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2015 HANDBOOK
Rocky Mountain Synod
2015 Assembly
May 1-3, 2015
Salt Lake City, Utah
0
!
THE ASSEMBLY: OUR LIFE TOGETHER
The$2015$theme$is$a$continuation$of$our$year5long$theme:$Our$Life$Together.$As$members$of$the$
Rocky$Mountain$Synod,$we$are$Church:$$Better$Together!$This$coming$spring$we$will$gather$as$
the$Church$Together$May$153$at$the$Sheraton$Hotel$in$Salt$Lake$City,$Utah,$for$our$2015$Synod$
Assembly.$$$
$
Gathered$under$theme$“Our$Life$Together,”$we$will$spend$time$celebrating$the$many$ministries$
of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod,$collectively$making$decisions$for$how$we$will$move$into$the$
future,$and$spending$intentional$time$in$relationship$with$our$full5communion$and$ecumenical$
partners$in$ministry.$$
$
$
$
!
PRELIMINARY AGENDA
Friday,(May(1 (
8:30am –1:00pm Synod Council Meeting
noon
Deans join Synod Council
12:00pm
12:45pm
1:15
2:00
2:30
5:00
5:30
7:00
Registration opens
Mission Developer Meeting (Sundance)
New Voting Member Orientation
Opening of Assembly
Plenary Session 1: Our Life Together with our Full Communion and Ecumenical Partners
Dinner Buffet open
Toolbox Dinners
Opening Worship: Our Life Together
Saturday,(May(2
(
8:30am
9:00
11:30
11:45
12:35pm
3:00
3:00
3:00
4:00
Celebration of Anniversaries of Ordinations, Consecrations, and Commissionings
Plenary Session 2: Our Life Together as a Global Church
Buffet Lunch
Ethnic Ministries Lunch
Plenary Session 3: Our Life Together as Faith Communities in Christ
Off-site Excursions
Youth Ecumenical Activity
On-site Session 1: Living Lutheran in the Land of Latter-Day Saints: Lay Leader Panel
On-site Session 2 Living Lutheran in the Land of Latter-Day Saints: Rostered Leader Panel
5:15
6:15
7:30
Community Conversations: Excursions
Wandering Dinner/Display Festival
Trivia Night
Sunday,(May(3(
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8:45am
10:00
Bible Study/Spiritual Practices
Closing Worship: Many Voices, One Song
1
!
VOTING MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES$
$
1.$
2.$
3.$
4.$
Study$the$pre5assembly$materials.$
Attend$all$sessions$of$the$assembly.$
Participate$in$all$legislative$actions.$Vote.$If$the$issue$is$not$clear,$ask$the$chair$for$clarification.$
Share$the$information$and$actions$of$the$assembly$with$your$congregation.$This$can$be$done$by$
verbal$or$written$report,$or$both.$Help$your$congregation$to$know$about$their$work$of$ministry$
beyond$your$local$parish.$
$
Things(to(BRING(to(the(assembly((
(you(already(have(lots(of(bags(and(water(bottles,(so(be(green(and(bring(your(own!)(
(
•
•
•
•
•
!
Bible(
Tablet(Device(/(Cell(Phone(/(Computer(for$materials$and$online$voting(
Bag(for$materials$(
Bottle$for$water$if$you$desire$
Offerings$as$listed$below.$One$check$may$be$designated$for$the$various$areas.$
OFFERINGS!
FRIDAY'EVENING'OFFERING:'
Betela'Seminary'in'Madagascar'
$
For$many$years,$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$and$the$Lutheran$synods$in$northern$Madagascar$have$
accompanied$one$another$in$deepening$relationships,$prayer,$and$ministry$together$as$Companion$
Synods.$The$Friday$evening$offering$is$designated$for$Betela$Seminary,$for$its$work$in$training$leaders$
theologically$for$work$in$the$Malagasy$Lutheran$Church.$
$
SATURDAY'NOON'OFFERING:'
ELCA'World'Hunger'
$
For$work$throughout$the$world$on$behalf$of$the$entire$ELCA$to$feed$the$hungry$and$to$provide$
opportunities$for$hope$and$sustainability.'
'
SUNDAY'MORNING'OFFERING:''
First'Third'of'Life'Faith'Formation'Strategic'Planning'Team$
$
In$February,$2015,$a$team$began$work$on$the$implementation$of$the$RMS$First$Third$of$Life$Faith$
Formation$Strategic$Plan,$looking$at$how$the$RMS'accompanies'and'equips'our'leaders'and'
communities'in'faith'formation,'a'lifelong'journey'of'growth'in'our'relationship'with'Jesus'Christ.$
The$plan$comes$out$of$a$year5long$conversation$held$with$volunteers,$part,$and$full5time$professionals$
working$with$those$in$the$first$third$of$life.$It$lifts$up$the$guiding$principles$of$Vocation,$Accompaniment,$
Lutheran$Identity,$Deepening$Spiritual$Life,$and$Healthy$leaders.$The$team$will$focus$on$lifting$up$the$
importance$of$faith$formation$in$the$life$of$the$Church,$share$common$language$for$our$life$together,$and$
plan$and$encourage$programs$that$facilitate$faith$exploration$for$children,$youth,$and$families,$and$the$
leaders$that$work$with$them.$$
2
!
ASSEMBLY GUESTS!
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$
$
Keynote(Presenter$
Presiding$Bishop$Elizabeth$Eaton$
Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America$
$
(
Musical(Guests$$
Wesley$Bell$Ringers,$Christ$United$Methodist$Church,$Salt$Lake$City$
Mount$Tabor$Lutheran$Church$Brass$Ensemble,$Salt$Lake$City$
Utah$Conference$Combined$Choir$$$
Joyful$NOIZ$Orff$Percussion$Band$and$Children’s$Choir,$Zion$Evangelical$Lutheran$Church,$Salt$Lake$City$
Praise$Team:$Our$Saviour’s$Lutheran$Church,$Salt$Lake$City$and$Shepherd$of$the$Mountains$Lutheran$Church,$Park$
City$
$
(
3
!
ASSEMBLY LOCATION
$
Sheraton(Hotel(
150(W(500(S(
Salt(Lake(City,(Utah(84101$
(801)(401W2000$
There$is$no$cost$for$parking$at$the$hotel.$A$complimentary$hotel$shuttle$is$available$for$those$who$do$not$want$to$take$
the$Light$Rail$train$available$as$public$transportation$(see$below).$Call$the$hotel$to$make$arrangements$for$the$shuttle:$
(801)$40152000.$
Light$Rail$train$transportation$is$available$from$the$airport$to$downtown$Salt$Lake$City.$A$Light$Rail$stop$is$two$blocks$
from$the$hotel.$$Take$the$Green$Line$from$the$airport$to$the$Courthouse$stop,$and$walk$two$blocks$west.$
$
Take$the$Green$Line$Light$Rail$Train$from$the$Airport$to$Courthouse$Station,$then$walk$two$blocks$west.$Cost$is$$2.50,$
senior$fare$is$$1.25.!
4
!
