In Mission for Others: - BC Synod

Dear Delegate, Visitor, Guest:Greetings in the name of our Lord.On behalf of the congregations of Good Shepherd Lutheran, Grace Lutheran and LutheranChurch of the Cross we extend to you a heartfelt welcome to beautiful Victoria and the 2010 BCSynod Convention. It is our pleasure to host the 2010 Convention and help with the planning.In an effort to be good stewards of the gifts God has blessed us with, the Local ArrangementsCommittee is trying to keep this convention as ‘Green’ as possible. You are invited to join us inthis effort in such ways as using public transportation, walking, bringing your own mug (labelledwith your name) to be used for nutrition breaks, when possible to car pool and recycle whenappropriate. We are trying to reduce the amount of paper; as a result as much as possible willbe done electronically.An information area will be set up to help you in the event you have questions or queries thatmay come up during the Convention. You may wish to leave the Church of the Cross phonenumber with family members in the event of an emergency. The phone number of Church ofthe Cross is 250-477-6222. Stewards will readily be identified by the deep blue pinnies withwhite lettering that they will be wearing.Victoria is a lovely city with many attractions. In the event you are planning to enjoy some ofthe options Victoria provides, Tourism Victoria has an excellent web site that may be helpfulwith your planning. The Tourism Victoria web site is www.tourismvictoria.com/ .The city of Victoria has a non-smoking bylaw that does not allow smokers to smoke in publicbuildings. The majority of gatherings will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Cross which is asmoke free environment. Smokers will be invited to smoke in a special designated area that willbe clearly marked.We trust the provisions put in place to provide for your physical needs will assist in allowing youto more fully participate in the worship and business of the 2010 BC Synod Convention. Ourprayer is that you find the 2010 Convention to be a time of inspiration, celebration and warmLutheran hospitality.Many Blessings,Pastor Brenda Nestegaard Paul, Congregational Chair Andrew Macauley (Grace Lutheran)PastorEd MacKinley, Congregational Chair Reinhold Rebner (Good Shepherd Lutheran)Pastor LyleMcKenzie, Congregational Chair Don Storch (Lutheran Church of the Cross)Joanne Solomonson(Local Arrangements Committee Chair)

IN MISSION FOR OTHERSSigns of Hope2010 BC SYNOD CONVENTIONMAY 13 – 16, 2010Hosted byLUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE CROSS, GRACE LUTHERAN & GOOD SHEPHERDLUTHERAN, VICTORIAAGENDA DRAFT 1Thursday, May 13 - Lutheran Church of the Cross10:30 a.m. REGISTRATION (open all day)1:00 - 3:30 p.m. ELCIC Retirement Seminar – Hildy Thiessen4:00 p.m. Delegate orientation5:00 p.m. Supper on your own7:00 p.m. Eucharist and opening of convention8:30 p.m. BUSINESS SESSION 1- Lutheran Church of the CrossWelcome of special guestsIntroductionsAppointment of the convention committees:Committee on the report of the BishopCommittee of Reference and CounselCommittee on NominationsCommittee on MinutesCommittee on Registration and AttendanceCommittee on ElectionAdoption of minutes of last conventionCommittee on Elections - First Ballot for Bishop(Results of first ballot will be available at the registration desk duringBishop’s Reception)9:00 p.m. Bishop’s ReceptionFriday, May 14 - Lutheran Church of the Cross8:30 a.m. MORNING WORSHIP WITH EUCHARIST9:00 a.m. BUSINESS SESSION 2 - Lutheran Church of the CrossGreetingsCommittee on Registration and AttendanceCommittee on Elections reportBishop’s report10:00 a.m. THIRST BREAK-1-

11:00 a.m. Structural Renewal Task Force – open mic11:30 a.m. BUSINESS SESSION 6Committee reports12:00 Noon LUNCH1:30 p.m. BUSINESS SESSION 7GreetingsCommittee on Elections - Ballot(s) for Vice-ChairReference and Counsel - resolutionsNominations committee ReportBallot(s) for Synod Council and LTSBudgetYouth Assembly reflections3:00 p.m. THIRST BREAK3:30 p.m. BUSINESS SESSION 7 CONTINUED5:00 p.m. Recess6:30 p.m. BANQUET – UNIVERSITY CLUB – UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA10:30 p.m. After-banquet musical event in support of the Mikhail Lennikov family, hostedby people from Grace Lutheran, VictoriaSunday, May 16 - Lutheran Church of the Cross9:00 a.m. BUSINESS SESSION 8UNFINISHED BUSINESS10:30 a.m. WORSHIP AND CLOSING OF THE CONVENTION* * * * * * * *1:30 p.m. Synod Council meeting - old and new councillors-3-

TABLE OF CONTENTSREPORTSSection A: Report from the Synodical Bishop .......................................................... A1Section B: Report from the National Bishop ............................................................ B1Section C: SecretaryMinutes from 2008 Convention ........................................................... C1Statistical Report of the Secretary .......................................................Proposed Bylaw Amendments ............................................................Petition Form .......................................................................................Nomination Form ................................................................................Section D: TreasurerAuditor’s Report 2008.......................................................................... D1Auditor’s Report 2009..........................................................................Budget for 2010-2011..........................................................................Section E: Conference DeansGreater Vancouver .............................................................................. E1Lower Fraser Valley ............................................................................North West ..........................................................................................Peace River .........................................................................................Southern Interior..................................................................................Vancouver Island.................................................................................Section F: CommitteesCommittee for Faith and Society ......................................................... F1Committee for Missions .......................................................................World Missions Subcommittee .....................................................Committee for Stewardship .................................................................Committee for Worship........................................................................Lutheran Student Foundation / Campus Ministry ................................UBC – Okanagan .........................................................................UBC – Vancouver ........................................................................Section G: Related institutions, corporations and ministriesEvangelical Lutheran Women ............................................................. G1Lutheran Theological Seminary...........................................................Lutheran Urban Mission Society .........................................................Surrey Urban Mission Society .............................................................DIRECTORIESSection H: Synod DirectoriesDirectory of Congregations and Ministries of the BC Synod ............... H1Synod Council .....................................................................................Deans ..................................................................................................Committees .........................................................................................Evangelical Lutheran Women .............................................................Lutheran Theological Seminary Board of Governors (BC Rep.) .........APPENDICESSection J: AppendicesBC Synod Constitution and Bylaws ..................................................... J1Bourinot’s Rules of Order ....................................................................

