Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
May 19-21, 2005
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

The 2005 Assembly of the Rocky Mountain Synod convened with an Opening Eucharist at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, in the ballroom of the Lory Student Center on the campus of Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. The theme of the assembly was “Together in Hope.” Bishop Allan Bjornberg presided, and the sermon was preached by the Reverend Phyllis Anderson, president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, California. Special music was provided by the Queen City Jazz Band.

FIRST PLENARY SESSION, THURSDAY, MAY 19

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 printed in the worship folder. 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:
SA2005.5.1 To adopt the Rules of Procedure for the Assembly.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

Bishop Bjornberg reviewed the proposed agenda for the Assembly.

            VOTED:
            SA2005.5.2    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. Barbara Rossing, Associate Professor of New Testament, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago; Ms. Myrna Sheie, Executive Assistant to Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, ELCA Representative; Dr. Phyllis Anderson, president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, California. He also introduced the Rev. Charles Berdahl, representative of the ELCA Board of Pensions; Nathan Bitzer, representative of Augsburg Fortress Publishing; and the Rev. Daniel Carlson, representative of the ELCA Foundation.

CONCERNING THE RESOLUTIONS ON THE ELCA REPORT ON THE STUDIES OF SEXUALITY

Bishop Bjornberg stated that in order for the assembly to have time to discuss and understand the proposed Resolutions #7, #8, and #9 on the ELCA Sexuality Report, the assembly would move to a Committee of the Whole on Friday morning to talk together before those resolutions are presented for debate.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON REFERENCE AND COUNSEL

Dale Ostlie, chair of the committee, announced that additional resolutions must be submitted to the committee or to the synod office by 9:00 p.m. today (Thursday). Mr. Ostlie introduced the committee members: Jerry Jaggers, Katherine Cruson, and Joel Nau.

NOMINATIONS FOR SYNOD VICE PRESIDENT

Bishop Bjornberg reported that Linda Bobbitt, Thornton, Colorado; and Donald Filegar, Denver, Colorado; had been nominated for the position of synod vice president. The election is for a four-year term and the vice president must be a lay person. Bishop Bjornberg opened the floor for additional nominations; there were none. Bishop Bjornberg declared the nominations closed and announced that the balloting would be on Friday morning.

ELCA PRESENTATION

Ms. Myrna Sheie, Executive Assistant to Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, brought greetings from Bishop Hanson. She thanked the many Rocky Mountain Synod members serving on churchwide boards and committees and the participation of Rocky Mountain Synod congregations in outreach and mission support. She recalled briefly the many special activities of people and congregations in the synod.

TOGETHER IN HOPE PRESENTATION

Bishop Bjornberg introduced Dr. Barbara Rossing, Associate Professor of New Testament, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, for her first presentation. The plenary session recessed at 5:15 p.m. for dinner

SECOND PLENARY SESSION, THURSDAY, MAY 19

The second plenary session convened at 7:00 p.m., with the showing of the DVD “Renewing Worship with the Whole Church.” Dr. Phyllis Anderson, president of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, brought greetings from the seminary community. She noted that Pacific Lutheran is one of eight ELCA seminaries and is a partner with Luther Seminary and the GTU in the western mission cluster. Pacific Lutheran Seminary is also the only ELCA seminary in the western half of the United States. Dr. Anderson encouraged members of the assembly to use their ABC’s: Abundant, Bold, and Connected.

REPORT OF THE SYNOD VICE PRESIDENT

Donald E. Filegar, synod vice president, introduced the Synod Council members and thanked them for their ministries. He introduced the Call to Conversation proposal which had been endorsed by the Synod Council. Call to Conversation is designed to explore how ministry in the synod can be done more effectively. Mr. Filegar explained that all members of the synod are at the beginning of the conversation, specifically to listen with patience and prayers, listen to each other and to God. He noted that congregations will be receiving more information in early fall. Vice president Filegar acknowledged the work and commitment of the synod staff. He introduced Vianne Bjornberg and then Bishop Allan Bjornberg for the report of the bishop.