BACKGROUND INFORMATION$
(
$
The$following$information$will$assist$each$voting$member$in$the$discharge$of$responsibility.$$Some$material$
is$taken$from$the$Constitution$and$Bylaws$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$and$will$be$identified$by$the$
symbol$RMSC.$
$
Evangelical(Lutheran(Church(in(America(
The$church$was$constituted$on$January$1,$1988$from$the$previous$church$bodies$of$The$American$
Lutheran$Church,$Association$of$Evangelical$Lutheran$Churches,$and$Lutheran$Church$in$America.$$
Spanning$the$United$States$and$the$Caribbean,$the$ELCA$consists$of$65$synods.$$The$Rocky$Mountain$
Synod$is$one$of$five$synods$in$Region$2.$
$
ELCA(Regions(
The$ELCA$is$divided$into$nine$regions,$which$are$points$of$connection$and$ministry$for$each$of$the$synods$
in$the$various$regions.$Regions$work$together,$especially$in$terms$of$the$call$process$for$rostered$leaders.$$$
$
The(Synod(
The$territory$of$this$synod$is$the$states$of$Coloradod$New$Mexicod$Utah$(excluding$Washington$County)d$
Wyoming$(excluding$the$counties$of$Park,$Washakie,$Crook,$and$Weston)d$and$in$Texas$the$counties$of$
Brewster,$Culbertson,$El$Paso,$Hudspeth,$Jeff$Davis,$Loving,$Presidio,$Reeves,$Ward,$Winkler.$$
Congregations$along$several$of$the$borders$relate$to$a$neighboring$synod$with$congregations$in$closer$
proximity$to$them.$$
$
Purpose(of(the(Synod(
To$participate$in$God's$mission,$this$synod$as$a$part$of$the$church$shall:$
$
"$
Proclaim$God's$saving$Gospel$of$justification$by$grace$for$Christ's$sake$through$faith$
alone,$according$to$the$apostolic$witness$in$the$Holy$Scripture,$preserving$and$
transmitting$the$Gospel$faithfully$to$future$generations.$
"$
Carry$out$Christ's$Great$Commission$by$reaching$out$to$all$people$to$bring$them$to$faith$in$
Christ$and$by$doing$all$ministry$with$a$global$awareness$consistent$with$the$
understanding$of$God$as$Creator,$Redeemer$and$Sanctifier$of$all.$
"$
Serve$in$response$to$God's$love$to$meet$human$needs,$caring$for$the$sick$and$aged,$
advocating$dignity$and$justice$for$all$people,$working$for$peace$and$reconciliation$among$
the$nations,$standing$with$the$poor$and$powerless,$and$committing$itself$to$their$needs.$
"$
Worship$God$in$proclamation$of$the$Word$and$administration$of$the$sacraments$and$
through$lives$of$prayer,$praise,$thanksgiving,$witness,$and$service.$
"$
Nurture$its$members$in$the$Word$of$God$so$as$to$grow$in$faith$and$hope$and$love,$to$see$
daily$life$as$the$primary$setting$for$the$exercise$of$their$Christian$calling,$and$to$use$the$
gifts$of$the$Spirit$for$their$life$together$and$for$their$calling$in$the$world.$
"$
Manifest$the$unity$given$to$the$people$of$God$by$living$together$in$the$love$of$Christ$and$
by$joining$with$other$Christians$in$prayer$and$action$to$express$and$preserve$the$unity$
which$the$Spirit$gives.$(RMSC$S6.02)$
$
$
$
$
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5
(
(
Synod(Council(Functions(
"$
"$
"$
"$
"$
"$
"$
"$
"$
"$
"$
Be$the$Board$of$Directors$of$the$synod$and$serve$as$its$interim$legislative$authority$between$meetings$
of$the$Synod$Assembly.$
Exercise$trusteeship$responsibilities$on$behalf$of$the$synod.$
Recommend$program$goals$and$budgets$to$the$regular$meetings$of$the$Synod$Assembly.$
Carry$out$the$resolutions$of$the$Synod$Assembly.$
Provide$for$an$annual$review$of$the$roster$of$ordained$ministers,$lay$rostered$people,$and$of$other$
official$rosters$and$make$a$report$to$the$Synod$Assembly$of$the$actions$in$this$regard.
Issue$letters$of$call$to$ordained$ministers,$deaconesses,$diaconal$ministers,$and$associates$in$ministry$
who$are$serving$in$specialized$ministry,$as$authorized$by$Chapter$7$of$the$constitution$and$bylaws$of$
the$ELCA.$
Promote$the$interests$of$the$ELCA.$
Provide$oversight$and$coordinate$the$work$of$the$Boards,$Commissions,$Committees$and$all$other$
synodical$entities.$
Determine$the$time$and$place$for$each$Synod$Assembly$and$oversee$the$agenda$and$program.$
Elect$the$representatives$of$the$synod,$who$are$to$serve,$in$addition$to$the$bishop,$ex5officio,$on$the$
governing$bodies$of$institutions$and$agencies$to$which$this$synod$relates.$
Elect$the$representatives$to$the$Regional$Council.$(RMSC$S10.03.01)$
Special(Assistance(Fund(
A$Special$Assistance$Fund$has$been$developed$and$approved$by$the$Synod$Council$to$offer$financial$
assistance$to$voting$members$who$would$otherwise$be$unable$to$attend$the$assembly.$$Through$this$fund$
it$is$the$goal$and$vision$of$this$synod$that$a$more$representative$body$of$believers$be$developed$from$
across$the$synod,$regardless$of$socio5economic$circumstances.$$Members$of$congregations$selected$to$
be$voting$members$to$the$assembly$and$who$would$suffer$loss$of$daily$wages$while$attending$the$
assembly$are$qualified$to$receive$assistance$from$this$fund.$These$should$be$individuals$who$are$non5
salaried,$daily$wage$earners$without$the$benefit$of$paid$vacation$days.$Up$to$approximately$$200$per$
person$is$available.$$The$fund$is$not$necessarily$limited$to$people$of$color$and/or$language$other$than$
English.$The$pastor$of$the$congregation$should$submit$a$request$on$behalf$of$the$member,$whose$name$
may$be$kept$confidential.$$Dollars$will$be$made$payable$to$the$congregation$for$payment$to$the$member.$
The$pastor$must$state$the$employment$of$the$voting$member$and$the$amount$of$wages$that$would$be$lost$
during$the$days$of$the$assembly.$$The$pastor$will$be$asked$to$report$the$use$of$the$funds$to$the$Synod$
Council$using$the$form$that$will$be$provided.$$Any$taxes$will$be$the$responsibility$of$the$recipient.$$For$
further$information,$contact$the$synod$office.$
$
$
$
6
! GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ELCA TERMS
Augsburg(Fortress(•(Augsburg$Fortress$is$a$nonprofit$
corporation$that$provides$pastors,$educators,$worship$
planners$and$members$of$the$ELCA$with$products$and$
services$that$communicate$the$Gospel,$enhance$faith$
and$enrich$the$life$of$the$Christian(community$from$a$
Lutheran$perspective.(
Conference(of(Bishops(•(The$65$bishops$of$the$ELCA$
meeting$for$prayer,$deliberation,$and$discernment.$
Church(Council(•(The$governing$board$of$the$ELCA,$
entrusted$with$the$business$of$the$ELCA$between$
triennial$churchwide$assemblies.$
Churchwide(•(Term$referring$to$any$ministry,$process,$or$
emphasis$carried$out$across$the$entire$ELCA.$The$term$
is$also$used$to$refer$to$the$headquarters$of$the$ELCA$in$
Chicago,$Illinois,$which$is$housed$in$the$ELCA$Lutheran$Center$near$O’Hare$airport.$
ELCA(•(Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America$(Denominational$title),$formed$by$the$1988$merger$of$the$
American$Lutheran$Church$(ALC),$the$Lutheran$Church$in$America$(LCA),$and$the$Association$of$
Evangelical$Lutheran$Churches$(AELC).$The$three$expressions$of$this$church$body$are$the$
congregations,$synods,$and$the$churchwide$organization$headquartered$in$Chicago.$The$ELCA$has$
over$4.2$million$members$in$about$10,000$congregations$(2010$figures).$
Full(Communion(•(A$relationship$between$Christian$denominations$in$which$each$fully$accepts$the$
validity$of$the$other’s$ministry$and$sacraments.$
Full(Communion(Partners(•(In$the$ELCA$this$term$refers$to$those$denominations$with$which$we$enjoy$
full5communion$relationships:$Episcopal$Church$USA,$United$Methodist$Church$USA,$Moravian,$
Presbyterian$Church$USA,$Reformed,$and$United$Church$of$Christ.$
Portico(•(Portico,$a$nonprofit$corporation$based$in$Minnesota,$provides$retirement,$health$and$related$
benefits$and$services$to$enhance$the$well5being$of$nearly$50,000$pastors,$rostered$laypersons,$
employees$and$their$families.$The$vision$of$the$Board$of$Pensions$is$for$those$they$serve$to$lead$
healthy$lives$and$achieve$financial$security.$
Presiding(Bishop(•(The$pastor$elected$by$the$churchwide$assembly$to$lead$the$ministry$of$the$entire$
ELCAd$currently$serving$is$Presiding$Bishop$Elizabeth$Eaton.((
Region(2(•(One$of$9$regions$of$the$ELCA$and$includes$5$synods.$$
(
SYNOD TERMS(
Bishop(•(The$pastor$elected$by$the$Synod$Assembly$to$lead$a$synod$of$the$ELCAd$currently$serving$the$
RMS$is$Bishop$Jim$Gonia$
Conference(•(A$geographical$grouping$of$congregations$within$the$synod.$Ten$in$the$RMS:$Wyoming,$
Utah,$North$Colorado,$Boulder5Broomfield,$Metro$East,$Metro$West,$Metro$South,$Southeast$Colorado,$
North$New$Mexico,$and$Border.$
DEM(•(Director$for$Evangelical$Mission$who$is$called$by$churchwide$to$serve$in$the$Rocky$Mountain$
Synod$(Pastor$Stephanie$Quick$Espinoza$in$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod)$
Executive(Committee(•(Four$officers$and$four$at5large$members$of$the$Synod$Council.(
Office(of(the(Bishop(•(Located$in$Denver,$Colorado,$where$the$bishop$and$staff$facilitate$our$ministry$
together.$The$Office$of$the$Bishop$is$on$the$campus$of$the$RMS(Lutheran(Center$at$7375$Samuel$
Drive,$Denver,$CO$80221.$
RMS(•(Rocky$Mountain$Synod$(
Synod(•(In$the$ELCA,$one$of$65$geographical$units$or$expressions$of$the$church.$
Synod(Council(•(The$elected$leaders$of$a$synod,$including$laity$and$clergy,$the$vice$president,$secretary,$
treasurer,$and$bishop.$
Synod(Ministers(•(Persons$serving$in$the$Office$of$the$Bishop$who$serve$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$and$
partner$with$the$bishop$to$make$connections,$provide$leadership,$and$facilitate$our$ministry$together.(
7
(
LEADERSHIP TERMS(
AIM(•(An$Associate$In$Ministry$is$a$rostered$lay$person$who$has$
been$theologically$trained$and$commissioned$to$enable$
others$in$their$Christian$lives.$They$serve$in$congregations$
and$other$ministries.$
Candidacy(•(The$process$by$which$those$discerning$a$call$to$
ministry$are$supported$and$guided$through$the$process$of$
Entrance,$Endorsement,$and$Approval$as$they$prepare$for$
ministry$vocations$as$rostered$leaders.