REPORTSSection ASynodical BishopSection BNational Bishop

In Mission for Others: Signs of HopeBC Synod Bishop Gerhard PreibischDear Sisters and Brothers in Christ JesusI greet you in the name of the risen Saviour who has called out of darkness into God’s marvellous light sothat we might proclaim the mighty acts of God in Jesus Christ, the man for others. (1 Peter 2:9)It is hard to believe that almost nine years have passed since synod council asked me to accept theposition of Acting Bishop. After serving in that position for eight months it was a great honour and ahumbling experience to be elected, in the spring of 2002, bishop of the BC Synod. During my years ofservice there have been many joys, frustrations, challenges, and blessings.To be the church in our society today is indeed challenging. It is all to easy to become discouraged. Weneed to be reminded that we are the church of the risen Christ who has promised that even the “. . . thegates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Matt 16:18)As I reflect upon the ministry of our synod I am reminded of the words of the prophet Isaiah.How beautiful upon the mountainsare the feet of the messenger who announces peace,who brings good news,who announces salvation,who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’ (Isaiah 52:7)These familiar words remind us that we have been called and commissioned to be messengers of goodnews and not just with words.Susan Johnson, our National Bishop challenged the church in convention last year with the theme, “InMission for Others - Signs of Hope”. The theme “In Mission for Others - Signs of Hope,” is achallenging theme and an opportunity to give thanks to God for the signs of hope in our synod andchurch.I want to lift up some of the signs of hope that I see in our synod and church.‣ Since our last synod convention five BC seminary graduates were ordained - four of them areserving in the BC Synod:Sabine Milewski, was ordained March 7, 2009 at Grace Lutheran in Winnipeg and isserving St John Lutheran in Winnipeg.• Nathan Fong was ordained March 15, 2009 at New Life Chinese and installed March 29,2009 at Grace Lutheran in Burnaby. Nathan's call to Grace includes a special missionproject which seeks to engage 2nd and 3rd generation Asian Canadians - particularlythose who have limited or no church background.Kristen Steele was ordained May 2, 2009 at Our Saviour Lutheran in Richmond and isserving as associate pastor at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran in Langley.Thomas Keeley was ordained June 28, 2009 at St. Paul in Maple Ridge and is servingDunbar Lutheran in Vancouver.Vida Jaugelis was ordained and installed on September 27, 2009 at Oakridge Lutheran inVancouver and is serving that congregation.British Columbia Synod Section A | 1

‣ Courtney Reedman, a 2010 LTS graduate, has accepted the Call to serve Benediction Lutheranin Delta BC, and will be ordained later this summer.‣ The Western four synods have established a “First Call” program. This is an intentional three yearcontinuing educational program to strengthen the ministry of pastors who are serving their firstcall.‣ Spirit of Life, Vancouver officially came into being on January 1, 2010. This was a result of amerger between Augustana Lutheran and Christ Lutheran.‣ Grace Lutheran in Burnaby and their pastor Nathan Fong have committed themselves to anintentional out reach ministry to 2nd and 3rd generation Asian Canadians.‣ Emmanuel Lutheran and their pastor, Henry Guo. together with King of Life Lutheran and GoodShepherd Lutheran are developing a ministry with young Chinese families in the Coquitlam area.‣ Ascension Lutheran in Nelson is in the midst of developing a strategic plan for mission andministry in the Nelson area. Their plan includes discussion with the Anglican Diocese ofKootenay.‣ A widow of one of our deceased pastors has donated $10, 000 to support of the ministry of oursynod.‣ LUMS after 18 months in ‘exile’ has found a new home at 360 Jackson Avenue .‣ SUMS, with our volunteer Executive Director, Jonquil Hallgate, continues to offer a variety ofministries to people living in poverty and those who are homeless in Surrey. Recently SUMSreceived a grant of $50,000 from the Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society for new program“ Building Bridges for Life.”‣ First Lutheran in Vancouver provides sanctuary for one of their members, Mikhail Lennikov, whothe government is trying to deport back to Russia.‣ Our Synodical and local ELWs continue their faithful programs of Bible study, advocacy,stewardship and service.‣ The Canadian Lutheran Youth Gathering (CLYG) has morphed into CLAY - the CanadianLutheran and Anglican Youth Gathering. This represents a significant step forward in our fullcommunion relationship with the Anglican Church. I trust congregation have already made plansfor their youth to attend this year’s Youth Gathering - “Hands On” - in London, Ontario August19-22. National Youth Gatherings are a wonderful and unique opportunity for youth to getenthused and strengthened in their faith.‣ Over 50 BC youth and adults gathered at Camp Owaissi, Kelowna in April 2009 for an intergenerationalyouth leadership event which helped foster relationships and engaged leaders inthinking more broadly about youth leadership.‣ Discussions are ongoing with the Anglican and United church foe a shared ministry project inBarriere, BC. A service of organization is scheduled for May 23.‣ St. Paul's Lutheran in Prince Rupert with assistance from the ELCIC Church Extension fund, hasonce again received an intern this year. Pastor Jim Whaley with the intern Fleming Blishen - aswell as serving St Paul’s is also serving Mount Zion in Smithers; and Lord of Life in Sandspit.‣ Last August the assistant to the Bishop, Rev Dr Greg Mohr, accompanied six BC synod pastorsto a Mission Development Training Conference sponsored by the ELCA. This conference equipsBritish Columbia Synod Section A | 2