REPORT OF THE BISHOP

During his report Bishop Bjornberg spoke about the marks of the Church according to Martin Luther and the requirements of discipleship. After reviewing recent events throughout the synod, Bishop Bjornberg previewed the document “Call to Conversation.” During the next year the document proposed a time of discussion around the question of how ministry in the synod might be done more effectively. People throughout the synod would be encouraged to talk and listen rather than diagnose and try to fix a problem. Some initial questions might include: What gives life in the faith community and what impairs the community? Through this process it is hoped that people and congregations might remember that we are the church together, discover our gifts for ministry, and deepen our passion for ministry.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON REFERENCE AND COUNSEL: Committee chair Dale Ostlie reported on Resolution #10 “A Call to Conversation” and explained that the resolution was proposed by the Synod Council which recommends that it be considered for adoption.

Resolution #10: A Call to Conversation

VOTED:
SA2005.5.3 To consider the resolution.

VOTED:
SA2005.5.4 To adopt the resolution.

Resolution #1: Ending World Hunger

Mr. Ostlie reported that the Committee on Reference and Counsel recommended this resolution be considered for adoption. Because of time constraints, discussion on the resolution was delay until Friday.

Following announcements, a closing hymn and prayer by assembly chaplain, Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward, the assembly recessed until Friday morning.

THIRD PLENARY SESSION, FRIDAY, MAY 20

Assembly chaplain, Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward opening the assembly at 8:30 a.m. with prayer which included a special thanksgiving for anniversaries of ordination for the following clergy:

Pastors Observing 65^th Anniversary of Ordination
Clarence Leslie, Denver, CO
Pastors Observing 60^th Anniversary of Ordination
Arthur H. Becker, Estes Park, CO
Neale Nelson, Salt Lake City, UT
Pastors Observing 55^th Anniversary of Ordination
John Hoeger, Lafayette, CO
Raymond Tiemeyer, Lincoln, NE
Pastors Observing 50^th Anniversary of Ordination
Ben Bartell, Parker, CO
Charles Carlson, Rio Rancho, NM
Frederick Castor, Fort Collins, CO
Dwight Ellefson, Lafayette, CO
Victor Hoops, Arvada, CO
Lloyd Lorensen, Windsor, CO
Robert Nelson, Loveland, CO
Sigurd Nelson, Aurora, CO
William Puder, El Paso, TX
Obed Sunde, Colorado Springs, CO
Robert West, Denver, CO
Pastors Observing 45^th Anniversary of Ordination
Robert Belles, El Paso, TX
Patrick Boots, Cortez, CO
Benjamin Elger, Westminster, CO
Bruce Hermann, Golden, CO
William Hershey, Albuquerque, NM
Russell Lee, Albuquerque, NM
Lincoln Leer, Scottsdale, AZ
Ben McCracken, Arvada, CO
Kenneth Mesplay, Golden, CO
Duane Reetz, Arvada, CO
Paul Schairer, Aurora, CO
Robert Vogel, Denver, CO
Pastors Observing 40^th Anniversary of Ordination
Ron Beckman, Westminster, CO
Charles Berdahl, Aurora, CO
Bruce Bergquist, Fort Collins, CO
Paul Gilbertson, Golden, CO
Kenneth McKnight, Tabernash, CO
Harold Nilsson, Albuquerque, NM
Arthur Otto, Casper, WY
Jay Spoonheim, Santa Fe, NM
Robert Tyce, Salt Lake City, UT
Pastors Observing 35^th Anniversary of Ordination
Paul Dirks, Broomfield, CO
Don Fahrenbrink, Lakewood, CO
Duane Ferchen, Cheyenne, WY
Keith Long, Denver, CO
Richard Magnus, Chicago, IL
William Mantei, Englewood, CO
Pastors Observing 30^th Anniversary of Ordination
John Pederson, Denver, CO
Donald Thurn, Brush, CO
Tink Tinker, Denver, CO
Pastors Observing 25^th Anniversary of Ordination
Paul Anderson, Colorado Springs, CO
Nathan Doerr, Littleton, CO
Richard Mayfield, Dillon, CO
Mark Twietmeyer, Boulder, CO

GREETINGS FROM CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY
The Rev. Howard Wennes brought greetings from California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks, California.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER/BUDGET PRESENTATION
Synod Treasurer Robert Sandoval and Assistant to the Bishop Dan Bollman, reported that the vote on the 2006 proposed budget would be held on Saturday. A screen presentation about future hopes for ministry in the synod was shared with the assembly. Treasurer Sandoval noted that for the third year in a row the Synod Council is proposing a flat budget, which means reductions in funds for ELCA and synodical ministries.

