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2004 Assembly Minutes

Minutes of the

2004 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

May 21-23, 2004

Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

The assembly convened with an Opening Eucharist at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 21, in the ballroom of the Lory Student Center on the campus of Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.  The Reverend Vera Guebert-Steward presided, and the sermon was preached by Bishop Allan Bjornberg.

FIRST  BUSINESS SESSION, FRIDAY, MAY 21

 The first business session was called to order at 3:30 p.m. by Bishop Allan Bjornberg who led the group in the opening litany.  Bishop Bjornberg welcomed the assembly participants and referred them to sections of the pre-assembly report and the notebooks which had been distributed at registration

 ADOPTION OF THE RULES OF PROCEDURE

Bishop Bjornberg referred the assembly to the Rules of Procedure for the Synod Assembly.  The rules were printed in Section H of the pre-assembly report.

            VOTED:
            SA2004.5.1    To adopt the Rules of Procedure for the Assembly.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

Bishop Bjornberg reviewed the proposed agenda for the Assembly.  He explained that voting members had received the agenda in their notebooks and that extra copies were available from the distributors of documents.  He explained that the assembly would employ three types of voting:  voice vote, red and green voting cards, and stand and be counted.  Elections for boards and committees were scheduled for Saturday morning with instructions to be given at that time.

            VOTED:
            SA2004.5.2    To adopt the agenda for the Assembly with the privilege of the chair to adjust the agenda as necessary.

 INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS

Bishop Bjornberg introduced the following speakers for the assembly:  Dr. Paul Rajashekar, Dean, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Dr. Timothy Wengert, professor at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Joanne Chadwick, Director of the ELCA Commission for Women, ELCA representative.  He also introduced the following agency and institution representatives:

The Rev. Ted Peters, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, CA
The Rev. Reg Schultz-Akerson, California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, CA
Carol Schneider, Mission Investment Fund/Region 2 Church Building Consultant, Phoenix, AZ
Justin Carlson, Bethany College, Lindsborg, KS
The Rev. Terry Mencel, ELCA Board of Pensions, Minneapolis, MN
Marta Jacobs, Augsburg Fortress Publishing
The Rev. Daniel Carlson, ELCA Mission Investment Fund
James Barclay, Lutheran Family Services of Colorado
Anne Patneaude, Good Shepherd Communities
Kara Leglar, Mosaic Inc.
The Rev. Paul Gilbertson, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Carolyn Mickey, Director, Eben Ezer Care Center, Brush, CO
David Jarvis, Director, Rainbow Trail Camp
The Rev. Ralph Yernberg, Director, Lutheran Ranches of the Rockies

 INTRODUCTION OF ROSTERED LEADERS NEW TO THE SYNOD

Bishop Bjornberg introduced the following:

Rev. Steven Leiser, Mountain of Faith, Stansbury Park, UT
Rev. Michael McAllister, Cross of Christ, Broomfield, CO
Rev. Scott Stein, Christ the King, Colorado Springs, CO
Rev. Scott Jorgenson, Trinity, Las Cruces, NM
Rev. Michael TeKrony, Holy Shepherd, Lakewood, CO
Rev. Barrett Cain, St. Paul, Albuquerque, NM
Rev. William Irons, Camp Stoney Conference Center, Santa Fe, NM
Diaconal Minister Erin Morris, Bethany, Cherry Hills Village, CO
Rev. Susan Honn, Grace, Casper, WY
Rev. Jerry Preston, Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO
Rev. Lynette Crase, Joy, Parker, CO
Rev. Robert Schmidt, St. Paul, Cheyenne, WY
Rev. Paul Ziegler, Christ the Savior, Aurora, CO
Rev. Bruce Kuenzel, Bethlehem, Los Alamos, NM
Rev. Joe Hess, Christ, Highlands Ranch, CO
Rev. Seven Berke, First, Longmont, CO
Rev. Kenneth Thompson, St. Peter, Carlsbad, NM
Karen Thompson, AIM, Carlsbad, NM
Rev. Randall Young, Faith, Security, CO
Rev. Roger Fjeld, Estes Park, CO (retired)
Michael Fick, seminary graduate
Doris Nolan, seminary graduate

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON REFERENCE AND COUNSEL

Bishop Bjornberg called on Ruth Hoffman, chair of the committee, and announced that other committee members were Elizabeth Purdum, Jerry Jaggers, Katherine Cruson, and Roger Rapp.  Chair Hoffman informed members of the assembly that additional resolutions must be submitted to the committee by 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, May 22. 