pastors with tools, resources and mind-set not only for mission congregations but also for reengagingtheir current congregations in mission.‣ Our ELCIC World Missions program has been merged with the Global Mission program of theELCA. This should free up more dollars to support our missionaries and our world missionprogram, since it will be administered by the ELCA office in Chicago.‣ The ELCIC has entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding with CLWR. Under this newMOU, the work of ELCIC's Global Hunger and Development Appeal (GHDA) has been integratedinto the work of CLWR. This removes a lot of confusion between the two appeals. It also enablesthe ELCIC and CLWR to better meet the need of our neighbours around the world as well beingan advocate for justice and supporting initiatives here at home.‣ The NCC has appointed a task force to consider restructuring proposals for the ELCIC. Rev DrGreg Mohr is our representative on this task force. We will spend significant time during thisconvention discussing their report.‣ The 2010 The National Worship Conference, ‘Taking Care of the Neighbourhood: Worship asPublic Work for the Common Good’ which is sponsored by the Evangelical Lutheran Church inCanada and the Anglican Church of Canada will be held July 4-7 at Vancouver School ofTheology. I encourage attendance of all clergy and lay people, ‘who seek to build up the life ofthe Christian community through our worship so that we might serve the world God loves.’(Please see the ELCIC website for more information)‣ The response to the CLWR Haiti Relief fund has passed all expectations.‣ In March of this year, Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon was informed that it has beengranted a ten-year renewal for its accreditation of degrees by the Association of TheologicalSchools (ATS).‣ A Social Justice Ministry questionnaire was sent, earlier this year, to all congregations and synodministries. This questionnaire seeks to identify and catalogue the types of social ministry beingconducted by congregations and other ministries in our synod. This survey will help the synodunderstand the breadth and depth of social ministry within our communities. It will also enable agreater linking of congregations with others ministries engaged in the same type of ministry orlooking at starting a similar ministry.There are many other signs of hope in our church, synod and in our congregations. I could speak atlength about the life-giving ministries of LUMS and SUMS. Their ministries are signs of hope for hundredsand thousands of people each year. However, I also want to address some of challenges which we face.‣ I reported at our last convention that in March of 2007 the BC synod was served with a Writ ofSummons from the Supreme Court of British Columbia concerning our property in Surrey thatwas previously owned by Christ the King Lutheran in Surrey. The congregation was declareddefunct in 2000. In February of 2008 the Bishop and Treasurer were added as defendants to theWrit of Summons. We are currently seeking a settlement in this lawsuit. I am deeply troubled that,especially during the past four years, a significant part of the synod’s agenda has been consumedby this lawsuit. I do, however, give thanks to God that we were able to keep the doors for theministry of SUMS open these past four years. During that time SUMS has ministered to untoldnumbers of people, served thousands of meals and sheltered many when the temperaturedropped below freezing. When I give thanks to God for people in ministry, Jonquil Halgate, ourvolunteer Executive Director of SUMS is at the top of my list.‣ The synod is experiencing a significant financial deficit which threatens the mission and ministryof our Synod, the Lutheran Theological Seminary and the Evangelical Lutheran Church inBritish Columbia Synod Section A | 3

Canada. In view of the financial shortfall it is unlikely that in the new fiscal year the synod we willbe in a financial position to continue with a full time Assistant to the Bishop.Also, it is with sadness that I note also that Rev Tyler Gingrich, Mission Developer for t All SaintsLutheran Mission, due to a lack of funds, has been reduced half-time.Mission congregations such as All Saints Lutheran in Kelowna and Emmanuel in Surrey dependupon our support. More and more people are making BC their home – it is therefore imperativethat we remain a church that is in mission for others.In our 2008 convention I encouraged congregations to review their proportionate Benevolencegiving to the church. If we want members of our congregations to give proportionately to theircongregation, then congregations need to set the example by supporting the work of the widerchurch proportionately. Therefore I encourage congregations to prayerfully consider supportingthe mission and ministry of the synod with a faithful proportion of their annual budget.‣ One of our challenges, as I reported in our last convention, is the increasing number ofcongregations with declining membership. Several congregations in our synod have an averageSunday morning attendance of between 25-50 worshippers. Although the members of thesecongregation are faithful and committed, tasks such as ushering, serving on church council andcommittees can become onerous. The creation of Spirit of Life congregation is an example of twocongregations, Augustana Lutheran and Christ Lutheran, taking the issue of dwindlingmembership seriously. It is my hope and prayer that by sharing their resources the members ofthis new congregation will be more effectively in mission for others. It is important to rememberthat our church buildings are a gift from God to serve the mission of God. At times this may meanusing the resources of our congregation to do ministry elsewhere or give birth to a new missioncongregation.‣ The Campus Ministry Board for UBC continues to explore options for the renewal of the campuscentre. Since it appears more likely that we will need to do so on our own, the Board hasestablished a sub-committee to develop a business plan for this scenario.‣ The BC Synod council is looking at ways we can improve and expand our use of the electronicmedia in our synod i.e. for Synod Council and Committee meetings, and Communications forRostered Ministers and Congregations.‣ People sometimes ask what does the synod do? I could speak passionately about this for hours.First of all it needs to be emphasised that the synod is all of us. The work and ministry of thesynod is that to which God call us as a church. Perhaps I should qualify that by saying, the workand mission of the BC synod is that portion of God’s mission in the world that we are willing toagree to in convention. If you want to learn more about the day to day activities of the synod hereare some suggestions Ask your pastor Invite the Bishop to visit your congregation Invite the Dean of the conference or a member of synod council to speak to thecongregation If distance is not a factor bring your confirmation class to the synod office for a meetingwith the Bishop Congregations may also consider holding a church council meeting at synod office andmeet with the Bishop.We do have many challenges in our synod and church, however, there are far more signs of hope. Icontinue to be enthused and energized knowing that God has called us to be in Mission for Others. I amBritish Columbia Synod Section A | 4