NEXT STEP AND YOUTH GATHERING PRESENTATION
Using Pastor Dan Bollman as an example with climbing equipment, the youth committee illustrated how the Next Step Team helps promote and equip youth ministry in congregations of the synod.

MISSION OUTREACH/MISSION PARTNERS/MISSION ENDOWMENT FUND PRESENTATION
Mission Outreach Board member Paul Rosin reported that 55 new congregations are planned for implementation by ELCA in 2006. Presently there are four congregations under development in the Rocky Mountain Synod; four synodically authorized worshiping communities are in process; and two developing fields are awaiting pastor developers.

Jerry Jaggers, Mission Endowment Fund representative, urged members of the assembly to contribute funds so that the synod might start one new congregation each year. He reported that the cost of starting each new congregation is $75,000 per year. He also accepted a gift of $1,500 from Rejoice Lutheran Church, Eric, Colorado. Mr. Jaggers proposed that congregations participate in a “One for the Fund” campaign in October. Congregations would be urged to contribute $1 per baptized member to the Mission Endowment Fund.

YOUTH GATHERING PRESENTATION

Clowns, “Grace, Hope, and Charity” shared plans for the two synod-sponsored youth gatherings. The senior high event will be November18-20 in New Mexico and the middle school gathering will be January 20-22, 2006, in Colorado Springs.

PRESENTATIONS BY CANDIDATES FOR SYNOD VICE PRESIDENT
Linda Bobbitt shared her ideas of what it means to be a church family, being together, sharing stories. As we grow and change, she said, we need to find ways to also grow and change as a family. Don Filegar stated that “You are one body” describes the Rocky Mountain Synod in the ELCA—our partnerships with each other locally, synodically, and nationally.

Katherine Cruson, synod secretary, reported the following:
Voting members present - 462
Visitors – 57
Total present - 519 attending

Bishop Bjornberg introduced Mr. Dale Ostlie, chair of the committee, for discussion and vote on the following

VOTED:
A2005.5.8 To reconsider the resolution. The motion, made by a person voting on
The prevailing side, was adopted.

Notice was given by a member of the intent to offer an amendment to the third resolved which would read: “Encourage individuals and congregations to contact all elected officials to express opposition to torture and to support humane treatment of prisoners.

Notice was given by a member of the intent to offer an additional “Whereas” clause between the fourth and fifth “Whereas” clauses.

Because of time constraints, further debate on this resolution was postponed until a later time. Mr. Ostlie previewed procedures for debate on Resolutions #7, #8, and #9, explaining that the remainder of the morning session would include conversation about the resolutions, and the afternoon session would include votes on the resolutions. He indicated that Resolution #7 would be divided into three separate resolutions: 7A, 7B, and 7C. Resolution #8 would be considered in its entirety. Resolution #9, he indicated, was somewhat problematic in language in that it was similar to #7C. It would be appropriate, he said, to move to postpone the resolution indefinitely.

             VOTED:
            SA2005.5.9    That the assembly recess into a committee of the whole until 12:00
                                    For the purpose of discussion the resolutions.

Vice President Don Filegar was appointed chair of the committee of the whole. Pastor Laurel Alexander was appointed timekeeper with a three-minute limit per speaker.

The proceedings of the Committee of the Whole are not entered into the minutes according to Robert’s Rules of Order (10^th ed.) p. 515,1. 21-22.

At 12:00 noon the Committee of the Whole recessed. Bishop Bjornberg expressed his thanks to the assembly for their care and compassion during the discussions. Following announcements and prayers by the assembly chaplain, the assembly recessed for lunch which included interest lunch sessions.

