00
23,411.77
19,850.00
20,000.00
ROBESONIA, TRINITY
2,335.00
3,000.00
0.00
56,000.00
56,000.00
57,000.00
SHILLINGTON, GRACE
1,675.00
140.00
0.00
SINKING SPRING, ST. JOHN
STONY CREEK MILLS, BETHANY
STOUCHSBURG, CHRIST
STOUCHSBURG, ZION-ST. JOHN
0.00
0.00
0.00
35.00
1,746.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
4,750.00
0.00
21,257.07
14,650.00
14,650.00
1,670.50
0.00
1,500.00
2,499.96
2,500.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
WERNERSVILLE, TRINITY
1,195.00
5,100.00
0.00
28,685.00
28,685.00
WEST LAWN, ADVENT
WEST READING, BETHANY
6,973.30
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
22,050.00
1,500.00
22,122.00
0.00
WOMELSDORF, ZION
WYOMISSING, ATONEMENT
WYOMISSING, COMMON GROUND
MINISTRIES
READING, HOPE'S TABLE
WEST. BERKS MISC
TOTAL WEST. BERKS
739.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,888.52
9,691.00
0.00
49,478.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
59,608.44
28,543.09
25.00
Total churches responding
Note: Amounts above do not include benevolences sent directly to agencies.
55 2,500.00
14,650.00
430.00
TEMPLE, EPIPHANY
2,460.00
7,700.00
7,700.00
0.00
332,315.00
425,352.27
23,050.00
1,500.00
8,000.00
0.00
24
209,036.00
22
RULES OF PROCEDURE
(taken from the synod constitution and bylaws)
S7.14. One-third of the members of the Synod Assembly shall constitute a quorum.
*S7.21. The membership of the Synod Assembly, of which at least 60% of the voting membership
shall be composed of laypersons, shall be constituted as follows:
a. All ordained ministers under call on the roster of this Synod in attendance at the Synod
Assembly shall be voting members.
b. All associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
and diaconal ministers, under call, on the official lay rosters of this Synod shall have both
voice and vote as lay voting members in the Synod Assembly, in addition to the voting
membership of lay members of congregations provided in item *S7.21.c.
c. A minimum of one lay member elected by each congregation with fewer than 175 baptized
members and a minimum of two lay members elected by each congregation with 175 or
more baptized members related to this Synod, normally one of whom shall be male and one
of whom shall be female, shall be voting members. The Synod Council shall establish a
formula to provide additional lay representation from congregations on the basis of the
number of baptized members in the congregation. The Synod Council shall seek to ensure
that, as nearly as possible, 50 percent of the lay members of the Assembly shall be female
and 50 percent shall be male. Additional members from each congregation normally shall
be equally divided between male and female.
BLS7.21. c. A congregation having more than 1,000 persons who are on the roll of baptized members shall
be entitled to an additional lay voting member for each additional 1,000 such members, or major
fraction thereof.
*S7.21. d. Voting membership shall include the officers of this Synod.
S7.22. a. All retired ordained ministers on the roster of this Synod who register for the Synod
Assembly, and all retired associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America, and diaconal ministers on the lay roster or rosters of this Synod who
register for the Synod Assembly shall be voting members of the Assembly, consistent with
the provision that 60% of the voting membership shall be laypersons.
b. All ordained ministers on the roster of this Synod who are on leave from call and who
register for the Synod Assembly, and all associates in ministry, deaconesses of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and diaconal ministers on the lay roster or rosters
of this Synod who are on leave from call and who register for the Synod Assembly shall be
voting members of the Assembly, consistent with the provision that 60% of the voting
membership shall be laypersons.
S7.23. The Presiding Bishop of the ELCA and such other official representatives of this church as may
be designated from time to time by the Church Council shall also have voice but not vote in the
meetings of the Synod Assembly. Like privileges shall be accorded to those additional persons
whom the Synod Assembly shall from time to time designate.
S7.24. Lay members of the Synod Assembly representing congregations shall continue as such until
replaced by the election of new members or until they have been disqualified by termination of
membership in that congregation. Normally, congregations will hold elections prior to each
regular meeting of the Synod Assembly.
*S7.25. Except as otherwise provided in this constitution or in the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing
resolutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, each voting member of the Synod
Assembly shall be a voting member of a congregation of this Synod.
S7.26. This Synod may establish processes through the Synod Council that permit representatives
of mission settings formed with the intent of becoming recognized congregations and
authorized worshiping communities of the Synod, under ELCA Bylaw 10.02.03., to serve as
voting members of the Synod Assembly, consistent with *S7.21.
57 S7.27 Duly elected voting members of the Synod Council who are not otherwise voting members of
the synod Assembly under *S7.21, shall be granted the privilege of both voice and vote as
members of the Synod Assembly.
*S7.31. Proxy and absentee voting shall not be permitted in the transaction of any business of this
Synod.
S7.32. Robert's Rules of Order, latest edition, shall govern parliamentary procedure of the Synod
Assembly, except as otherwise provided in the constitution or bylaws of the church or the
constitution or bylaws of this Synod.