grateful for the opportunities we have to be signs of hope, and messengers of peace and good news inour world where for many there is precious little hope, peace or good news.I continue to be encouraged and energized by the many faithful members of congregations which I havemet meet as I have traveled around our synod.Thank you for your partnership in the gospel. Your prayers and support are a tremendousencouragement. I want to especially thank Greg Mohr, the assistant to the Bishop, he wears a lot ofdifferent hats and performs each task with competence and enthusiasm. I give thanks to God also for theministry of Ashley Russell, our office secretary and Robert Hampel, our bookkeeper. The work of JillGingrich, the editor of our Canada Lutheran pages is also much appreciated. I also express my gratitudeto Rev. Ferdy Baglo for his work in editing many of my articles and documents.A special thanks to the officers of our synod, John Boucher who resigned this year at end of January dueto change in job status, Cliff Reinhardt, Gene Blishen and Darleen Johnson. They have, once again,worked tirelessly this past year. Their support and work is invaluable to me personally. Gene Blishen hasindicated that he will not accept election to a second term. Council will certainly miss the significantcontribution that both John and Gene have made to ministry of our synod. We congratulate Gene Blishenon his appointment as treasurer of CLWR.I pray that God will continue to equip and enable us to be the church in mission for others and to be signsof hope in our world today!As I prepare to leave this office I give thanks to God for the support and prayers of the many members ofthis synod. In the words of St. Paul I will continue to,“. . . thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one ofmy prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. Iam confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it tocompletion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you,because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in myimprisonment and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel. (Philippians 1:3-7)Your servant in Christ+ Bishop Gerhard PreibischBritish Columbia Synod Section A | 5

In Mission for Others: Signs of HopeELCIC National Bishop Susan C. JohnsonGrace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!It is my pleasure to share with you highlights from the work of the National Office and I look forward tobeing with you during your Synod Convention. As I prepare this report, I am aware that this is not an easytime to be the church. There are many challenges that are before us, challenges that are not unique to usin the ELCIC. At the same time I rejoice in the fact that there are also many wonderful signs of hopewithin our church, with our partners, and throughout the world.At the National Office we continue to live out our call to be In Mission for Others through our work in theareas of the five foci identified by National Church Council. This work includes:Effective PartnershipsOver the past year, we have participated in continued discussions with the Anglican Church of Canada(ACC) on how to more effectively and concretely live out our Full Communion relationship. This year,Officers of General Synod will attend National Church Council (NCC) in September and Officers of theELCIC will attend Council of General Synod (CoGs) in November. Following that we will look towardsplanning a joint 2011 meeting of CoGS and NCC. Several ministry areas within the National Officeare working closely with our partners at the ACC General Synod office, including: communications, theplanning of the 2010 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth gathering, and advocacy. My regularconversations with the Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, are inspiring, encouraging and serve to identifynew joint ministry opportunities.ELCIC Global Mission was launched at the 2009 ELCIC National Convention and introduces a new modelfor how we as a church are involved in world mission and represents a strengthened partnership in ourshared ministry with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). This partnership allows us toprovide ELCIC members with greater accessibly to global mission opportunities and strengthens ourministry with partners around the world.The Lutheran World Federation North America Pre-Assembly Consultation was hosted by the EasternSynod and ELCIC in January of this year. 50 participants comprised of delegates, advisors, stewards,and staff from the ELCIC, ELCA and Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad gathered to preparefor the LWF Eleventh Assembly, to be held in Stuttgart, Germany, July 20-27 this year.In a very physical representation of the ELCIC’s closer partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief(CLWR), CLWR moved in to share the same space with the ELCIC National Office on July 1, 2009. Aswell, ELCIC and CLWR staff has been working hard to live out our effective partnership established in thenew Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). We are receiving feedback that our goal of a greater senseof clarity on how our church responds In Mission for Others in the areas of international relief anddevelopment is already being attained.Diverse FacesThe ELCIC had two representatives attend the Multi-Cultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and YouthGathering of the ELCA in the last year. MYLE featured worship, music, and speakers from a variety ofcultures, with educational components focused on antiracism and diversity. The need to discussexperiences, power, privilege, bias and barriers continues to exist; even where diverse persons andministries are working well together.Two ELCIC young-adult representatives participated in an LWF consultation designed to identify ways toengage youth (ages 18-30) in the life of the church. The ELCIC delegates are currently in a process ofBritish Columbia Synod Section B | 1