PRESENTATION OF THE SYNOD BUDGET

Members of the assembly viewed the synod video “Partners Together” which described many of the synod ministries.  Synod treasurer, Robert Sandoval reported that although the 2003 synod assembly adopted a budget of $3.6million for 2003-2004, the actual income was $3.2 million.  While gifts to congregations have increased during the past year, reported Mr. Sandoval, gifts to the Rocky Mountain Synod and the ELCA have decreased.  Presently an average of 7.8% of congregational gifts are passed on to the synod.  The adopted budget for 2004 included  an amount of $1,850,000 designated for mission support to ELCA.  In February 2004, the Synod Council revised that commitment to $1,682,500 based on anticipated income.  Mr. Sandoval explained that if congregations could increase gifts to the synod by ½ percent, income would increase by $168,000; a 1 percent increase would increase income by $336,000 and a 20 percent increase would increase income by $4.1million.  A vote to adopt the 2005-2006 proposed budget would be taken on Sunday morning. 

FAITHFUL, WELCOMING, GENEROUS PRESENTATION

Bishop Bjornberg introduced Dr. Timothy Wengert, professor of Reformation History at Philadelphia Seminary, to speak on the “Faithful Church.”  Dr. Wengert reminded the assembly that the term “This is my church” is too possessive; the church belongs to Jesus Christ alone.  Dr. Wengert emphasized that the biggest problem facing our Lutheran Church at all levels is that we think the life of the church depends upon us and what we do.  He reminded the assembly that contrary to our expectations, God is in charge of the church. 

Following announcements, the session recessed for a buffet dinner.

 SECOND BUSINESS SESSION, FRIDAY, MAY 21

 The second business session convened at 7:00 p.m. in the main ballroom of the Lory Student Center.  Bishop Bjornberg reminded the assembly that any materials to be distributed on the floor of the assembly must have prior approval from the Committee on Reference and Counsel.

 REPORT OF THE ELECTIONS COMMITTEE

Bishop Bjornberg referred the voting members to Section N of the pre-assembly report and encouraged them to study the nominations as printed on the sample ballot.  He opened the floor for additional nominations and reminded the assembly that biographical information must be submitted to the office in Room 207 by the close of this business session.  The following were nominated from the floor:

Synod Council –

            Wyoming lay woman – Mary Richey, Christ, Cheyenne
            Southeast Colorado lay man – Richard Nehring, Bethany, Colorado

Board for Church in Society –

            Metro South clergy – George Jacobson

2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

            Utah lay woman – Sharon McCright, St. Matthew’s, Salt lake City
            Metro West lay woman – Jeanne Tolzmann, Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge

            Lay woman at large – Mary Richey, Christ, Cheyenne, WY; and Lauri Muller, Prince of Peace, North Logan, UT

Bishop Bjornberg announced that all people elected as voting members to the churchwide assembly were encouraged to attend the sexuality hearing at Bethany Lutheran in Cherry Hills Village on June 5.  The floor was closed for nominations. 

RECEPTION OF REJOICE LUTHERAN CHURCH, ERIE, COLORADO

The Rev. James Hytjan, assistant to the bishop, introduced The Rev. Keith Prekker, pastor of Rejoice Lutheran, and the attending members of Rejoice.  Pastor Prekker thanked all the congregations which had given gifts to help with the development of Rejoice.  He noted that 143 members had signed the charter at this time.  Bishop Bjornberg officially received Rejoice Lutheran as a member congregation of the Rocky Mountain Synod.  Pastor Hytjan invited the assembly to attend a Saturday interest lunch with representatives of the Mission Endowment Fund, and he noted that the Mission Partners wish list from developing congregations will be shared with the assembly.

 REPORT OF THE HUNGER TASK FORCE

Carol McDivitt, chair of the hunger task force, reported briefly on the ELCA Hunger Appeal, noting that 93% of gifts to the appeal actually go for hunger projects.  100% of gifts to disaster relief and to the Stand with Africa appeal go directly to those funds.  She reported that the synod’s task force goal is to double the amount given by synod congregations to world hunger.  The focus of the task force is to provide resource manuals and ideas to congregations.