Deaconess(•(Women$who$are$seminary$trained$consecrated$
leaders$who$commit$their$lives$to$ministry$of$mercy$and$
servant$leadership.$
Dean(•(A$pastor$chosen$to$lead$one$of$the$Conferences$within$a$
synod.$
DM(•(A$Diaconal$Minister$is$a$rostered$lay$person$who$is$
theologically$trained$and$consecrated$to$serve$a$specialized$
ministry,$lived$out$in$both$church$and$world.$
Interim(•(A$rostered$person$who$is$serving$a$ministry$between$
two$called$persons.$
Intern(•(A$seminary$student$who$is$on$staff$of$a$ministry$in$
training$for$concluding$his$or$her$theological$education.$
Lay(Person(•(A$person$who$is$not$a$member$of$the$clergy.$
Lay(Roster(•(Those$who$serve$the$church$as$Associates$in$
Ministry,$Diaconal$Ministers,$and$Deaconesses$are$members$
of$the$Lay$Roster.$
Mobility(•(The$process$of$matching$the$gifts$of$rostered$leaders$
with$a$new$ministry$opportunity.$
Officers(•(The$officers$of$the$synod$are$the$Bishop,$Vice$
President,$Secretary,$and$Treasurer.$
On(Leave(From(Call$(rostered$clergy,$AIM,$Diaconal$Minister$or$
Deaconess$who$is$currently$without$a$call$to$a$ministry.)$
Roster,(Rostered(•(The$Roster$is$the$official$list$of$all$the$pastors,$
associates$in$ministry,$deaconesses,$and$diaconal$ministers$in$
the$ELCA.$A$leader$who$appears$on$this$list$is$said$to$be$
“rostered.”$
Vision(and(Expectations(•(A$document$that$states$the$conduct$
expected$of$all$rostered$leaders$in$the$ELCA$and$with$which$
rostered$persons$must$comply.(
(
The(Rocky(Mountain(Synod(is(comprised(
of(63,736(baptized(members((2013(figures)(
in(162(congregations.(By(state:(
(((((COLORADO(
111(
(((((NEW(MEXICO( ((22(
(((((TEXAS(
((((5(
(((((UTAH((
((10(
(((((WYOMING(
((14(
(
RELATED EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
Seminary(•(The$theological$educational$institutions$that$trains$clergy,$Diaconal$Ministers$(DM),$and$
Associates$in$Ministry$(AIMs).$There$are$9$Lutheran$Seminaries$in$the$US.$
PLTS(•(Pacific$Lutheran$Theological$Seminary$(Berkeley,$CA)$is$the$Seminary$in$the$territory$of$Region$2$
CLU(•(California$Lutheran$University$is$the$one$ELCA$university$in$Region$2,$one$of$27$ELCA$Colleges$
and$Universities$nationwide.$
$
ASSEMBLY TERMS
Memorial(•(A$document$which$is$considered$by$the$voting$members$of$a$Synod$Assembly,$asking$the$
Churchwide$Assembly$to$take$a$position$or$initiate$an$action$related$to$a$specific$issue.(Memorials$are$
adopted,$or$they$fail.$
Plenary(•(A$full$session$of$all$voting$members$in$which$business$is$conducted$and$reports$are$heard.$
Reference(and(Counsel(•(This$committee$reviews$all$resolutions$and$memorials$prior$to$their$
consideration$at$an$assembly.$
Resolution(•(Requests$for$actions,$priorities,$or$positions$are$brought$before$the$assembly$in$the$form$of$
a$resolution.$Resolutions$are$adopted,$or$they$fail.$
Visitor(•(Any$person$who$attends$an$assembly$to$observe,$not$as$a$voting$member.$
Voting(Member(•(At$an$assembly$of$this$church,$an$individual$elected$to$listen,$discern,$and$decide$on$
behalf$of$the$whole$church.$(The$term,$“delegate”$is$not$used$in$relation$to$assemblies.)$
$
$
8
! RULES OF PROCEDURE
1.$
To$the$extent$consistent$with$these$rules$of$procedure,$Robert's(Rules(of(Order$latest$edition$
shall$govern.$
2.$
The$voting$members$of$the$assembly$shall$include:$
$
$
A.$
B.$
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$members,$normally$one$of$whom$shall$be$male$and$one$of$
whom$shall$be$female.$
In$addition,$based$upon$baptized$membership$records$for$the$previous$year$
$
(1)$
(2)$
Congregations$having$membership$of$650$to$1,199$baptized$members$shall$be$
allowed$one$additional$lay$voting$member$(male$or$female).$
Congregations$having$membership$of$1,200$or$more$baptized$members$shall$be$
allowed$two$additional$lay$voting$members$(one$male$and$one$female).$
$
C.$
D.$
E.$
F.$
$
$G.$
$
$
H.$
I.$
J.$
3.$
In$the$selection$of$voting$members,$congregations$are$urged$to$be$aware$of$the$matter$of$
inclusiveness$of$persons$of$color$and/or$persons$whose$primary$language$is$other$than$
English.$
All$ordained$ministers$under$call$or$on$leave$from$call$on$the$roster$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$
Synod.$
All$ordained$ministers$from$church$bodies$with$which$a$relationship$of$full$communion$has$
been$declared$and$established...shall$have$voice$and$vote$during$the$period$of$the$
ordained$ministers’$service$in$a$congregation$of$this$synod.$
Ten$percent$of$the$retired$clergy$on$the$roster$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$as$well$as$
ten$percent$of$the$retired$lay$rostered$leaders.$
All$retired$ordained$ministers$on$the$roster$of$this$synod$who$are$currently$serving$as$
interim$pastors$and$all$ordained$ministers$on$leave$from$call$on$the$roster$of$this$synod$
who$are$currently$serving$as$interim$pastors$and$who$are$in$attendance$at$the$assembly.$
All$associates$in$ministry,$deaconesses$of$the$ELCA,$and$diaconal$ministers,$under$call$or$
on$leave$from$call,$of$the$official$lay$rosters$of$this$synod$shall$be$voting$members.$
The$lay$officers$of$the$synod$and$the$lay$members$of$the$Synod$Council$shall$be$voting$
members.$
Retired$rostered$leaders$on$the$roster$of$this$synod$other$than$those$selected$to$
represent$the$ten$percent$representation$(see$F$above),$shall$have$the$privilege$of$voice$
but$not$vote$at$all$meetings$of$the$Synod$Assembly.$$The$Bishop$of$the$Evangelical$
Lutheran$Church$in$America$and$such$other$official$representatives$of$this$church$as$may$
be$designated$by$the$Church$Council$shall$also$have$voice$but$not$vote$in$meetings$of$the$
Synod$Assembly.$$Ordained$clergy$on$other$denominational$rosters$serving$in$shared$
ELCA$ministries$in$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$shall$have$voice$but$not$vote$in$meetings$
of$the$Synod$Assembly.$$Like$privileges$shall$be$accorded$to$those$additional$persons$
whom$the$Synod$Assembly$shall$from$time$to$time$designate.$
$
The$Privilege$of$the$Floor$
$
A.$
B.$
C.$
The$Presiding$Bishop$of$the$Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America$and$such$other$official$
representatives$of$this$church$as$may$be$designated$by$the$Church$Council$shall$also$have$voice$