gathering a list of church supported opportunities for young adults to be involved in leadershipdevelopment.Diverse Faces continues to be an area where we need to dedicate a more concerted effort in fulfilling thecall to be In Mission for Others and be more representative of the landscape where God has planted us.We will be bringing ways our church, and we as individuals, can respond to this call in a greater and moresignificant way to the 2011 ELCIC National Convention.Focused FrameworkBeing effective as a church body means having a framework that is responsive to our mission, vision andgoals. NCC has appointed a Structural Renewal Task Force that is responsible for developing a structuralframework for our church that is flexible, affordable and sustainable and will equip us to be a church InMission for Others. The task force will be reporting to you at your convention.In May 2008, a Resource Generation Task Force was called together to review the current practices ofstewardship and planned giving within the church. Following a thorough assessment of the church’sfinancial landscape, a report was prepared and presented at the February 2009 National/Synodicalofficers consultation. The report was well received by the officers who concluded the discussion with astrong expression of encouragement for the task force to continue its work. The paper was presented toNCC in March 2009 and following NCC’s request, a Financial Resource Generation Strategy was passedat the September 2009 NCC meeting. Roll-out of this strategy is underway.Compassionate JusticeAt the 2009 ELCIC National Convention, a considerable number of motions relating to CompassionateJustice were passed, including motions calling on government to support the KYOTOplus goals,addressing issues around illegitimate debt, speaking out against human trafficking, and calling the churchto greater accountability as Stewards of Creation. These actions are a clear sign of how foundationaljustice work is to our life together as a church.All congregations throughout the ELCIC have been encouraged to designate the second Sunday of Lent,to pray for peace in the Holy Land. The call is a response to a motion at the 2009 ELCIC NationalConvention titled, An ELCIC Convention Resolution on the Holy Land, which encourages the ELCIC to“call on its members to regularly pray for peace for all people in the Holy Land, especially the EvangelicalLutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, and to designate a Sunday annually for prayers incongregations across the ELCIC.” A prayer petition was suggested for use on February 28 this year andother resources have been developed.KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, of which the ELCIC is a member, has faced severalchallenges over the last year. Most significantly, at the end of November, KAIROS learned that theMinister for International Cooperation denied their application for a new Canadian InternationalDevelopment Agency (CIDA) grant. With encouragement from other Non-Government Organizations(NGOs), KAIROS is meeting with Members of Parliament (MPs) to ask for clarification and to review thedecision. KAIROS is also using this crisis to strengthen its network, communicate about its importantwork, and teach about the role that meeting with MPs has in the democratic process. Church leaders frommember denominations have requested a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss the role churchesplay in public policy matters. The ministry of KAIROS is important to the work of our church in our call tobe In Mission for Others.Spirited DiscipleshipOur church is in the process of developing a social statement on human sexuality. The ELCIC HumanSexuality Task Force developed a study document and called on church members to reflect on a series oftopics and provide feedback. As of the February 28 deadline for feedback, over 350 submissions werereceived. I want to thank you all for your prayers and thoughtful consideration of this process. With yourBritish Columbia Synod Section B | 2

feedback, the task force will work towards the preparation of a first draft of a social statement. Onceprepared, it will be circulated across the church for further study and feedback. From there, a proposedsocial statement will be presented to NCC in March 2011 and brought forward to National Convention in2011 for adoption.Early last year, NCC endorsed the ELCA Book of Faith project (with the gracious permission of the ELCAto allow us to do so – which, I guess, means this is both Spirited Discipleship and an EffectivePartnership!). The goal of this project is to help the whole church become more familiar with the Bible –our first book of faith. At NCC meetings, members lead brief Dwelling in the Word sessions where theyshare a memory or reflection on a scripture passage that is important to them. Usually detailing a verypersonal experience, Dwelling in the Word sessions allow an opportunity to share from one’s own faithstory. You can view Dwelling in the Word highlights from NCC online at: www.elcic.ca/National-Church-Council/default.cfm. ELCIC members are encouraged to find opportunities to share their stories of faithand dwell in the Word.------As I enter into the second half of my four-year term as National Bishop, I feel like there are manyimportant areas of work and ministry underway and yet much still to be done. I, along with the staff at theNational Office, am strengthened by your prayers, commitment and concern for this church that we loveso much.Because of this, when I look around I see a church full of signs of hope. I am encouraged by all who haveshared their gifts by responding to the call to be In Mission for Others. I am encouraged by all who haveparticipated in the various calls for feedback and involvement throughout our church (the HumanSexuality Study, the Structural Renewal Task Force). I am encouraged by the financial support for ourshared ministry to the wider church and the global community through CLWR and Global Mission. And Iam encouraged by your partnership in mission.I know I’ve said it before, but I’m going to say it again… we may not know for sure how things are going toturn out, but we do know that with God they will be good. We will be blessed and God will help us be ablessing to others.Yours in Christ,The Rev. Susan C. JohnsonNational BishopEvangelical Lutheran Church in Canada – In Mission for OthersBritish Columbia Synod Section B | 3

REPORTSSection CSecretaryMinutes from 2008 ConventionStatistical Report of the SecretaryProposed Bylaw AmendmentsPetition FormNomination Form

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionMINUTES OF THE BRITISH COLUMBIA SYNOD (ELCIC) CONVENTIONBritish Columbia Synod - Evangelical Lutheran Church in CanadaChrist Lutheran ChurchKelowna, BCApril 17 - 20, 2008IN MISSION FOR OTHERSA PEOPLE CALLEDThursday April 17, 2008, 7:00 p.m.Opening Eucharist & Opening of ConventionBishop Susan Johnson presided and Bishop Gerhard Preibisch preached.Business Session 1 – 7:45 p.m. – Chaired by Bishop Gerhard PreibischHost Rev. Patricia Giannelia welcomed the gathering to Kelowna in many languages of the church.AppointmentsChaplain for the convention - Pastor Kathy Martin from King of Life, Coquitlam.Convention managers Armen Petznik and Stephanie Staus were introducedOrientation of delegatesRev. Dr. Greg Mohr, Assistant to the Bishop, oriented the delegates and thanked secretaries Winnie Fongof the Synod office and Lynette Stebner from Christ Lutheran Church for the tremendous work they havedone in preparation for the convention.Assistant convention manager Stephanie Staus informed the delegates of some housekeeping items.Greg Mohr urged people to sign up for Forums on Friday afternoon, and introduced the Parliamentarian –Don Storch from Victoria, Secretary of National Church Council.Greg Mohr introduced the youth delegates:Melissa Senum – Mt Olive, White RockDavid Wills – Good Shepherd, CoquitlamJames Ewanchyna – Christ, KelownaBrian Gesch – Christ, KelownaBronwyn Nestegaard Paul – Grace, VictoriaAnd their leaders: Sue Skinner and Nathan Fong.Theologian in Residence is Dr. Christian Eberhart of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon.Floor committees were introduced as follows:Report of the BishopRev. Lyle McKenzieRev. Ralferd FreytagVida JaugelisTony ChongReference and CounselRev. Cliff ReinhardtKim EmmettRev. Curtis AguirreHans JohnsonRev. Ian Nestegaard PaulEsther HaabBritish Columbia Synod Section C / 1