FAITHFUL, WELCOMING, GENEROUS PRESENTATION

Dr. Timothy Wengert’s second presentation focused on the “Welcoming Church,” which might be paraphrased as “Evangelism.”  He noted that Luther’s Small Catechism is a good resource for evangelism because it confesses the Christian faith in clear, simple language. 

Dr. Ted Peters, interim president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, greeted the assembly and remarked that the spirit of Timothy Lull is alive at the seminary.  He reported that the seminary recently celebrated the retirement of Dr. Victor Gold after 43 years of service at the seminary. 

 The second business session adjourned with announcements, prayer and a hymn.

 THIRD BUSINESS SESSION, SATURDAY, MAY 22

 The business session convened at 8:30 a.m. in the main ballroom of the Lory Student Center.    Bishop Bjornberg led the group in an opening hymn and prayer.  Bishop Bjornberg installed the Rev. Kent Mueller as Synod Director for Communications.

 REPORT OF THE VICE PRESIDENT

Bishop Bjornberg introduced Don Filegar, synod vice president, for his report.  Mr. Filegar introduced members of the Synod Council and reviewed their activities for the past year.  He noted the resignation of Dr. Thomas Chamberlain from the synod staff and explained that Dr. Chamberlain’s responsibilities have been reassigned to other staff members.  Mr. Filegar explained that the Synod Council had approved reductions in the adopted budget for 2004-2005 and is proposing reductions for the 2005-2006 budget.  If mission support income exceeds the adopted budget, additional funds would be distributed in priority order to the ELCA, seminary support, and Betela Seminary.  Other additional funds would be distributed to synod staff salaries and campus pastors’ salaries.  Mr. Filegar encouraged assembly members to return to their congregations and share the story and excitement from the assembly.  Mr. Filegar summarized his remarks by stating that the Synod Council expects that the Holy Spirit would move among us, help us be creative, and move forward with courage.

 REPORT OF THE BISHOP

Bishop Bjornberg focused his remarks around the people of the Rocky Mountain Synod as the Body of Christ, where the primary work of the church is to be the church.  He explained that worship is our life; it names us and claims us; it teaches us about love and grace and peace; it forms us anew.  The Spirit creates the church out of us.  In reviewing the events of the past year, Bishop Bjornberg highlighted the following:

• The synod consists of 180 congregations which worship from 10 to 1,000 people per Sunday.
• Many congregations have participated in “Journey Together Faithfully,” part 2 of the ELCA Sexuality Studies.
• Three congregations voted to leave the ELCA.  Holy Cross, Brigham City, UT, and Good Shepherd, Sandy, UT, withdrew; while the request of St. Paul, El Paso, TX has been postponed until 2005.
• Rejoice Lutheran, Erie, CO, is being received as a newly organized congregation.
• Several new starts are being planned; we have joint Lutheran/Episcopalian congregations; and several Episcopal pastors serving Lutheran congregations.
• Montclair Lutheran, Denver, CO, and Calvary, Arvada, CO, have dissolved.  Montclair Lutheran deeded its property to the HKBP Lutheran Church.
• The last fiscal year was a difficult financial year with some congregations decreasing their giving, some increasing, and some declining to give at all to the larger church.
• The January High School Youth Gathering offering of $5,000 was given for Stand With Africa.
• Lay congregational leaders need to be aware of the health and wellness issues of their rostered leaders.

 REPORT OF THE CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE

Secretary Katherine Cruson reported the following attendance as of 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning:

Clergy voting members      171
Lay voting members      270
   Total voting members      441

Visitors                           67

Bishop Bjornberg explained that the list of names which had appeared on some tables earlier in the morning was not approved by the Committee on Reference and Counsel and was, therefore, inappropriate.  Following prayer, the first ballot was distributed.  Bishop Bjornberg reminded the voting members that ballots would be due in the ballot boxes by 10:45 a.m.

INTRODUCTIONS

Bishop Bjornberg introduced Pastor Bernie Ebert, an Episcopal priest serving Holy Cross, LaJunta, CO; and Pastor Jeanne Lutz, serving Peace Lutheran, Las Cruces, NM.