FOURTH BUSINESS SESSION, FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2005

INTRODUCTION OF ROSTERED LEADERS NEW TO THE SYNOD

Pastor Chad Johnson, Abiding Hope, Littleton, CO
Pastor Rebecca Boardman, Holy Cross, Wheat Ridge, CO
Pastor John Witkop, Bethel, Colorado Springs, CO
Pastor Doug Hill, Abiding Hope, Littleton, CO
Pastor Sara Wirth, St. Philip, Littleton, CO
Pastor Michael Fick, Epiphany, Denver, CO
Pastor James Kuemmerle, St. Mark’s Roswell, NM
Pastor Melissa Kuemmerle, Roswell, NM
Pastor Paul Everett, Ascension, Cheyenne, WY
Pastor Roberta Flood, Messiah, Albuquerque, NM
Pastor Dan Hays, Valley, Denver, CO
Pastor Sandra Leifeste, Shepherd of the Valley, El Paso, TX
Pastor Elijah Mwitanti, Our Saviour’s, Salt Lake City, UT
Pastor Bruce Freeman, Our Savior’s, Alamogordo, NM
Pastor Melinda Bobo, Lutheran Church of Grace, Craig, CO
Roger Millheim, licensed lay minister, Immanuel, Bethune, CO
Pastor Inga Oyan, Lutheran Church of Hope, Broomfield, CO

Seminary Graduates Assigned to Rocky Mountain Synod

Annemarie Burke

Themba Mkhabela

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD HUNGER TASK FORCE REPORT

Carol McDivitt encouraged all congregations to select a hunger representative. She pointed out the jars on the assembly tables for a “silent offering” for world hunger. She reported that giving from all sources in our synod to Disaster Relief, World Hunger, and Stand for Africa was $681,791 for the past year. She reported that 76% of synod congregations gave to hunger causes during the past year.

Judy Lounsberry and Pastor Jim Gonia reported that there have been twelve immersion visits from our synod. Other statistics included: eleven people visited the Lutheran Center in Mexico; five adults serving positions with the Division for Global Mission; 27 congregations help support missionaries; two ELCA Global Mission Events will be held this summer; the synod supports five companion synod missionaries; Seeds of Hope campaign hopes to raise $26,000 for Betela Seminary in Madagascar to build eight student house with solar power. The synod is sponsoring a three week trip to Madagascar June 3-25. They will carry an invitation to the presiding bishop of the Malagasy Lutheran Church to visit the Rocky Mountain Synod for our 2006 synod assembly in April.

Bishop Bjornberg called on Pastor Beth Purdum for the report as follows:
Ballots cast – 420 Needed to elect – 211
Linda Bobbitt – 246
Don Filegar – 170
Invalid ballots – 4
Bishop Bjornberg declared Linda Bobbitt elected to the position of synod Vice President.

CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY VOTING MEMBERS

Bishop Bjornberg read the list of 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voting members as follows:
Bishop Bjornberg
Don Filegar, Denver, CO
Pastor Kevin Maly, Denver, CO
Jan Miller, Denver, CO
Robert Sandoval, Albuquerque, NM
Roger Martinez, Longmont, CO
McGregor Miller, Morrison, CO
Richard Schwoebel, Albuquerque, NM
Jeanne Tolzmann, Wheat Ridge, CO
Kim Hohensee, Broomfield, CO
Pastor Pat Holman, Albuquerque, NM
Pastor Phil Wangberg, Albuquerque, NM
Pastor Steve Loy, Las Cruces, NM
Pastor Wayne Kendrick, El Paso, TX
Rod Schofield, Colorado Springs, CO
Carol McDivitt, Loveland, CO
Jane Erdahl, Salt Lake City, UT
Pastor Todd Von Gunten, Casper, WY

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON REFERENCE AND COUNSEL

Pastor Paul Peel stated his intent to make a motion which would require that any resolution/memorial concerning sexuality would require a two-thirds majority to adopt.

SA2005.5.10 To amend the resolution by striking Resolved #3 “Encourage individuals and congregations to contact Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to express opposition to torture and support for humane treatment of prisoners.” The amendment was adopted.

SA2005.5.11 To amend the resolution by adding Resolved #3 “Encourage individuals and congregations to contact the elected officials who represent us and our churches and the staff and cabinet members of our elected officials to express opposition to torture and inhumane treatment of any and all prisoners.” The amendment was adopted.