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionNominationsDeans and Conference CouncilsElectionsRev. Marlys MoenRev. Terje NessHeather BeppleJanice TrentMinutesRev. Adolf ManzRev. Vickie LamShirley MagelJan SchulzRegistration and AttendanceFrida PaetschRev. Christoph ReinersElisa WolffFinanceKatie ChristensenDick AportaRev. Tim JohnsonRev. Richard HergesheimerThe worship service continued with Holy Communion.Friday April 18, 2008Morning Worship with Eucharist 8:00 a.m.Business Session 2 - 9:00 a.m.Bishop Gerhard Preibisch welcomed everyone to the convention.GreetingsRev. Dr. Greg Mohr introduced two guests to the convention.Rev. David Irving, Archdeacon, brought greetings from Bishop John Privett, Diocese of Kootenay,Anglican Church of Canada.Father Peter Tompkins, Chancellor of the Diocese of Nelson, brought greetings from Bishop JohnCorriveau, the Roman Catholic Church.IntroductionBishop Preibisch recognized the pastors new to the synod since the last convention:Eric BjorganKebede DibabaTerje NessBrenda Nestegaard PaulIan Nestegaard PaulWilliam PanzerRichard SchulzRay SchultzWallace LogeHenry GuoAnd the following seminary students from BC are serving as interns:Vida Jaugelis – Gloria Dei, North Vancouver BCThomas Keeley – St. Paul, Prince Rupert BCSabine Milewski – Grace, Winnipeg MBSCon08-01 That the BC Synod in convention grant voice to Youth delegates, Anglican pastors servingin Lutheran congregations and special guests. Carried.British Columbia Synod Section C / 2

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionCommittee of Registration and Attendance: 74 Clergy, 57 Lay, 39 Youth, Visitors and Guests. Total of 170 delegates registeredFirst ballot for Synod Council SecretaryBishop Preibisch read the responsibilities of the synod council secretary.Parliamentarian Don Storch explained the ecclesiastical voting procedure.Report of the BishopVice-chair John Boucher assumed the chair.Bishop Gerhard Preibisch gave highlights of his report. He reminded the gathering that we are “In MissionFor Others.”First Reading of the BudgetTreasurer Gene Blishen presented the proposed budget.Bishop Gerhard Preibisch resumed the chair.Rev. Dr. Greg Mohr gave the morning’s announcements.Several BC Synod pastors have been published recently: Sharon Betcher: ‘Spirit and Politics of Disablement’ Don Johnson: ‘Child of God you are Growing Up’ Harry Kapeikis: ‘Exile from Latvia’ Eddie Kwok: A chapter in the book ‘Christian Education as Evangelism’ Ray Schultz: A chapter in the book ‘Future of Lutheranism in a Global Context’Recess at 10:05 a.m.Keynote Speaker – 10:30 a.m.Bishop Preibisch introduced Dr. Christian Eberhart, the keynote speaker.Dr. Eberhart is Associate Professor of New Testament Studies at Lutheran Theological Seminary,Saskatoon; Director of Cross Cultural/Globalization Program; Editor of Consensus: A Canadian LutheranJournal of Theology.Dr. Eberhart’s credentials are:Zwischenprüfung, University of Heidelberg (Germany); Master of Theological Studies, Harvard University,Divinity School, 1994; Doctor of Theology, University of Heidelberg (Germany), 2002; PostdoctoralResearch Fellow, University of Tübingen (Germany), 2001-2004; contracted by the German Bible Society(Stuttgart, Germany) to work on the “Stuttgart Electronic Study Bible” (SESB), 2003-2004. Recipient of a2005-2006 Lilly Theological Research Grant by the Association of Theological Schools, Pittsburgh, PA.Chair of the “Sacrifice, Cult, and Atonement” Consultation of the Society of Biblical Literature.Dr. Eberhart brought greetings from staff, students and president Kevin Ogilvie at the LutheranTheological Seminary in Saskatoon.The lecture was followed by a question and answer periodRecessed for lunch at 12:00 NoonBritish Columbia Synod Section C / 3

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionFriday, April 18, 2008 – 1:30 p.m.Business Session 3GreetingsRev. Dr. Mohr introduced Rev. Kim MacMillan, Conference Minister from the United Church of Canada,who brought greetings from Dennis Young, President.Committee of Registration and Attendance 74 Clergy, 59 Lay, 43 Youth, Visitors and Guests Total of 176 delegates registeredReport of the Elections CommitteeRev. Marlys Moen gave the result of the first ballot for secretary. There were 105 ballots cast, 75% or 76votes are needed to win.Rev. Anita Desjardins 18Rev. Clifford Reinhardt 14Lene Olesen 6Rev. Eric Krushel 6Cathryn Aune 5Rev. Brenda Nestegaard Paul 4Rev. Kathy Martin 4Rev. Tim Johnson 4Don Storch 3Rev. Tyler Gingrich 3Rev. Jim Hill 2Alice Chen 2Rev. Tim Le Drew 2DJ Larson 1Rev. Michael Rodgers 1Rev. Marlys Moen 1Winnie Fong 1Rev. Gerald Mitchinson 1Jack Larson 1Rev. Alan Lai 1Rev. Tim Dutcher-Walls 1Rev. Lyle McKenzie 1Rev. Wallace Loge 1Audrey Strauss 1Rev. Hwee Yang Tang 1Frida Paetsch 1Susan Johnson 1Rev. Samuel Voo 1Lorraine Reinhardt 1Rev. Edward Skutshek 1Ester Wuthrich (Haab) 1Jan Storch 1Jerry Mitchenson 1The second ballot was distributed.ELCIC Pension UpdateHildy Thiessen, Executive Director, ELCIC Group Services Inc. and John Wolff, Chair of the Board,ELCIC Group Services Inc., presented an overview of the pension fund.Convention chaplain Rev. Kathy Martin led in prayer. The ballots for secretary were collected.Report of the TreasurerSynod treasurer Gene Blishen presented the financial statements to June 30, 2006, and to June 30,2007. He also made a presentation of the finances from July to December 2007.The fiscal year is July 1 to June 30.British Columbia Synod Section C / 4