 FAITHFUL, WELCOMING, GENEROUS PRESENTATION

Bishop Bjornberg introduced Dr. Paul Rajashekar, Dean of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, for his presentation on the assembly theme.  Dr. Rajashekar posed the question:  “How can we be the church in a fundamentally religiously pluralistic society?  His presentation included the following highlights:

1.                  The visible Church is only credible when built on a foundation of Jesus Christ.

2.                  We cannot abandon our claims of peculiarity.  This claim must be tempered by an awareness that we must participate in the larger mission of Christ in the world.

3.                  The Church lives in the midst of all the people of God.  Christians must learn to be guests, to walk in the company of others.

Following the presentation, the assembly recessed for small-group conversations and interest lunches.

FOURTH BUSINESS SESSION, SATURDAY, MAY 22

The fourth business session convened at 1:30 p.m.  Bishop Bjornberg introduced Father David Wood, Covenant Lutheran, Wheatland, WY; and Father Tom White, Lutheran Church of Grace/St. Mark’s, Craig, CO; both of whom are Episcopal partners in ministry with our synod.

Bishop Bjornberg recognized the following deaths, retirements, and anniversaries:

 Rostered Leaders Retired Since 2003 Assembly

Joy Eisenhauer, Grand Junction, CO

Duane Jensen, Bountiful, UT

Duane Ferchen, Cheyenne, WY

Robert Tyce, Salt Lake City, UT

Virginia Broderius, Golden, CO

Bruce Bergquist, Fort Collins, CO

Dorothy Stenman, Denver, CO

Rostered Leader Deaths Since 2003 Assembly

Carl Oberleiter, Tavares, FL

Emery Petersen, Annandale, MN

Hubert Hanson, Loveland, Co

Arthur Anderson, Boulder, CO

George West, Albuquerque, NM

James Olsen, Loveland, CO

Pastors Observing 65^th Anniversary of Ordination

Ludwig Scholl, Loveland, CO

Pastors Observing 60^th Anniversary of Ordination

Melvin Ostlin, Calhan, CO

Pastors Observing 55^th Anniversary of Ordination

Martin Schroeder, Denver, CO

Pastors Observing 50^th Anniversary of Ordination

James Anderson, Woodland Park, CO

Paul Hansen, Greeley, CO

Robert Johnson, Fort Collins, CO

Loren Kniep, Ault, CO

Herbert Meyer, Colorado Springs, CO

Gordon Reetz, Arvada, CO

John Refsell, Estes Park, CO

Donald Saul, Pueblo, CO

Walter Schaefer, Colorado Springs, CO

Dar Vriesman, Westminster, CO

Deaconess Observing 50^th Anniversary of Consecration

Sister Patricia Chafin, Brush, CO

Pastors Observing 45^th Anniversary of Ordination

Robert DeYoung, Greeley, CO

Roger Fjeld, Estes Park, CO

Harold Geiss, Pine, CO

Gordon Petersen, Colorado Springs, CO

Charles Rein, Loveland, CO

Pastors Observing 40^th Anniversary of Ordination

Carl Hansen, Lakewood, CO

John Harpel, Aurora, CO

Richard Kling, Loveland, CO

Robert Miller, Yuma, CO

Kenneth Stenman, Evergreen, CO

Pastors Observing 35^th Anniversary of Ordination

Daniel Benuska, El Paso, TX

Robert Eller, Englewood, CO

James Gearhart, Arvada, CO

Keith Prekker, Erie, CO

Arlyn Tolzmann, Wheat Ridge, CO

Pastors Observing 30^th Anniversary of Ordination

John Backe, Denver, CO

Dale Bauer, Albuquerque, NM

Chet Evenson, Redmond, OR

Art Meyer, Farmington, NM

Jerry Preston, Broomfield, CO

Ron Roschke, Boulder, CO

Marvin Skogen, Casper, WY

Kenneth Thompson, Carlsbad, NM

Pastors Observing 25^th Anniversary of Ordination

Steven Berke, Longmont, CO

David Hartenberger, Albuquerque, NM

Stephen Ingram, Perry, UT

Paul Joncas, Fort Collins, CO

Steven Klemz, Salt Lake City, UT

Mark Patzke, Colorado Springs, CO

Kari Reiquam, Dillon, CO

R. Dean Smith, Windsor, CO

Congregations Celebrating 50^th Anniversary of Organization

Advent, Westminster, CO

St. Luke, Albuquerque, NM

Congregations Celebrating 25^th Anniversary of Organization

All Saints, Aurora, CO

St. John’s, Thornton, CO

ELCA REPRESENTATIVE AND VIDEO

Bishop Bjornberg introduced Joanne Chadwick, Executive Director of the ELCA Commission for Women, who brought greetings from Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson.  Using the Rocky Mountain Synod’s assembly theme, Ms. Chadwick summarized how the ELCA is:

1.                  Generous:  sharing with Rocky Mountain Synod congregations

2.                  Faithful:  Bishop Hanson calls the church to prayer; 143 congregations are under development; 19 areas in the United States received disaster funds this year

3.                  Welcoming:  we tell our story; we should be leaders for change especially in social justice.

LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION PRESENTATION

Robert Lopeman, representing Lutheran Men in Mission encouraged the development of a men’s ministry in every congregation.  He introduced Sean Ford, Charles Adkins, and Matthew Gerbig as representatives from the ELCA Young Men’s Council who will be sponsoring a “Road Trip” for young men at Estes Park on September 24-26, 2004.

COMMITTEE ON REFERENCE AND COUNSEL

Bishop Bjornberg introduced Ruth Hoffman, chair of the committee, who reviewed the procedures for discussion and vote on the resolutions.  She noted that only the “Resolved” items may be debated and there is a time limit of three minutes per speaker.

Resolution #1 – Regarding Border Issues

            VOTED:

            SA2004.5.3    To adopt the resolution.

Resolution #2 – Concerns Regarding The Project for a New American Century

Committee chair Hoffman reported that the resolution met the criteria for adoption with the exception of a concern regarding language that could be considered inflammatory in the first “Whereas” statement.

            VOTED:

            SA2004.5.4    To defeat the resolution.

Resolution #3 – With Regard to Homosexuality Issues in the ELCA

Committee chair Hoffman explained that this resolution did not meet the criteria for adoption since it did not direct a specific identity to take action.  The committee further determined that the resolution was probably inconsistent with 2003 Synod Assembly action which indicated that the assembly preferred to engage in conversation and to follow the current ELCA process in considering questions raised in the resolution.  The Committee on Reference and Counsel recommended that this resolution be referred to the Task Force for the ELCA Studies on Sexuality.

            VOTED:

            SA2004.5.5    To refer the resolution to the Task Force for the ELCA Studies on

                                    Sexuality as expressing the concerns and views of Bethlehem

                                    Lutheran Church, Brush, Colorado.

Resolution #4 – From the Rocky Mountain Synod Council in Gratitude for the Ministry of Montclair Lutheran Church, Denver, CO

            VOTED:

            SA2004.5.6    To adopt the resolution.

Resolution #5 – From the Rocky Mountain Synod Council in Gratitude for the Ministry of Calvary Lutheran Church, Arvada, CO

            VOTED:

            SA2004.5.7    To adopt the resolution.

Resolution #6 – From the Rocky Mountain Synod Council in Gratitude for Congregational Financial Support of Synod and Churchwide Ministries.

Editorial changes were made to delete the extra “and whereas” clauses in the fifth and sixth “Whereas” sections.

            VOTED:

            SA2004.5.8    To adopt the resolution as corrected.

REPORT OF THE FIRST BALLOT

Bishop Bjornberg called on Dale Ostlie, chair of the teller committee, for the report of the first ballot.

Ballots cast -             418

To elect -             210

Synod Council

Wyoming – lay woman

Martha Atkins – 148

Barbara Johnson – 155

Mary Richey – 88

Boulder/Broomfield – clergy

Laurel Alexander – no opposition; elected

Metro West – lay woman

Judy Dunlavy – 161

Meagan Malchow – 228

Following the assembly it was determined that Meagan Malchow was disqualified and Judy Dunlay was declared elected.