but$not$vote$in$meetings$of$the$Synod$Assembly.$
Ordained$clergy$on$other$denominational$rosters$serving$in$shared$ELCA$ministries$in$the$Rocky$
Mountain$Synod$shall$have$voice$but$not$vote$in$meetings$of$the$Synod$Assembly.$
Like$privileges$shall$be$accorded$to$those$additional$persons$whom$the$Synod$Assembly$shall$from$
time$to$time$designate.$Like$privileges$shall$be$accorded$to$persons$in$connection$with$their$reports,$
such$as$chairpersons$of$synodical$committees,$representatives$of$the$institutions$and$agencies$
related$to$or$officially$recognized$by$this$synod$and$the$president$of$the$Synodical$Women’s$
Organization$of$the$ELCA.$
$
$
$
$
$
9
$
4.$
5.$
6.$
The$Chairperson$of$the$Synod$Assembly$shall$be$the$Bishop$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod.$
The$Secretary$of$the$Synod$Assembly$shall$be$the$secretary$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$
The$bishop,$in$consultation$with$the$Synod$Council,$shall$appoint$a$Committee$on$Reference$and$
Counsel$to$review$all$proposed$changes$or$additions$to$the$Constitution$and$bylaws$and$other$items$
submitted$which$are$not$germane$to$items$contained$in$the$stated$agenda$of$the$Synod$Assembly$
7.$ Other$committees$to$serve$the$Synod$Assembly$shall$be$appointed$by$the$bishop$
8.$ With$the$consent$of$the$Assembly,$the$chairperson$shall$have$the$authority$to$call$items$of$business$
before$the$Assembly$in$whatever$order$he$or$she$considers$most$expedient$for$the$conduct$of$the$
Assembly’s$business$
9.$ In$the$elections$to$be$held$at$this$Assembly,$a$majority$of$votes$cast$shall$be$necessary$for$election$
10.$ Candidates$nominated$from$the$floor$may$complete$the$standard$Application$for$Nomination$form.$A$
biography$abstracted$from$the$Application$can$be$distributed.$No$other$documents$from$the$
candidates$will$be$permitted$to$be$distributed$
11.$ Any$proposal$to$appropriate$funds,$whether$by$amendment$to$the$budget$or$otherwise,$which$is$
presented$to$a$meeting$of$the$Synod$Assembly$without$the$approval$of$the$Synod$Council,$shall$
require$a$two5thirds$vote$of$the$assembly$for$adoption.$(RMSC$S7.32.14)$
12.$ Speeches$during$debate$on$any$items$before$this$assembly$shall$be$limited$to$three$minutes.$
$
$
$
! GUIDELINES FOR THE CONDUCT OF BUSINESS$$
$
The$assembly$is$meant$to$be$a$meaningful$experience$for$all.$$Everyone$should$feel$free$to$participate.$$
Good$order$at$an$assembly$is$not$intended$to$restrict$participation$but$to$protect$the$rights$of$each$voting$
member.$$The$following$guidelines$(from$Robert's$Rules$of$Order,$Newly$Revised)$are$to$help$in$
understanding$the$business$proceedings.$$The$Bishop$hopes$they$will$be$of$assistance$in$enabling$you$to$
participate$in$the$necessary$business.$
$
Obtaining(the(Floor$5$Prior$to$a$voting$member$speaking$in$the$assembly,$whether$to$make$a$
motion$or$to$engage$in$debate,$it$is$necessary$to$obtain$the$floor.$$When$no$one$else$"has$the$floor,"$the$
voting$member$may$address$the$chairperson$saying,$"Bishop$Gonia."$$If$recognized$by$the$chair,$the$
voting$member$is$then$entitled$to$speak,$first$stating$his/her$name$and$congregation.$
$
Making(a(Motion$5$When$presenting$a$motion$to$the$assembly,$a$copy$must$be$written$out$and$
given$to$the$secretary.$
$
Amendments(to(Motions$5$When$a$motion$brought$before$an$assembly$does$not$meet$with$
ready$acceptance$by$all$the$voting$members,$and$if$it$can$be$made$more$suitable$or$acceptable$in$an$
altered$form,$a$proposal$to$modify$the$wording$can$be$introduced$by$making$a$motion$to$amend.$
$
"Previous(Question"$5$To$move$the$"previous$question"$is$to$bring$the$assembly$to$an$immediate$
decision$as$to$whether$debate$on$a$motion$should$cease.$$It$is$not$debatable.$$If$adopted,$the$assembly$
proceeds,$without$further$debate,$to$vote$at$once$on$the$pending$question(s).$$A$two5thirds$vote$is$
required$to$close$debate.$
$
!
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY$
During$plenary,$go$to$a$microphone$and$announce$the$emergency,$as$those$in$attendance$most$always$
include$persons$with$medical$training.$$
$
$
$
To(contact(the(synod(staff(during(the(assembly,(please(
use(one(of(the(following(cell(phone(numbers:(
((((((Janice((303W803W5012(
((((((Cheryl((303W949W3450(
10
!
HOSPITALITY
Childcare$is$available$during$the$3$plenary$sessions$as$well$as$worship$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
(An(information(table$will$be$open$through$Saturday$afternoon.$$Questions$regarding$schedules,$break5
out$rooms,$and$excursion$transportation$can$be$directed$there.$$A$bulletin$board$for$announcements$and$
prayer$requests$will$also$be$at$the$information$table
$
!
ASSEMBLY CHAPLAINS
Friday:$$Rev.$Jeffery$Louden$
Saturday$and$Sunday:$$Rev.$$John$Sandstrom$
The$chapel$is$located$in$the$Sundance$Room$
$
!
SPECIFICS FOR 2015$
Known$items$of$business$for$this$assembly$are$listed$below.$$Other$items$may$yet$arise$from$Executive$
Committee$recommendation,$Synod$Council$recommendation,$or$from$the$Committee$on$Reference$and$
Counsel.$
$
1.( Elections:(An(election(will(take(place(for(the(position(of(Secretary,(voting(members(to(Churchwide(
Assembly,(and(various(boards(and(committees.(
(
2.( Adoption(of(the(Budget(for(2015(and(2016((Time(is(set(aside(for(the(consideration(and(discussion(of(
the(budget(prior(to(the(time(set(for(adoption.(The(budget(shows(the(interdependence(that(exists(
between(congregations,(the(synod(and(churchwide(agencies.(
(
$
$
3.( Resolutions:((Resolutions(received(after(the(deadline(will(be(reviewed(by(the(Reference(and(Counsel(
Committee(and(presented(to(the(assembly(for(consideration.(
(
4.( Other(business(matters(pertaining(to(items(brought(before(the(assemblyh(motions(germane(to(the(
specific(issue(under(discussion(are(made(and(acted(upon.(
(
5.$ Business(not(related(to(the(agenda(can(come(to(the(assembly(through(the(Committee(on(Reference(
and( Counsel,( RMSC( S7.32.11( states:( A( Reference( and( Counsel( Committee( .( .( .( shall( review( all(
proposed(changes(or(additions(to(the(constitution(and(bylaws(and(other(items(submitted(which(are(
not(germane(to(items(contained(in(the(stated(agenda(of(the(Synod(Assembly.$
11
!