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionReport from CLWR (Canadian Lutheran World Relief) Executive Director, Robert Granke, thanked the BC Synod, which historically is the highest percapita contributor to GHDA and CLWR. He invited everyone to join himself and others fromCLWR for breakfast Saturday morning. There will be a press release next week regarding The Augustana Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem.After two years of negotiations they will receive a $600,000 grant from CIDA (CanadianInternational Development Agency).Minutes of the 2006 ConventionSpelling error on page 11 reads Dear Andersen should be Dean AndersenSCon08-02That the minutes from 2006 Synod Convention be adopted as corrected. Carried.Report of SecretaryThe heading ‘Clergy from other Jurisdictions’ should be changed to ‘Rostered Ministers from otherJurisdictions.’Changes to the Statistical Report of the Secretary:Faye Lavallee, Anglican Deacon and Wallace Loge should be added to the roster. Alan Boerner hasresigned from the roster.SCon08-03That the Statistical Report of the Secretary be accepted as corrected. Carried.Report of the Nominating CommitteeRev. Jim Whaley, chair of Nominating Committee, presented the committee’s nominees for SynodCouncil:Lower Fraser Valley, layPeace River, clergyVancouver Island, clergySouthern Interior, layJohn BoucherDarla SteersTim JohnsonRoland ZiprickCarol DennisonKim C. IsselForumsRev. Dr. Greg Mohr explained where to find the forums.Report of the Elections CommitteeRev. Marlys Moen gave the result of the second ballot for secretary. There were 114 ballots cast, 76votes were needed to elect.Rev. Anita Desjardins 34Rev. Clifford Reinhardt 30Lene Olesen 11Rev. Eric Krushel 7Rev. Brenda Nestegaard Paul 5Cathryn Aune 4Rev. Tim Johnson 4Rev. Kathy Martin 3Alice Chen 3The top four will be on the next ballotRecess 2:30 p.m.Rev. Lyle McKenzie 2Rev. Samuel Voo 2Rev. Gerald Mitchinson 1Jack Larson 1Rev. Alan Lai 1Don Storch 1Frida Paetsch 1Rev. Tim Le Drew 1British Columbia Synod Section C / 5

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionForums 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.Supper 5:00 p.m.Friday April 18, 2008 – 6:30 p.m.Business Session 4Opened with song led by Lorraine ReinhardtBishop Preibisch called upon Rev. Bob Goos, Faith and Society Committee chair, to explain the ListeningCircles that will take place later.The third ballot for synod council secretary was distributed.Committee of Registration and Attendance 74 Clergy, 59 Lay, 41 Youth, Visitors and Guests Total of 133 voting delegates presentChaplain Kathy Martin led in prayer. After a period of silence the ballots were collected.Listening Circles 6:45 p.m.: The gathering was divided into 10 groups to form the listening circles.Evening Prayer 8:30 p.m.Bishop’s Reception 9:15 p.m.Saturday, April 19, 2008Morning Worship with Eucharist – 8:15 a.m.Business Session 5 - 9:00 a.m.Report of the Elections CommitteeRev. Marlys Moen presented the result of the third ballot for secretary:Anita Desjardins 38Eric Krushel 6Lene Olesen 23Cliff Reinhardt 37Committee of Registration and Attendance 74 clergy, 59 lay and 45 Youth Visitors and Guests Total is 178 with 133 voting delegatesThe fourth ballot for secretary was distributed.Synod Council ReportSynod Council Secretary, Loris Martin, presented the report.SCon08-04That the Synod Council report be accepted as presented. Carried.British Columbia Synod Section C / 6

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionCommittee ReportsRev. Dr. Greg Mohr presented the committee reports:Faith and Society – Rev. Bob Goos, chairMissions – Rev. Eric Krushel, chairSpecialized Ministry – Allyson Aporta, chairStewardship – Rev. Ken Harris, chairReport of the Elections CommitteeRev. Moen presented the result of the fourth ballot for secretary:Anita Desjardins 34Lene Olesen 23Cliff Reinhardt 52116 votes cast – no election, the fifth ballot was distributed.Committee Reports ContinuedWorship – Rev. Brenda Nestegaard Paul, chairYouth Ministry – Susan Skinner, chairLutheran Student Foundation – Roland Stieda, chairTheological Education and Leadership – Rev. Kim Staus, chairSCon08-05To receive all committee reports. Carried.Report of the Elections CommitteeRev. Moen reported that 129 ballots were cast – 65 needed to elect the synod secretaryAnita Desjardins 56Cliff Reinhardt 66Bishop declared Rev. Reinhardt elected and asked if he accepted the election. The answer was ‘Yes.’The first ballot for Vice-chair was distributed.Announcement from Reference and Counsel by Rev. Curtis Aguirre.Recess at 10:20 a.m.Saturday, April 19, 2008 – 10:35 a.m.Keynote Speaker - Dr. Christian EberhartDr. Eberhart’s presentation was followed by a question and answer period.Housekeeping announcements from assistant convention manager Stephanie StausLunch break 12:00 NoonSaturday, April 19, 2008Business Session 6 – 1:30 p.m.Report of the Elections CommitteeRev. Marlys Moen read the results of the first ballot for Vice-chair. There were 115 votes cast. Needed towin 75% or 86 votes.British Columbia Synod Section C / 7