Southeast Colorado – lay man

Richard Nehring – no opposition; elected

Border – lay man

No nominees

Clergy at Large

Kristi Beebe – 237 – elected

Mike Hamilton – 95

Paul Joncas –91

Karl Kruse – 139

Elizabeth Purdum – 224 – elected

Roger Rapp – 164

Paul Ward – 187

Lay woman at large

Kim Hohensee – 268 – elected

Dar Larson – 123

Lay man at large

Jerry Jaggers – no opposition; elected

Youth Representative

No nominees

Mission Outreach Board

The following candidates ran unopposed and were elected without a written ballot

Wyoming clergy – Robert Chapman

North Colorado lay woman – Shelly Fischer

Boulder/Broomfield clergy – Jerry Preston

Southeast Colorado lay woman – no nominees

Border  lay man – Miguel Hernandez

Lay man at large – Jerry Van Aken

Congregational Ministries Board

The following candidates ran unopposed and were elected without a written ballot.

North Colorado clergy – Jason McSpadden

Metro West lay man – no nominees

Metro South lay man – no nominees

Metro East lay man – no nominees

Southeast Colorado clergy – Erwin Spruth

North New Mexico lay woman – Terry Cole

Board for Church in Society

Wyoming – lay man

Rich Marquardt – elected; no opposition

North Colorado – clergy

Earl Matson – 166

Donald Thurn – 219 – elected

Metro West – lay woman

Judy Dunlavy – elected without opposition; however, decided after assembly to serve on Synod Council

Metro South – clergy

George Jacobson – elected; no opposition

Border – lay woman

Susan Hernandez –160

Frankie Sweetnam – 209 – elected

Clergy at large

Paul Carlson – 82

Dave Hartenberger – 84

Joel Martin – 122

Todd von Gunten – 100

2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Voting Members

Wyoming - Clergy

Chad Bruchlacher – 97

Robert Chapman – 42

John Orwig – 83

Todd von Gunten – 174

Utah - lay woman

Debra Elstad – 150

Jane Erdahl – 181

Sharon McCright – 57

North Colorado – lay woman

Laurel Houser – 48

Carol McDivitt – 170

Joanne Thompson – 83

Julie Wilson – 88

Boulder/Broomfield – lay man

Steve Kultala – 162

Roger Martinez – 217 - elected

Metro West – lay woman

Nancy Brooks – 70

Judy Dunlavy – 114

Sharon Gorman – 88

Jeanne Tolzmann – 112

Metro South – lay man

Edward Blewett – 160

McGregor Miller – 200 – elected

Metro East – clergy

Paul Hofer – 104

Kevin Maly – 189

John Petty – 106

Southeast Colorado – lay man

Timothy Bergren – 95

Wendell Hjelmstad – 34

Rod Schofield – 204 - elected

Marty Slivka - 61

North New Mexico – lay man

Ron Augustson – 80

David Ericson – 57

Ron Iman – 76

Richard Schwoebel – 96

Dale Wingeleth – 78

Border – clergy

Mike Hamilton – 147

Wayne Kendrick – 231 – elected

Multicultural lay man

Robert Sandoval – 227 – elected

Robert Vigil – 158

Multicultural lay woman

No nominees

Clergy at large

Emily Cardin – 71

David Cruson – 72

Joyce Dennison – 71

David Fisher – 83

James Gearhart – 50

Dan Hansen – 84

Patricia Holman – 128

Erik Karas – 14

Jeffrey Louden – 60

Steve Loy – 103

Tom Renquist – 94

Kenneth Thurow – 57

Penni Walsh – 81

Phil Wangberg – 94

Bruce Wilder – 53

Connie Winter-Eulberg – 65

Lay woman at large

Tamara Adams – 44

Cynthia Biddlecomb- 21

Cindy Buschagen – 28

Jan Krakow – 56

Diana Linden – 24

Jan Miller – 65

Lauri Muller – 18

Mary Richey – 14

Martha Rowe – 41

Karen Setzer – 40

Judi Stewart – 35

Bishop Bjornberg declared elections as indicated and asked the tellers to distribute the second ballot.

YOUTH GATHERINGS PRESENTATION

Pastor Dan Bollman called on Holly Phillips, Mary Black, Kris Trahnstrom, Kim Sandfort and Pastor Dave Cruson to join him on the stage for the presentation.  They announced the following youth gathering dates and sites for this year.

1.                  Senior High Youth – Glorieta Conference Center near Santa Fe, NM – November 19-21, 2004

2.                  Junior High Youth – Sheraton Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO – January 21-23, 2005

Following some announcements, the assembly recessed for small-group conversations and a buffet dinner.

A Thomas Mass was celebrated at 7:30 p.m. with Bishop Allan Bjornberg preaching the sermon.