SYNOD OFFICERS & SYNOD COUNCIL
(
Synod(Officers(
$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$
$$$$Jim$Gonia$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Earline$Bohling$$$$$Jody$Brammer5Hoelter$$$$$$$$$$Dennis$Reynolds$$$$
$$$$Bishop$and$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Vice$President$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Secretary$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Treasurer$
Presiding$Officer$
(
Synod(Council(
The$Rev.$Kathleen$Armstrong$
The$Rev.$Martha$Atkins$
Diana$Biggs$
The$Rev.$Ronald$Bock$
Terry$Cole$
The$Rev.$Larry$Davis$
Debra$Elstad$
Jerry$Ethridge$
$
$
!
$
The$Rev.$Kaila$Hochhalter$
Joan$Jacobson$
Susan$Mitchell$
The$Rev.$Zachary$Parris$
Betty$Pepin$
The$Rev.$Dana$Peterson$
Hannah$Purkey$(Youth$Rep
PEOPLE
Reference(and(Counsel(Committee$
$
The$Rev.$Steve$Leiser,$chair$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$Ruth$Hoffman,$Lutheran$Advocacy$Ministry5$NM$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$Peter$Severson,$Lutheran$Advocacy$Ministry5CO$
$$$
Ms.$Joan$Jacobson,$Synod$Council$
$$
The$Rev.$Joshua$Bruns$
Parliamentarian$
$
Kirby$Glad,$PRP$
$
Board(and(Committee(Team(Leaders$
Campus$Ministry$Committee$–$The$Rev.$Bruce$Kuenzel$
Candidacy$Committee$–$The$Rev$Ann$Hultquist$
Congregation$and$Leadership$Health$–$$Bishop$Jim$Gonia$
Congregational$Ministries$Board$–$Rich$Nelson$
First$Third$of$Life$Team$–$Andy$Sprain$
Global$Missions$Synod$Coordinator5$The$Rev.$Alena$Lamirato$
Companion$Synods$Coordinator$–$The$Rev.$Brad$Doty$
Hunger$Network$–$Carol$McDivitt$
Lutheran$Advocacy$Ministry$–$Susan$Bolduc$(CO)$and$The$Rev.$Chuck$Exley$(NM)$
Lutheran$Men$in$Mission$–$Jim$Monkman$
Youth$Discipleship$Team$(YDT)$–$The$Rev.$Paul$Judson$
Mission$Strategy$|$Mission$Imagination$|$Mission$Generosity$–$The$Rev.$Stephanie$Quick$Espinoza$
Women$of$the$ELCA$–$Carol$McGill$
12
ASSISTANTS TO THE BISHOP
Bishop Jim Gonia
jgonia@rmsela.org
STAFF OF THE
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD
OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
Pastor Sarah Moening
smoening@rmselca.org
"$
"$
"$
Transitions (call process,
interim ministry)
Faith Formation
Healthy Congregations
PUBLIC MINISTRIES
Ruth Hoffman
ruth@lutheranadvocacynm.org
Director -- Lutheran Advocacy
Ministry NM
(funded in part by ELCA)
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
"$
"$
"$
"$
Peter Severson
pseverson@rmselca.org
Director -- Lutheran Advocacy
Ministry CO
(funded in part by ELCA)
Cheryl Almquist
cheryl_almquist@rmselca.org
Pastor Kent Mueller (4/5 time)
kmueller@rmselca.org
"$
"$
Administration &
Technology
Transitions (call process,
interim ministry)
Lutheran Center
Facilities
Events
"$
"$
"$
"$
"$
"$
"$
Janice Ladd-Horkey
jladd-horkey@rmselca.org
Pastor Ron Roschke
rroschke@rmselca.org
"$
Finances
Staff Support
Maria Sutton (half-time)
msutton@rmselca.org
"$
"$
"$
"$
"$
Candidacy & First Call
Theological Education
(new leaders)
Shared Ministries
(agencies, educational
partners, disaster relief)
Campus Ministry
Global Mission
Call Process
Candidacy
Roster Records
Administration
Staff Support
Email & Web
Communications
Event Support
Hospitality
Receptionist
Erin Power, DM (half-time)
Synod Minister for Hospitality &
Mission
epower@rmselca.org
"$
"$
"$
"$
Event Arrangements
(Assembly, Theological
Conference, Youth
Gatherings)
Prayer Life
Hospitality Outreach
Mission Interpretation
ELCA REGION 2 STAFF:
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
Director for Evangelical Mission
sqespinoza@rmselca.org
(funded by ELCA)
"$
"$
"$
Margy Schmitt Ajer
Margaret.Schmitt-Ajer@elca.org
(funded by the ELCA)
New and Renewing
Congregations
Stewardship
Ethnic Ministries
ELCA Region 2 Coordinator
(
13
New(to(the(Rocky(Mountain(Synod(since(last(Assembly(
$
Carmen$Miranda,$Albuquerque,$NM$
Kristi$Koppel$–$Our$Savior,$Alamogordo,$NM$
Jorge$Luis$Espinoza$Pérez5$Jesús$de$Nazaret,$Aurora,$CO$
Russell$Britton$–$Bethany,$Cherry$Hills$Village,$CO$
Jared$Carson$–$Peace,$Las$Cruces,$NM$
Laura$Carson$–$Peace,$Las$Cruces,$NM$
Paul$Rosin$–$All$Saints,$Austin,$CO$
Matthew$Barnhouse$–$Mount$Hope,$El$Paso,$TX$
Tim$Drom$–$Augustana,$Denver,$CO$
Sonja$Sandquist$5$Holy$Trinity,$Littleton,$CO$
Emily$Ewing$–$Christ$the$King,$South$Jordan,$UT$
Rachel$Larson$5$Trinity,$Laramie,$WY$
Paul$Svingen$–$Bethany,$Cherry$Hills$Village,$CO$
LaVonne$Johnson5Holt$–$St.$Mark,$Roswell,$NM$
Christopher$Heller$–$Messiah,$Albuquerque,$NM$
Gordon$Sandquist$–$Lutheran$Church$of$the$Holy$Spirit,$Centennial,$CO$
Shauna$Hannan$–$Professor$PLTS,$Berkeley,$CA$
Erin$Power$–$Office$of$the$Bishop$
Dave$Barber$–$Bethel,$Windsor,$CO$
R.$Adam$Berndt$–$Cross$of$Hope,$Albuquerque,$NM$
$
$
Congregation(Anniversaries(
$
1965$ 50$
Christ$the$Savior$Lutheran$Church$
$
Aurora,$CO$$
1965$ 50$
Our$Saviour$Lutheran$Church$ $
$
Fort$Collins,$CO$$
1965$ 50$
Atonement$Lutheran$Church$
$
$
Lakewood,$CO$$
1965$ 50$
Faith$Lutheran$Church$ $
$
$
Eaton,$CO$
1965$ 50$
Ascension$Lutheran$Church$
$
$
Cheyenne,$WY$$
1990$ 25$
Community$of$Joy$Lutheran$Church$
$
Rio$Rancho,$NM$$
1990$ 25$
Trinity$Lutheran$Church$$
$
$
Monument,$CO$
$
(
Deceased(Rostered(Leaders(since(the(last(Assembly(
$
The$Rev.$Max$Diemer$8/29/2014$
The$Rev.$John$“Jack”$Schmidt$11/4/2014$
