The 2012 ELCA-Southeastern Synod Assembly officially kicked off Friday, June 1, 2012. The theme for the weekend was "What in God's Name are We Doing Here?" After some initial business and introductions, the assembly heard from our Bible study leader, Dr. Diane L. Jacobson, the director of the Book of Faith Initiative for the ELCA. Throughout the weekend, Dr. Jacobson led the assembly in a three-part Bible study on the text Exodus 19:1-8.
On Saturday, Epiphany Lutheran Church in Collierville, TN and Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church in Richmond Hill, GA were welcomed into the Southeastern Synod and the ELCA as Organized Congregations. Also on Saturday our Churchwide Representative, the Rev. Mary Frances, ELCA Assistant Director for New Evangelizing Congregations, brought official greetings from ELCA Presiding Bishop, the Reverend Mark Hanson.
During the weekend, the assembly used Skype to connect with our companion synod, Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (ILAG) to participate in the Commissioning and Installation of Diaconal Minister Sandra Braasch as a Global Mission Associate and Disaster Ministry Development Assistant in Guatemala. Bishop Gordy and Bishop Horatio Castillo officiated and the Rev. Amanda Olson de Castillo served as interpreter.
The assembly voted on four resolutions presented to them. Time was allowed for debate and conversations concerning the resolutions, allowing for voting members to have the chance to express their opinions. Resolutions passed at the assembly include a Resolution Concerning Immigration Reform, a Resolution to Protect Lutherock, a Resolution Regarding the Abolition of the Death Penalty, and a Resolution of Thanks at the 2012 Assembly. To view all of the resolutions passed at the 2012 Southeastern Synod Assembly, visit www.elca-ses.org/Assembly.html.
Offerings collected at the Southeastern Synod Assembly totaled $6,898.41: Southeastern Synod Campus Ministry (Friday offerings) - $3148.95; New Mission Starts in the Southeastern Synod (Saturday offerings) - $2043.46; and ELCA's Malaria Campaign (Sunday offerings) - 1706.00.
On Sunday, the assembly recognized several individuals who are concluding their service to the Synod Council. Departing Synod Council Members are Mr. Duane Brookhart, the Rev. Dr. Ann Bassett, Ms. Crystal Rowe, Mr. Monroe Herring, Mr. Mike Krekling, Ms. Catalina Ontiveros, Mr. Gary Tustitson and the Rev. Bradley Schmeling. The synod sincerely thanks all of them for their faithful service and wishes them the best in the future.
Persons elected at the 2012 Synod Assembly
DISICPLINE COMMITTEE:
Pastor Joy Blaylock (3-year unexpired term)
Pastor James Thomas (5-year unexpired term)
SYNOD COUNCIL:
Conference 3 - Pastor Mary Peters
Conference 6 - Pastor Ed Wolff
Conference 7 - Pastor Randy Jones
Conference 8 - Kurt Stavely
Conference 9 - Pastor Michael Huntley
Young Adult - Elizabeth Hawkins
At-Large: Mercedes Jackson
At-Large: Gary Pederson
At-Large: Andrea Green
VOTING MEMBERS OF THE 2013 CHURCHWIDE ASSEMBLY:
Henry Harris
Hannah Mitchell
Zane Dukes
Doris Underwood
Michelle Angalet
Gary Pederson
Patti Austin
Pastor Katherine Pasch
Pastor Randy Jones
Pastor Jill Henning
Alternate: Elizabeth Hawkins
Alternate: Pastor Tim Smith