FIFTH BUSINESS SESSION, SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2004

The business session convened at 8:30 a.m. with morning prayer and a hymn in the ballroom of the Lory Student Center

REPORT OF THE SECOND BALLOT

Bishop Bjornberg called on Dale Ostlie, chair of the elections committee, for the report of the ballot.

Ballots cast – 391

To elect – 196

Synod Council

Wyoming – lay woman

Martha Atkins – 158

Barbara Johnson – 209 – elected

Clergy at large

Roger Rapp – 184

Paul Ward – 201 – elected

Board for Church in Society

Clergy at large

Joel Martin – 206 – elected

Todd von Gunten – 180

2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Voting Members

Wyoming – clergy

Chad Brucklacher – 163

Todd von Gunten – 221 – elected

Utah lay woman

Debra Elstad – 185

Jane Erdahl – 195 – elected

North Colorado lay woman

Carol McDivitt – 248 – elected

Julie Wilson – 128

Metro West lay woman

Judy Dunlavy – 172

Jeanne Tolzmann – 202 – elected

Metro East Clergy

Kevin Maly – 217 – elected

John Petty – 155

North New Mexico lay man

Ron Augustson – 163

Richard Schwoebel – 196 – elected

Clergy at large

David Fisher – 96

Dan Hansen – 173

Patricia Holman – 277 – elected

Steve Loy – 239 – elected

Tom Renquist – 127

Phil Wangberg – 221 – elected

Lay woman at large

Jan Krakow – 178

Jan Miller – 204 – elected

Bishop Bjornberg declared the election process complete.

GLOBAL MISSION COMMITTEE REPORT

Bishop Bjornberg called on Pastor Jim Gonia who presented the work of global missions through the use of a video describing the various ministries and global sites being sponsored by the synod.  He mentioned the trip to Mexico City later in June and explained that the trip to Madagascar had been rescheduled for June of 2005.

ADOPTION OF THE BUDGET

Bishop Bjornberg referred the assembly to Section B of the pre-assembly report and explained that the budget motion has been presented by the Synod Council.  He explained that any proposed expenditure amendments must be accompanied by a proposal to double the necessary revenue for that expenditure since 50% of revenue is designated for the ELCA commitment.

            VOTED:

            SA2004.5.9    To adopt the budget proposal as presented in the pre-assembly report.

BOARD FOR CHURCH IN SOCIETY – INCENTIVE AWARDS

Pastor Joel Martin, chair of the Board for Church in Society presented the following incentive awards:

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO - $500 for shower and bath remodel for Interfaith Hospitality Network

Highlands Lutheran Church, Denver, CO - $750 – bath shower for Interfaith Hospitality Network

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Morgan, CO - $750 for Hispanic ministry outreach program

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Denver, CO - $200 for neighborhood and family outreach

Evergreen Lutheran Church, Evergreen, CO - $500 for camperships for foster children

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, CO - $750 for Day Center of Fort Collins

Trinity Lutheran Church, Hobbs, NM - $500 for partnership with Isaiah’s Kitchen

LUTHERAN MINISTRY PARTNERS FOR CHARITABLE AWARENESS PRESENTATION

Bishop Bjornberg introduced Pastor Jim Leistikow who explained that the focus of Lutheran Ministry Partners is to tell the story of Lutheran social ministry agencies, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the ELCA foundation.  The second purpose is to facilitate gifts to these agencies.  Pastor Leistikow noted that he is available for assisting churches in developing endowment funds and foundations. 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD WOMEN OF THE ELCA

President Leslie Whited Vance presented a video about women’s ministries and reminded the assembly of their 2004 convention to be held from September 24-26 at the Albuquerque Marriott Hotel.

BISHOP’S REFLECTIONS

Bishop Bjornberg reflected briefly on the many opportunities for ministries that had been presented at this assembly.  He expressed thanks to the assembly planning team, Trinity Lutheran and Our Saviour’s Lutheran of Fort Collins, Colorado State University Office of Conference Services staff, J&S Audio Video Services, the synod office staff, and Joanne Chadwick, ELCA representative, for their work in making the assembly a success.

There was a closing worship at 10:00 a.m. in the ballroom.  Bishop Bjornberg presided and James Barclay of Lutheran Family Services of Colorado preached the sermon.  The assembly adjourned at 11:30 a.m