S7.33. “Ex-officio” as used herein means membership with full rights of voice and vote unless
otherwise expressly limited.
S7.41. Holy Communion shall be celebrated at each regular Synod Assembly.
S7.42. All appointments for the conduct of general religious services or public meetings shall be
made by the Bishop.
S7.43. The Secretary shall send out a Bulletin of Reports to all ordained ministers, and to all
associates in ministry, deaconesses of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and
diaconal ministers on the lay rosters of this Synod, and to the lay voting members of the
Assembly elected by the congregations at least fifteen days before each regular Synod
Assembly.
S7.44. The Synod Council shall prepare the proposed agenda and program for each meeting of the
Synod Assembly and shall determine the time and place for each meeting of the Assembly.
S7.45. A special meeting of the Synod Assembly shall transact only such business as is related to
the
purpose stated in the call.
S7.51. There shall be a Committee of Reference and Counsel, whose duties shall be (a) to
recommend special orders for the hearing of special representatives or for consideration of
items of business; (b) to grant or deny permission to distribute printed or otherwise duplicated
material not issuing from the office of the Secretary; (c) to consider and present memorials
from Mission Districts and congregations and to make recommendation thereon; (d) to receive
and present all motions and resolutions of a general character, not germane to any pending
question or report, and to make recommendation thereon to the Assembly; (e) to give such
assistance as may be requested by the Bishop in the course of the Assembly.
S7.52. All reports published in the Bulletin of Reports shall be received by the Synod Assembly
Without further action.
S7.61. The minutes of each Synod Assembly shall be submitted meeting by meeting by the Secretary
to a Committee on Minutes, which shall examine the same and make recommendations
thereon to the Assembly. Approval of the minutes of any meeting of the final day of the
Assembly shall be the responsibility of the officers of the Synod.
S7.62. The Bishop and the Secretary shall, after making any necessary corrections therein, certify
two copies of the printed minutes of each Synod Assembly as the official protocol of said
Assembly and shall submit the same to the next regular Assembly for approval and deposit in
the archives.
S14.21. All ordained ministers under a call shall attend meetings of the Synod Assembly, and
pastors of congregations shall also attend meetings of the Mission District to which the
congregation belongs.
58 NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA SYNOD
OF THE EVANGELICAL CHURCH IN AMERICA
2016 SPENDING PROPOSAL
`
2014
2014
SPENDING
ACTUAL
SPENDING
SPENDING
PROPOSAL
PRELIM
PROPOSAL
PROPOSAL
$ 2,400,000
$ 2,277,247
Anticipated Contributions from Congregations
1,104,000 46%
1,047,534
Mission Support for Churchwide Ministries
1,229,713
Mission Support for Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod 1,296,000 54%
(22,829)
(10,170)
Funds required from other sources or (surplus)
$ 2,500,000
$ 2,400,000
Receipts Needed to meet NEPS Budget
2015
2016
1,175,000 47%
1,128,000 47%
1,325,000 53%
1,272,000 53%
(5,079)
399
1,273,171
1,219,543
1,319,921
1,272,399
Worship Team
150
157
150
150
Worship and Spirituality Grants
800
800
800
Leadership Program for Musicians
200
200
200
I. WORSHIP TEAM
TEAM I TOTAL
1,150
157
1,150
1,150
Faith Formation Resource Team (new)
300
530
300
300
Learning Ministry Staffers (was Christian Ed)
100
-
100
100
1,000
1,056
1,000
1,000
Young Adult Ministry
300
39
300
300
Family Ministry (new)
300
29
300
300
LYF Board
400
196
400
400
L YF Assembly
600
6,146
600
600
1,500
1,500
II. YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT, AND FAMILY TEAM
youth Ministry
Youth Leadership Development Event (new)
Training for Adults working with youth (new)
Youth Event Scholarships/Grants (new)
TEAM II TOTAL
1,500
(150)
500
-
500
500
2,000
-
2,000
2,000
7,000
7,846
7,000
7,000
2,000
716
2,000
2,000
2,000
716
2,000
2,000
5,000
767
5,000
2,000
III. CONNECTION BUILDING TEAM
Congregational Networking
Communications
TEAM III TOTAL
IV. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Professional Leadership Grants
Horizon Intern & Other Internships
Leadership Development for Youth
TEAM IV TOTAL
5,000
-
5,000
2,000
10,000
767
10,000
4,000
V. WITNESS & SERVICE TEAM
Witness and Service Team
Witness and Service Grants
Ministry Adjustment and Development
200
108
200
200
14,850
1,618
14,850
14,850
4,700
850
4,700
4,700
Multicultural Ministry
12,000
14,000
12,000
12,000
Campus Ministry
24,000
24,000
23,250
24,000
Appalachian and Rural Ministry
5,000
-
5,000
-
Leisure Ministry
4,000
4,000
4,000
4,000
250
158
250
250
65,000
43,984
65,000
60,000
85,150
53,470
85,150
74,150
Global Mission
Demographics
TEAM V TOTAL
ALL TEAMS TOTAL
59 VI. OTHER INSTITUTION & AGENCY SUPPORT (% of actual mission support received)
10.000%
10.000%
26,000 1.1%
26,000
27,083
1.1%
26,400
143,000 6.0%
135,686
148,958
6.0%
144,000
40,000 1.7%
37,954
41,667
1.7%
40,800
Region 7
8,000 0.3%
7,591
8,333
0.3%
7,200
Muhlenberg College
9,000 0.4%
8,540
9,375
0.4%
9,600
PA Conference of Churches
5,000 0.2%
4,744
5,208
0.2%
4,800
LAMPA
9,000 0.4%
8,540
9,375
0.3%
7,200
240,000 10.0%
229,055
250,000
10.0%
240,000
Social Ministry Support
10.000%
10.000%
Diakon 8.000
Good Shepherd 5.000
Luth Cong Serv 13.000
Philadelphia Seminary
Bear Creek Camp
INSTITUTION & AGENCY SUPPORT
-
-
-
-
240,000
229,055
250,000
240,000
10,000
5,671
10,000
10,000
6,000
11,000
6,000
6,000
16,000
16,671
16,000
16,000
VII. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES
Candidacy
Archives
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES TOTAL
VIII. ADMINISTRATION
Bishop's Office
Bishop's Discretionary Fund
