2020 Virtual Synod Assembly + August 28-29, 2020
“You Are the Light of the World”
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HISTORIC GATHERING
In response to the global COVID-19 Pandemic, the Northeastern Minnesota Synod held its first virtual synod assembly which took place August 28-29, 2020. Thank you to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Duluth for hosting the Synod Council Executive Staff, ELCA representative Victoria Flood, Zoom registration and credentialing leaders and videographers for the synod’s Facebook Live stream of the assembly. The videos of the assembly and worship services are available to watch here. 
ADDITIONAL ELECTIONS
Synod Council: The Rev. Roland Bockbrader, incumbent, was re-elected to a four-year term as Synod Secretary. Elected to the Synod Council At-Large positions were The Rev. Charles Boettcher and The Rev. John Stiles. Ms. Colleen Bernu, was elected to a three-year term as Synod Council Multicultural Member. Committee on Discipline: The Rev. Rebecca Hinz, Ms. June Morse Consultation Committee: The Rev. Debra Hanson-Carlson, Mr. Nikolas Bayuk. Mr. Dave Erdman, SAM, was elected to complete a vacant six-year term which ends in 2021. 
SYNOD MINISTRY REPORTS
Written reports are available in the Bulletin of Reports which can be found on the website under Synod Assembly 2020. Reports were received from: EcoFaith; Together Here; Lay Leader Network; Welcome/Accompaniment LGBTQIA+Team; Hunger, Justice & Rural Life Committee; Companion Synod Reports for South Andhra Lutheran Church of India, Ingria Companion Synod Task Force and Honduras Mission and Ministry; the Northeastern Minnesota Synod Women’s Organization, ELCA Region 3 Archives; the ELCA’s Mission Investment Fund; Portico Benefit Services; Twin Ports Ministry to Seafarers; Lutheran Campus Ministry; along with reports from our Lutheran Outdoor Ministries - Camp Onomia, Amnicon, Luther Crest and Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry. Many of these ministry partners provided brief video reports which were shown during the assembly and are also available on www.nemnsynod.org
BISHOP ELECTION
The Rev. Amy J. Odgren, Director of Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, was elected Bishop on the fifth ballot having received 167 votes. The Rev. Dr. David Carlson, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Duluth, received 140 votes on that ballot. Installation date for the bishop-elect is set for October 17, 2020 with a start date of November 1, 2020. 
RESOLUTION 20-1 Motion Carried
Designation of Bishop Emeritus Status was conferred upon The Reverend Thomas M. Aitken for his twelve years of faithful and salutary service as Bishop of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod. Bishop Emeritus Status was also conferred upon The Rev. Roger L. Munson, (served from 1987-1996); and The Rev. E. Peter Strommen (served from 1996-2008). Resolution 20-1 provides Emeritus Status for any future bishop of this synod who faithfully fulfills the duties of the Office of Bishop. This designation is an honorary title only to express appreciation. It does not provide for any remuneration, no authority and no continuation of the duties of the Office of Bishop. OFFERINGS Synod Assembly offerings have been designated to the Northeastern Minnesota Synod’s Seminary Scholarship Fund and the Seminary Loan/Debt Reduction Fund. Monetary gifts are still being received and can be mailed to: Northeastern Minnesota Synod 1105 E. Superior St., Upper Suite Duluth, MN 55802. Please note in the memo line, “SA Offering”. |
QUILT AUCTION “Wrapping Our Quilts Around World Hunger 2020” will go digital this year in September with proceeds designated to World Hunger Appeal. Watch for more information to come. |
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CLOSING WORSHIP & CLOSING OF THE ASSEMBLY Recorded earlier, Bishop Thomas M. Aitken preached and was assisted by Ms. Gretchen Bachman, at Camp Hiawatha. Both opening and closing worship services are available on the website. THANK YOU & FAREWELL TO BISHOP AITKEN Information will be forthcoming. Watch the On-Line Reflections, website and synod Facebook page for more information. |
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