SA2005.5.12 To amend by inserting between the fourth and fifth “Whereas” the words, “Whereas, the United States has committed to the Geneva Convention and our armed forces have embodied this commitment in their policies, doctrines, and training;” The amendment was adopted.

SA2005.5.13 To amend the last “Whereas” to read as follows: “Whereas, in disobedience to these policies, torture has been inflicted against prisoners and detainees within the war on terrorism;” The amendment was adopted.

Mr. Ostlie expressed thanks to the assembly for their Christ-centered and thoughtful conversation during the morning session of the Committee of the Whole. He read Resolution #7 in total changing the word “endorse” to “adopt” and 7A and 7B and changing the word “approve” to “adopt” in 7C.

SA2005.5.15 To divided the three “Resolveds” in three sections and that the assembly vote on each section separately.

SA2005.5.16 MOTION: by Pastor Paul Peel that due to the wide divergence of opinion, as demonstrated throughout the ELCA, in the Task Force, and as experienced this morning in the committee of the whole session, any resolutions/memorials presented at this assembly concerning sexuality require a two-thirds majority for passage. Bishop Bjornberg declared the motion was defeated. Following a division of the house, the vote was counted as yes-205; no-202. Bishop Bjornberg declared that the motion passed.

S2005.5.17 To adopt Resolution 7A “Rocky Mountain Synod 2005 Assembly urges the ELCA 2005 churchwide assembly to adopt Recommendation One of the Task Force Report.

SA2005.5.18 To adopt Resolution 7B “Rocky Mountain Synod 2005 Synod Assembly urges the ELCA 2005 Churchwide Assembly to adopt Recommendation Two of the Task Force Report.

Resolution 7C

SA2005.5.19 To adopt Resolution 7C “Rocky Mountain Synod 2005 Synod Assembly urges the ELCA 2005 churchwide assembly to adopt Dissenting Position 2 in Recommendation Three of the Task Force Report. Bishop Bjornberg declared that the resolution was defeated. Following a call for the division of the house, the vote was recorded as yes-249; no-162. The resolution was defeated.

Margaret Hinchey reported that Wheat Ridge Health and Healing Ministries started 100 years ago in Wheat Ridge, CO, for the treatment of tuberculosis. She explained that through the program “Health and Hope,” Wheat Ridge provides grants to seed ministries to aid people in areas of health care. She shared information about the national health symposium being held October 13-15, at the Mariott City Center Hotel in Denver.

TOGETHER IN HOPE PRESENTATION II

Dr. Barbara Rossing presented the second topic in her series “Together in Hope.”

Following Dr. Rossing’s presentation the plenary session recessed until Saturday morning. Members of the assembly divided into small groups for conversations about “Call to Conversation.”

At 7:00 p.m. the assembly celebrated the Thomas Mass with Pastor Beth Purdum presiding. Bishop Allan Bjornberg preached the sermon.

FIFTH BUSINESS SESSION, SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2005

Following gathering music and a Morning Prayer by Assembly chaplain Vera Guebert-Steward, the sixth business session was called to order at 8:45 a.m. by Bishop Allan Bjornberg. It was announced that the noisy offering for World Hunger was $2002.62.

WOMEN OF THE ELCA PRESENTATION

Yvonne Page, president of the Rocky Mountain Synod Women of the ELCA, spoke of “Women Driven by the Spirit,” and introduced a video presentation.

LUTHERAN MEN IN MISSION PRESENTATION

Bob Lopeman told of the vision of Lutheran Men in Mission, which is to have a men’s ministry in each ELCA congregation. The vision would include breakfasts, fellowship, Bible study, bringing the gifts of men to the ministry and bring the faith of men to the workplace.

Dale Ostlie, chair of the Committee on Reference and Counsel, presented the proposed amendments to the synod constitution as follows:

~~S9.11. The Synod Council shall elect a representative to the Regional Council.~~

S8.22.A04. The synod vice president shall serve as the representative from the Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA to the Region 2 Council.

S11.70.11.A04. The Synod Council shall name the synod vice president to serve as the representative from the Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA to the Region 2 Council.