The$Rev.$Stephen$Ingram$11/5/2014$
The$Rev.$Walter$Schultheiss$1/5/2015$
The$Rev.$Arthur$Becker$1/23/2015$
The$Rev.$Anne$Marie$Maldoon$3/4/2015$
The$Rev.$Donald$Simonton$3/17/2015$
The$Rev.$James$Drury$4/7/2015$
$
$
Holy(Closure(of(a(Congregation(
$
Lutheran$Church$of$the$Resurrection,$Holy$Closure$2/15/2015$
$
$
$
$
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
14
Rostered(Leader(Anniversaries(
$
25$
The$Rev.$ Sandra$
Hanawalt$
$
The$Rev.$ Ann$
Hultquist$
$
The$Rev.$ Milton$
Jensen$
$
The$Rev.$ Tyg$
Taylor$
$
The$Rev.$ Paul$
Ziegler$
30$
Mr.$
Mark$
Filbert$
$
Ms.$
Joyce$
Higgs5Spruth$
$
Ms.$
Beverly$
Johnson$
$
The$Rev.$ Scott$
Beebe$
$
The$Rev.$ Brian$
Bergum$
$
The$Rev.$ Ronald$
Bockhaus$
$
The$Rev.$ David$
Brock$
$
The$Rev.$ Michael$ Lemke$
$
The$Rev.$ Anne$
Morawski$
$
The$Rev.$ Robert$
Moss$
$
The$Rev.$ Philip$
Wangberg$
$
The$Rev.$ Carol$
West$
35$
The$Rev.$ Paul$
Anderson$
$
The$Rev.$ Bonita$
Bock$
$
The$Rev.$ Nelson$
Bock$
$
The$Rev.$ Jack$
Damien$
$
The$Rev.$ Nathan$
Doerr$
$
The$Rev.$ Barbara$ Linder$
$
The$Rev.$ Richard$ Mayfield$
$
The$Rev.$ Mark$
Twietmeyer$
40$
The$Rev.$ Bob$
McNamara$
$
The$Rev.$ John$
Pederson$
$
The$Rev.$ Paul$
Svingen$
$
The$Rev.$ Donald$
Thurn$
$
The$Rev.$ Tink$
Tinker$
45$
The$Rev.$ Paul$
Dirks$
$
The$Rev.$ Don$
Fahrenbrink$
$
The$Rev.$ Duane$
Ferchen$
$
The$Rev.$ Ervin$
Hesterberg$
$
The$Rev.$ Thomas$ Lange$
$
The$Rev.$ Keith$
Long$
$
The$Rev.$ Larry$
Sydow$
50$
The$Rev.$ Ronald$
Beckman$
$
The$Rev.$ Bruce$
Bergquist$
$
The$Rev.$ Bill$
Bruggeman$
$
The$Rev.$ Robert$
Butler$
$
The$Rev.$ Jim$
Engel$
$
The$Rev.$ Paul$
Gilbertson$
$
The$Rev.$ Hal$
Nilsson$
$
The$Rev.$ Jay$
Spoonheim$
$
The$Rev.$ Robert$
Tyce$
$
The$Rev.$ James$
Wiberg$
55$
The$Rev.$ Bill$
Behrens$
$
The$Rev.$ Ben$
Elger$
$
The$Rev.$ William$
Hershey$
$
The$Rev.$ Russell$
Lee$
$
The$Rev.$ Ben$
McCracken$
$
The$Rev.$ Paul$
Schairer$
$
The$Rev.$ Edwin$
Swenson$
7/15/90$
1/13/90$
11/10/90$
12/26/90$
1/1/90$
5/14/85$
11/1/85$
4/5/85$
6/16/85$
9/28/85$
12/9/85$
9/22/85$
2/17/85$
2/23/85$
9/23/85$
8/18/85$
6/30/85$
6/8/80$
10/26/80$
10/26/80$
11/9/80$
6/29/80$
7/27/80$
1/20/80$
7/27/80$
7/13/75$
10/12/75$
7/27/75$
6/29/75$
5/15/75$
8/9/70$
6/7/70$
6/14/70$
2/8/70$
9/13/70$
7/19/70$
5/31/70$
6/13/65$
6/20/65$
6/10/65$
6/9/65$
6/20/65$
6/27/65$
6/9/65$
6/27/65$
6/5/65$
6/20/65$
7/10/60$
1/1/60$
6/15/60$
6/5/60$
9/18/60$
9/21/60$
6/10/60$
15
$
60$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
65$
$
70$
75$
$
$
$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
The$Rev.$
Robert$
Ben$
Charles$
Fred$
Dwight$
Victor$
Lloyd$
Sigurd$
William$
Obed$
John$
Ray$
Arthur$
Clarence$
Vogel$
Bartell$
Carlson$
Castor$
Ellefson$
Hoops$
Lorensen$
Nelson$
Puder$
Sunde$
Hoeger$
Tiemeyer$
Becker$
Leslie$
8/28/60$
6/19/55$
5/15/55$
1/1/55$
5/29/55$
7/24/55$
7/6/55$
6/19/55$
9/4/55$
6/19/55$
6/25/50$
4/25/50$
2/4/45$
6/9/40$
$
16
!
RESOLUTIONS & MEMORIALS
(
(
#1(RESOLUTION(
Addressing(Mental(Health(and(Wellness(
Whereas(the$ELCA$social$Statement$Caring'for'our'Health:'Our'Shared'Endeavor$reminds$us$that$
responding$$to$those$who$were$sick$was$integral$to$the$life$and$ministry$of$Jesus$and$has$been$a$central$
aspect$of$the$Church's$mission$throughout$$its$history,$and$
Whereas,$one$in$five$people$in$the$US$experiences$a$serious,$diagnosable$mental$illness$in$the$course$of$
any$given$year*$and$this$incidence$of$mental$illness$crosses$all$demographic$lines$such$as$gender,$race,$
religion,$age,$socio5economic$status$as$well$as$rostered$status,$and$
Whereas$many$people$in$our$congregations$are$personally$affected$by$mental$illness—their$own,$a$family$
member's$or$close$friend's,$and$
Whereas$the$stigma$of$mental$illness$causes$many$of$us$to$suffer$alone,$unable$or$afraid$to$ask$for$the$
help$and$understanding$we$need$from$our$fellow$Christians,$$
Therefore,(Be(It(Resolved:$that$the$Rocky$Mountain$$Synod$here$gathered$in$assembly$expresses$its$
love$and$concern$for$all$people$struggling$with$mental$health$conditions,$and$urges$its$rostered$leaders$
and$congregations$to$commit$to$identifying$and$utilizing$educational$materials$and$programs$which$will$
equip$them$to$respond$compassionately$and$effectively$$to$the$needs$of$those$experiencing$mental$health$
challenges,$and$
Be(it(Further(Resolved,$that$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$Council,$in$consultation$with$the$Office$of$the$
Bishop$appoint$a$task$force$of$lay$and$clergy$to$assist$in$identifying$and$recommending$resources$to$
address$mental$health$and$wellness$in$our$congregations$and$communitiesd$
*1$NAMI$(National$Alliance$on$Mental$Illness)$$http://www.nami.org$
Implications$of$Resolution$(if$adopted):$
1.$ What$is$the$financial$impact$of$this$resolution$on$the$synod$budget?$If$expenditures$are$required,$
what$are$the$sources$of$income$anticipated$to$accomplish$the$purpose$of$the$resolution?$$This(
resolution(will(require(allocation(of(staff(time(from(the(Office(of(the(Bishop(for(facilitating((
the(formation(and(convening((of(the(task(force.(As(is(currently(being(done(with(other(task(
forces(such(as(the(Earth(Stewards(task(force,(meetings(can(be(convened(inexpensively(via(
computer/internet(technology.((Since(most(printed(resources(are(a/so(available(online,(
costs(of(obtaining(them(are(negligible.(