Consultations-Cong/Professional Ldrs
Interim Ministry
500
-
500
500
3,000
-
3,000
3,000
500
218
500
500
Stewardship
1,300
815
1,300
1,300
Assignment Travel Pool
1,500
-
1,500
1,500
200
7,577
200
200
7,000
8,610
7,000
7,000
200
200
Miscellaneous
BISHOP'S OFFICE TOTAL
Administrator's Office
200
Assembly/Bulletin of Reports/Minutes BK
Council Expenses/Contingencies
Legal Services
Contract Services
Synod Resource Center
(7,802)
50
50
50
50
2,500
2,500
2,500
2,500
1,990
1,990
1,990
1,990
23,231
23,395
23,231
23,231
2,550
1,983
2,550
2,550
30,521
22,116
30,521
30,521
Executive Staff
545,000
497,326
546,750
508,478 -7.0%
Support Staff
190,000
200,393
225,000
209,250 -7.0%
44,000
39,384
44,000
44,000
779,000
737,103
815,750
761,728
Building Expenses/Occupancy
36,000
50,573
36,000
48,000
Office Expenses
56,000
66,541
56,000
61,000
4,000
7,404
4,000
4,000
16,000
28,000
16,000
20,000
ADMINISTRATOR'S OFFICE
Synod Staff
All Staff Travel/Expenses
STAFF TOTAL
Property
Computer Expenses
Auditors
Major Capital Improvements/maintenance
3,500
-
3,500
10,000
BUILDING & OFFICE TOTAL
115,500
152,518
115,500
143,000
ADMINISTRATION TOTAL
932,021
920,347
968,771
942,249
$ 1,273,171
$ 1,219,543
$ 1,319,921
$ 1,272,399
PROGRAM PROPOSAL TOTAL
Amount Needed from Other Sources (surplus)
(22,829)
(10,170)
60 (5,079)
399
INDEX
Accessibility Team ...................................................................................................23
Appalachian Small Town and Rural Team (ASTaR)................................................34
Assembly Program................................................................................................... 1
Augsburg Fortress....................................................................................................44
Bishop, Report of...................................................................................................... 3
Bullying, Harassment and Related Violence, Task force on.....................................29
Candidacy Committee.............................................................................................. 26
Campus Ministry (NEPS)..........................................................................................25
Committee of Deans, Report of............................................................................... 13
Connection Building Ministry Team......................................................................... 23
Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries........................................................................... 42
Eastern Cluster of Lutheran Seminaries Regions 7, 8 and 9....................................37
Eastern Pennsylvania Lutheran Camp Corporation (Bear Creek Cam)...................38
ELCA Mission Investment Fund...............................................................................33
Faith Formation Resource Team............................................................................. 25
Gay/Lesbian Ministry Task Force.............................................................................23
Good Shepherd Home and Rehabilitation Hospital..................................................43
Global Mission..........................................................................................................17
Interim Ministry Committee for Congregations in Transition.....................................30
Leadership Development Ministry Team..................................................................18
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) ...........................................33
Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia................................................................29
Lutheran Congregational Services, Inc.................................................................... 41
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia....................................................... 37
Lutheran Youth Fellowship ......................................................................................24
Minimum Compensation Guidelines, 2016...............................................................19
Mission Interpretation Ministry Team........................................................................22
Muhlenberg College..................................................................................................39
Pennsylvania Council of Churches...........................................................................40
Region 7....................................................................................................................34
Rules of Procedure....................................................................................................57
Secretary, Report of................................................................................................. 4
Spending Proposal, 2016........................................................................................ 59
Synod Council, Report of......................................................................................... 9
Treasurer’s Acknowledgments for 2013...................................................................47
Treasurer, Report of................................................................................................. 8
Witness and Service Team .......................................................................................22
Women of the ELCA (WELCA).................................................................................34
World Hunger Committee.........................................................................................18
Worship Ministry Team.............................................................................................24
Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry Team........................................................18
61