S10.03.01.g. Elect ~~the representative to the Regional Council,~~ members of all Boards…

S11.70.11 A representative from the Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA to the ~~Regional~~ (Region 2 Council is to be elected by the Synod Council. ~~The term of office shall be three years. One additional consecutive reelection for a three-year term is permitted.~~

Delete paragraphs S11.61.21. through S11.61.28. and add new paragraphs S11.61.21. through S11.61.32.

SA2005.5.20 to approve “en bloc” all proposed wording changing “Regional Council” to “Region 2 Council” and appointing the synod vice president as the representative to the Region 2 Council.

SA2005.5.21 to approve deleting S11.61.21. through S11.61.28 and adding new S11.61.21 through S11.61.32. concerning the Campus Ministry Committee.

Synod Secretary Katherine Cruson expressed thanks to those congregations who have sent revised constitutions to her for review and approval during the past years. She reminded the assembly that congregations need to review and update constitutions following each ELCA churchwide assembly and that revisions need to be sent to the synod secretary for review and approval.

Pastor David Cruson thanked the assembly for their ongoing support of the various outdoor ministry sites in the synod and spoke of the positive influence these ministries have upon the youth of the synod.

CHURCH IN SOCIETY PRESENTATION

Cynthia Biddlecomb, member of the Board for Church in Society, announced the following Incentive for Ministry awards given by the board:

Prince of Peace, Colorado Springs, CO – IHN renovation shower
Holy Cross, Albuquerque, NM, - Teens to Teens crisis center
Mt. Tabor, Salt Lake City, UT, Backpack Buddies program
St. Paul, Denver, CO – for the needs of the downtown community for homeless people
Trinity, Hobbs, NM – Isaiah’s kitchen for homeless and low-income meals

Cynthia also explained that the Board for Church in Society supports the hunger network, the parish nurses network, non-violence resource team, Lutheran Family Services of Colorado, Urban Servant Corps of Denver, Lutheran Social Services of the South for adult day care, Lutheran Social Service of Utah, and the Border Servant Corps of Las Cruces, NM.

CAMPUS MINISTRY PRESENTATION

Pastor Michael Stadtmueller, chair of the Campus Ministry Committee, reviewed the work of the committee as it relates to the various campus ministry sites in the synod. He expressed special thanks to Kim Williams who will be leaving her position as campus ministry pastor at the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO at the end of June.

BUDGET DISCUSSION AND VOTE

Bishop Bjornberg called upon synod treasurer Robert Sandoval to answer questions about the proposed 2006-2007 synod budget.

COMMITTEE ON REFERENCE AND COUNSEL

Bishop Bjornberg called upon Dale Ostlie, chair of the committee, to lead the discussion and vote on the following resolutions:

Resolution #8 – Concerning “Dissenting Position One” from the task force on the Studies of Sexuality

An assembly member requested that the second “Whereas” be removed from the resolution. Bishop Bjornberg agreed to remove the paragraph.

Resolution #9 – Response to the report of the task force on the Studies of Sexuality

The Committee on Reference and Counsel recommended that this resolution be postponed indefinitely because of awkwardness of language.

VOTED:
SA2005.5.24 To adopt the recommendation of the Committee on Reference and Counsel to postpone the resolution indefinitely. The recommendation was adopted by a two-thirds vote of the assembly.

Resolution #5 – Transfer New Promise Lutheran Church to the Grand Canyon Synod ELCA

The Committee on Reference and Counsel recommended that this resolution be considered for adoption.

VOTED:
SA2005.5.26 To amend the last sentence to read “. . . at least 30 people to give at least $30. . .”

The Committee on Reference and Counsel recommended that this resolution be considered for adoption.

Resolution #6 – Synod Assembly in El Paso

The Committee on Reference and Counsel recommended that this resolution be referred to the Synod Council for further study.

TOGETHER IN HOPE PRESENTATION III

Dr. Barbara Rossing presented the third topic in her series of presentations. Following her presentation, Bishop Bjornberg expressed the thanks of the assembly for her outstanding and though-provoking presentations during this assembly.

There was a Closing Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. Bishop Allan Bjornberg presided and Pastor Dan Bollman, Assistant to the Bishop, preached the sermon. The assembly adjourned at 11:30 a.m.