(
2.$ What$are$the$personnel$implications$within$our$synod$(or$churchwide)?$Who$will$be$responsible$$
for$implementation$of$the$resolution?$Will(require(the(staff(person(responsible(for(Healthy(
Congregations(to(convene/work(with(Mental(Health(and(Wellness(Task(Force.(Task(Force(
will(be(responsible((for(implementation(with(staff(assistance.((It(is(not(anticipated(that(this(
responsibility(would(demand(more(than(two(or(three(hours(per(month(of(staff(time,(nor(
that(the(task(force's(charge(should(take(more(than(one(year(to(complete.(Given(these(
parameters,(we(estimate(cost(of(staff(time(to(be(around($1500.(
(
3.$ How$does$this$resolution$enhance$and$forward$the$mission$of$the$church$and$our$synod?$$
Reinforces((our(theological((understanding(of(all(people(as(beloved(children(of(God(
needing(understanding,((compassion(and(accompanimenth(will(equip(leaders(and(
congregations(better(to(minister(with(people(who(have(mental(health(conditions(both(
within(and(without(our(congregationsh(will(help(members(with(mental(health(conditions((to(
believe(and(experience((themselves(to(be(accepted,(included,((and(valued(as(members(and(
participants(in(our(churchh(will(help(to(address(stigma,(which(is(the(single(greatest(barrier(
to(wellness(for(people(with(mental(health(conditions.(
17
$$
$
Submitted(by(the(Rev.(Nelson(Bock(
Our$Savior's$Community$Organizing$Ministry$
Representing$Our$Savior's,$Denver$
CoWsigners(
Frank$Tapy$$
$
Jane$Fillmore$ $$
Jan$Tapy$
James$Bertelsen$
Deborah$Wangering$
Rev.$Barbara$Lemke$
Rev.$John$Petty$$
Rev.$Kevin$Maly$$
Rev.$Ted$Fritsche!$$
Rev.$Bonita$Bock$
Rev.$Dena$Williams$
Rev.$Emily$Cardin$
Rev.$Julie$Brooks$
Rev.$Kaitlyn$Trussel$
Rev.$Kari$Reiquam$
Rev.$Laurie$Jeddeloh$
Rev.$Nathan$Doerr$
Rev.$Penni$Walsh$
Terri$McMaster,$AIM$
Rev.$Tina$Yankee$
Travis$Johnson5Esparza$
Rev.$Paul$Carlson$
$
$
18
$
$
#2(RESOLUTION(
Making(US(Aid(to(State(of(Israel(Contingent(on(Halt(to(Settlement(Construction(
(
WHEREAS$the$Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America$(ELCA)$in$assembly$in$2005$adopted$
“Churchwide$Strategy$for$Engagement$in$Israel$and$Palestine,”$to$build$“a$movement$that$will$strengthen$
1
the$resolve$of$political$leaders$to$find$a$peaceful$and$just$solution$in$the$Holy$Land”$(I.A) ,$by$way$of$a$
“cessation$of$all$settlement$activitiesd”$(II.B.1.b)$and$$
$
WHEREAS$the$United$Nations$has$determined$that$Israeli$settlements$are$illegal$under$international$law$
because$they$violate$Article$49$of$the$Fourth$Geneva$Convention,$which$prohibits$the$transfer$of$the$
2
occupying$power’s$civilian$population$into$occupied$territoryd $and$$
$
WHEREAS$peace$groups$in$Israel$and$the$U.S.—such$as$the$Israeli$Committee$Against$House$
Demolitions,$B’Tselem$Israeli$Information$Center$for$Human$Righyts,$Jewish$Voice$for$Peace$and$Peace$
3
Now—assert$that$settlement$construction$is$an$obstacle$to$peace d$and$$
$
WHEREAS$Israel$continues$to$build$more$settlements$on$Palestinian$land,$with$Israeli$Housing$Minister$
Uri$Ariel$estimating$more$than$700,000$settlers$in$the$West$Bank$in$March,$2015$(Jerusalem$Post,$March$
4
5
3,$2015, $),$living$in$more$than$125$Israeli5approved$settlements$and$additional$100$“settlement$outposts” $
therefore$be$it$
$$$$$
(RESOLVED$that$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$of$the$Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America,$meeting$in$
Assembly,$urges$the$Congress$of$the$United$States$to$make$future$U.S.$aid$to$Israel$contingent$on$Israel’s$
halt$to$all$settlement5building$in$the$West$Bank$(including$East$Jerusalem)d$and$be$it$further$
$
(RESOLVED$that$members$of$our$synod’s$congregations,$be$encouraged$to$contact$their$Congressional$
Representatives$and$Senators,$asking$them$to$apply$this$condition$to$future$U.S.$aid$to$Israel.$The$Peace$
Not$Walls$working$group$in$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$will$provide$information$and$resources$for$this$
advocacy$on$the$synod$website:$www.rmselca.org/world/peace_not_walls.$$
$
Submitted$by:$Jan$Miller$(Representing$Peace$Not$Walls,$Rocky$Mountain$Synod)$
Implications of Resolution (if adopted):
Signers:$
Kaitlyn$Baldrige,$515545158165$
What is the financial impact of this resolution on the synod
Pastor$Bonita$Bock,$303586051467$
budget? If expenditures are required, what are the sources of
Pastor$Ted$Fritschel,$303597453504$
income anticipated to accomplish the purpose of the resolution?
Frank$Gunn,$303$74358822$
None
Barbara$Hanst,$303544351397$
Melanie$Ferraro,$303568157430$
What are the personnel implications within our synod (or
Jan$Miller,$303539952845$
churchwide)? Who will be responsible for implementation of the
Ann$Rutkofsky$303598856019$
resolution? No personnel implications - Members of
Dorothy$Stenman,$303586155839$
congregations, Peace Not Walls working group will provide
Doug$Wheeler,$303547756284$
resources and information for implementation.
Jo$Ann$Wacker5Farrand,$303575852309$$
Natalie$Walter,$303592158067$
How does this resolution enhance and forward the mission of
the church and our synod? Our resolution places the Rocky
Mountain Synod in solidarity with Palestinian Lutherans who
seek an end to suffering under Israel’s occupation and and end
to settlement construction on their lands.
