Report on Synod Assembly 2014

Participants About ½ of the eligible people attended the assembly. There was a motion during the budget presentation to provide more money for attending the assembly.

Constitution Changes There were several changes to the constitution that were started two years ago. Assemblies will be immediately preceding the national assemblies, not every 2 years. The expected norm will be every 3 years. A lot of the procedures in the constitution is now in the bylaws.

Motions passed Have all levels of government to address homelessness. Protect the environment Resource extraction, learn more about resource extraction. Care of veterans and other military personnel. Criminal justice and corrections system social statement

Motions passed Poverty reduction strategies including a basic income motion. Reconciliation Initiative, to learn more and to interact with the indigenous people to reconcile the past injustices done.

Report of the Bishop We will practice Spirited Discipleship Joyful in worship, diligent in exploring God’s word, passionate in bearing witness to our faith, and generous in sharing the gifts we have received. We will welcome diversity Get to meet others that may vary in age, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic class etc. We will demonstrate compassionate justice Emphasis was placed on indigenous rights and people

Establish a focused framework Further work on structural renewal, by changing the timing of assemblies and working on amalgamating synods. It also means that there are no more Conferences, these have been made into “areas”. Develop effective Partnerships Passing of the Synod/Congregational covenant. Associations with Lutheran Church in Guyana, Lutheran church in Jordan.

ELECTIONS All incumbent officers were elected. This includes Bishop, secretary, treasurer. Synod Council elections were held Linda Grainger was elected as vice chair Synod council (Lay), Valerie Getson(Resurrection, Halifax), Jordan Smith(St. Ansgar, Toronto), David Wilk (Christ, Waterloo) Synod Council (clergy), Norine Gullons( South Dundas, Williamsburg), Dwight Biggs(Faith, Port Elgin) and David Malina(St. Matthews, Kitchener).

Budget Approvals Three budgets were approved 2014 amended Highlights 25% of the synod income will go to ELCIC. (~23% at present) Increase of congregational benevolence by 1%.

Budget Approvals 2014 Budget (revised) Income Regular benevolence $1,668,000 ELFEC Operations grant $197,500 Other income (bequests) $795,775

2014 Budget (con’t) Expenditures National church $431,000 Waterloo Seminary $416,000 Ministry Programs $563,825 Salaries, building expenses, communication, etc. $1,250,450

2015 Budget Income Regular Benevolence -- $1,533,000 (base) ELFEC Grant -- $207,000 Other (Bequests etc.) -- $605,650 Expenditures National Church -- $383,300 Ministry Programs -- $507,550 Salaries etc. -- $1,113,800

Other Presentations Several presentations on indigenous rights, blanket exercise etc. Report from Evangelical Lutheran Foundation of Eastern Canada. Report on Waterloo Seminary. Report of Waterloo Lutheran Seminary board of governors.

Report by CLWR Bishop Pryse introduced Robert Granke, Executive Director of Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR). Bob addressed the assembly, acknowledging the support of Eastern Synod people who have served on the Board and in its office. He outlined the work of CLWR, noting the ways in which it continues to discern its purpose and work, with a recent and specific focus on helping refugees.