1
Churchwide Stragegy for Engagement in Israel and Palestine:
http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/PNW_Strategy.pdf
2
"Fourth"Geneva"Convention,"Article"49:"https://www.icrc.org/ihl/WebART/380D600056""
"B’Tselem,"The"Israeli"Information"Center"for"Human"Rights:"
http://www.btselem.org/topic/settlements""
3
4
Jerusalem Post, March 3, 2015: http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Housing-minister-sees-50-percentmore-settlers-in-West-Bank-by-2019-352501
5
"B’Tselem:"http://www.btselem.org/settlements/statistics""
21
#3(MEMORIAL(
Designating(Lay(Rostered(Voting(Members(for(Churchwide(Assemblies(
(
(
Whereas,(the$Evangelical$Lutheran$Church$in$America$(ELCA)$maintains$rosters$of$
ordained$ministers,$and$three$lay$rosters:$$commissioned$associates$in$ministry,$
consecrated$diaconal$ministers$and$consecrated$deaconessesd$and$
Whereas(at$least$60%$of$the$voting$members$of$churchwide$assemblies$shall$be$
composed$of$laypersons,$with$the$remaining$voting$members$being$ordained$
ministersd$and$
Whereas,$persons$on$one$of$the$three$lay$rosters$who$serve$as$voting$members$at$
churchwide$assemblies$are$counted$in$the$ratio$of$lay$voting$members$of$said$
assembliesd$and$
Whereas$the$number$of$(non5rostered)$lay$voting$members$is$reduced$when$members$
of$the$lay$rosters$fill$those$voting$seats,$reducing$representation$from$the$majority$voice$
of$our$church$(non5rostered$members)d$and$
Whereas,$the$perspective$of$the$lay$rostered$leader,$whose$combination$of$theological$
education$and$call$to$diakonia,$serving$on$the$boundaries$between$Church$and$World,$is$
a$unique$voice$in$conversations$regarding$our$Churchd$and$
Whereas,$both$ordained$and$lay$rostered$voting$members$at$assemblies$are$serving$
congregations,$agencies$and$organizations$related$to$the$ELCA$and$bring$that$
perspectived$$
Therefore,(Be(It(Resolved,$that$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$memorialize$the$2016$
ELCA$Churchwide$Assembly$to$amend$ELCA$governing$documents$to$designate$voting$
members$at$synod$and$churchwide$assemblies$be$made$up$of$at$least$60%$non5
rostered$lay$voting$members,$with$the$remaining$voting$members$be$rostered$leaders$
drawn$from$all$four$ministry$rosters$of$the$ELCA,$reflective$of$the$current$ratio$of$
ordained,$consecrated,$and$commissioned$leaders$of$that$synod.$$$
$
(
(
$
$
$
$
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
19
Implications(of(Resolution((if(adopted):(
1.( What$is$the$financial$impact$of$this$resolution$on$the$synod$budget?$If$expenditures$are$required,$
what$are$the$sources$of$income$anticipated$to$accomplish$the$purpose$of$the$resolution?$$$$$There'
is'no'foreseeable'financial'impact.'(
(
2.( What$are$the$personnel$implications$within$our$synod$(or$churchwide)?$Who$will$be$responsible$
for$implementation$of$the$resolution?$$$$$Implementation'of'this'would'require'changing'current'
ELCA'governing'documents,'which'would'be'the'task'of'the'Office'of'the'Secretary'and'Church'
Council,'with'a'vote'needed'at'Churchwide'assembly.''At'the'Synod'level,'it'would'be'the'
responsibility'of'Synod'Council'and/or'Synod'staff'to'calculate'and'promote'the'correct'
designations'of'the'voting'member'slots.(
(
(
3.( How$does$this$resolution$enhance$and$forward$the$mission$of$the$church$and$our$synod?$$$$This'
resolution'reflects'the'Rocky'Mountain'Synod’s'commitment'to'empowering'and'equipping'lay'
leaders'as'equal'and'necessary'voices'in'making'decisions'and'implementing'our'mission'of'
being'Christ'in'the'world.''This'resolution'seeks'to'honor'all'those'called'to'formal'service'to'the'
Church'as'equal'partners'in'ministry'for'the'sake'of'the'Gospel,'and'seeks'to'forward'the'mission'
of'the'Church'by'raising'up'those'called'to'Diakonia'as'a'critical'to'how'we'do'ministry'in'new'and'
st
creative'ways'the'21 'century.'(
$
$
Submitted(by(Erin$Power,$Diaconal$Minister$
$
$
$
$
$
$
co5signers:$
Ro$Fesser,$Diaconal$Minister$
Cynthia$Biddlecomb,$Associate$in$Ministry$
Jan$Krakow,$Associate$in$Ministry$
Laura$Carson,$Associate$in$Ministry$
Virginia$Postle,$Associate$in$Ministry$
Dorothy$Stenman,$Associate$in$Ministry$
Judy$Lounsberry,$Associate$in$Ministry$
Joan$Kuehn,$Associate$in$Ministry$
$
$
20
#4(RESOLUTION(
Called(to(Set(the(Captives(Free:(A(Call(to(Increased(Awareness(and(Action(to(
Confront(the(Practice(of(Human(Trafficking(
$
Whereas,$trafficking$in$persons$for$coerced$sex$and$labor$is$a$global,$widespread,$and$illegal$practice$
which$violates$basic$human$rights,$including$the$United$Nations$Declaration$of$Universal$Human$Rightsd$
(1)$
$
Whereas$the$prophets$cried$out$against$the$exploitation$of$the$poor$and$of$laborers$who$are$not$treated$
fairly$and$compensated$justly$(Job$24:1512)$and$Jesus$in$Luke$4:18$claimed$his$mission$from$Isaiah$61$to$
'to$bring$good$news$to$the$poor,$to$proclaim$release$to$the$captives$and$recovery$of$sight$to$the$blind,$to$
let$the$oppressed$go$free.'$
$
Whereas$an$estimated$14518,000$persons$are$trafficked$each$year$into$the$United$States$(2)$in$addition$
to$the$estimated$more$than$100,000$child$and$adult$victims$who$come$from$within$the$U.S.$(3),$often$in$the$
communities$where$we$live,$work,$and$worship,$and$there$are$an$estimated$27$million$adults$and$13$
million$children$around$the$world$who$are$victims$of$human$trafficking,$$(4)$
$
Therefore,(Be(It(Resolved:$that$the$Synod$Assembly$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$encourage$its$
members,$congregations,$and$various$expressions$of$the$church$to$create$awareness$and$engage$in$
education$about$the$issues$of$trafficking$in$persons$and$advocacy$efforts$to$end$this$criminal$and$abusive$
practice,$
$
Be(it(Further(Resolved,$that$the$congregations$and$organizations$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$be$
encouraged$to$Identify$and$support$systems$and$organizations$that$are$providing$avenues$of$escape,$
recovery,$and$restoration$of$victims$of$trafficking$and$be$encouraged$to$form$partnerships$with$local$
agencies,$task$forces,$law$enforcement,$and/or$justice$organizations$that$are$engaged$in$advocacy,$care,$
and$resource$development$to$combat$human$trafficking$and$its$effects$on$victims.$
$
Be(It(Further(Resolved,$that$the$Office$of$the$Bishop$support$the$Synod's$Advocacy$Offices$in$making$
Human$Trafficking$legislation$a$priority$and$inform$the$congregations$and$members$of$such$legislation$and$
its$progress$in$the$state$legislatures$of$the$Rocky$Mountain$Synod$as$practicable$and$support$such$
legislation$which$advances$the$prosecution$of$traffickers$and$the$protection$and$care$for$trafficking$victims.$
$
Be(it(Further(Resolved,$that$the$Office$of$the$Bishop$support$efforts$of$volunteers$to$form$a$Human$
Trafficking$Task$Force$that$would$assist$in$building$awareness,$education,$advocacy,$and$action$within$
our$synod,$and$make$use$of$electronic$communication$to$broaden$participation$in$such$a$task$force$and$
limit$"costs"$to$volunteer$time.$
$
Footnotes:$
1$5Human$Trafficking$Statistics$$1$$Polaris$Project$www.cicatelli.orgd$
US$Dept.$of$Health$and$Human$Services,$US$Dept$of$Justiced$Free$the$Slaves$
2$5$isanctuary.orgd$National$Human$Trafficking$Resource$Center$2011$
35$TraffickingHope.orgd$"Teen$Girls$Stories$of$Sex$Trafficking$in$the$U.S."$ABC$News/Primetime.$February$
9,$
2006.$Accessed:$December$$26,$2010.$
4$5$US$Department$of$State$2013$TIP$(Trafficking$$in$Persons)$Report,$p.7d$
Skinner,$E.$Benjamin.$2008.$A$Crime$So$Monstrous:$Face5to5Face$with$Modern5Day$Slavery.$New$York,$
NY:$Free$Press.$
$
Implications$of$Resolution$(if$adopted):$
1.$$$What$is$the$financial$impact$of$this$resolution$on$the$synod$budget?$If$expenditures$are$required,$what$
are$the$sources$of$income$anticipated$to$accomplish$the$purpose$of$the$resolution?$
$
The(advocacy(function(will(fit(within(the(established(parameters(of(the(activities(of(the(Advocacy(
Offices,(recognizing(the(need(to(prioritize(time(and(efforts(among(current(and(future(issues.(
((
As(the(task(force(is(essentially(a(volunteer(effort(using(electronic(communication,(the(cost(factor(
is(negligible.(
$
2.$$$What$are$the$personnel$implications$within$our$synod$(or$churchwide)?$Who$will$be$responsible$for$
22
implementation$of$the$resolution?$
$
This(will(fall(on(congregations(and(concerned(members,(writers(of(the(Synod(newsletter(
(volunteer(submissions),(the(Bishop(and(the(Policy(Committee,(Synod(Advocacy(offices,(and(task(
force(volunteers,(no(new(personnel.(
$
$
3.$$$How$does$this$resolution$enhance$and$forward$the$mission$of$the$church$and$our$synod?$
$
Being(Called(to(Set(the(Captives(Free(follows(both(Old(and(New(Testament(calls(for(justice(and(
care(for(the(oppressed.(
$
$
Submitted$by$$
Pastor$Timothy$Bettger.$Nancy$Rowles$
The$Social$Ministry$Commission,$St.$Paul$Lutheran$Church,$Calhan,$CO.$
$
23