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionThe Bishop reiterated that clergy were ineligible and declared that deviant spellings for Staus, Boucherand Aune count as one.John Boucher 68Victor Mollerup 2Gail Henry 2Cathryn Aune 2Marta LeDrew 1Ester Haab 1Garry Gaefison 1Jill Gingrich 1Deborah Bartlette 1Kathy McIntosh 1Darlene Johnson 1Alice Chen 1Diane Swanlund 1Darla Steers 1Gerry Saleski 1Tom Saunder 1Marla Mowan 1Gerry Owen 1Armen Petznik 1Ted Schoepp 1Karolyn Niles 1Stephanie Staus 1Stephanie Stauss 1Catherine Aune 1John Buche 1John (Boushay) 1John Bouche 1John J. Bouher 1Curtis Aguiree 1Sam Voo 1Greg Mohr 1Bob Goos 1Ed Skutshek 1Marlys Moen 1David Lefsrud 1No Name 10Committee of Registration and Attendance 74 clergy, 60 lay, 48 Youth, Visitors and Guests. Total 182 with 134 voting delegatesReport of Evangelical Lutheran WomenKaren McKenzie, BC Synod ELW president, gave highlights of the work of the ELW. The ELW holds itsquadrennial convention this summer in Calgary, Alberta.The ELW holds the copyright to the acronym ELW, the new hymnal should not be called ELW.Report of the National Bishop Susan JohnsonThe Bishop spoke about being in Mission for Others.The National Church Council had a visioning process and came up with five pillars: Effective Partnerships Diverse Faces Compassionate Justice Focused Framework Spirited DiscipleshipThe BC representatives on the National Church Council are Judy Kochendorfer, Rev. Nolan Gingrich andDon Storch.The theme for the 2009 national convention will be: In Mission for Others: Signs of Hope.Report of the Elections CommitteeRev. Marlys Moen gave the report of the second ballot for Vice-chair:There were 119 ballots cast.British Columbia Synod Section C / 8

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionJohn Boucher 72Cathryn Aune 3Victor Mollerup 2Gail Henry 2Stephanie Staus 2Marta LeDrew 1Ester Haab 1Garry Gaefison 1Jill Gingrich 1Deborah Bartlette 1Kathy McIntosh 1Darlene Johnson 1Alice Chen 1Diane Swanlund 1Darla Steers 1Gerry Saleski 1Tom Saunder 1Marla Mowan 1Gerry Owen 1Armen Petznik 1Ted Schoepp 1Karolyn Niles 1No Name 10John Boucher was declared the winner and accepted the position.Report of Bylaw CommitteeLoris Martin apologized to everyone for not having attended to a bylaw to give vote to Youth and Anglicanclergy serving in Lutheran parishes.SCon08-06 That this synod shall participate in an Examining Committee serving the Synod of BritishColumbia, Albert and the Territories, Saskatchewan and Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario.The Synod Council of each synod shall appoint one lay person and one rostered person fora total of eight persons appointed. Of the four rostered persons appointed, at least onerostered person shall be a diaconal minister, with that position assigned to one of thesynods by agreement of the synod bishops. Members shall be appointed to serve for a termof four years, with a limit of two consecutive terms, staggered so that no more than half arereplaced at any one time.The President of Lutheran Theological Seminary shall annually appoint two facultymembers.The Synod Bishops shall serve ex officio on the Examining Committee.It shall be the duty of this committee to examine candidates for ordained and diaconalministry and candidates for reception from other Lutheran churches with whom mutualrecognition of ministry has not been established. The committee shall report itsrecommendations to the Synod Council of the Synod where the candidate is registered.Each examination shall be conducted by a sub-committee of the Examining Committeecomprised of one faculty, two lay persons, two rostered persons, and the bishop of thecandidate’s synod. When a diaconal candidate is being examined, the sub-committee shallinclude a diaconal minister.Further terms of reference for, and procedures of, the Examining Committee shall bedefined in the Candidacy Manual of this church.British Columbia Synod Section C / 9

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionFriendly amendments:SCon08-07To remove ‘ex-officio’ from SCon08-06. or To Leave ex-officio in but add with voice andvote. Amendments defeated.SCon08-06 Carried.Rev. Cliff Reinhardt presented the motions of the Committee of Reference and Counsel. (The motionsare identified by “R&C08,” and further numbered according to their order.)The first motion pertained to the Lutheran Student Foundation:R&C0806That the BC Synod in Convention amend its bylaws in the following manner:In Bylaw 12, delete Part I in its entirety and replace with the following text:I. The Committee For Campus MinistrySection 1. The membership of the committee shall consist of three to four personsappointed by Synod Council for terms of four years. No person shall be eligible toserve more than two consecutive terms.Section 2. The task of the committee shall be to:a. encourage and support the Lutheran ministry on campuses throughout the BCSynod;b. enter into appropriate ecumenical relations to enhance campus ministry in BC;c. establish guidelines, policies and recommend terms of reference for theformation of local campus ministry committees on the various campusesthroughout BC;d. receive requests for formal recognition of individual campus ministry committeesthroughout BC;e. prepare policies and priorities in order to invite and receive funding requests fromcampus chaplains or local campus ministry committee, and on behalf of campusministry throughout BC, submit budgetary requests to Synod Council;f. work in consultation with the parallel offices and structures of this Church tostimulate interest and identify and mobilize resources for Christian Ministry to andthrough post secondary educational institutions in British Columbia.g. Provide opportunities for chaplains and others involved in campus ministrythroughout the BC Synod to gather periodically to exchange ideas and receivemutual support.And in Bylaw 13, Part B be deleted and replaced with the following text:Section 1: Where physical facilities for this ministry are owned or secured, title shall beheld in the name of the British Columbia Synod – Evangelical Lutheran Church inCanadaSection 2: The British Columbia Synod – Evangelical Lutheran Church In Canada shallcontrol and manage the Lutheran Campus Centre at the University of BritishColumbia. The property of the Lutheran Campus Centre at the University of BritishColumbia, both real and personal, shal be held in trust for and under the guidance ofthis Synod.Section 3: Such facilities shall be administered by the campus ministry board(s) ofTrustees established by action of Synod Council.British Columbia Synod Section C / 10

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionRecommendation – Adoption. (Action by the convention as SCon08-08.) Carried.Before the Committee presented the next series of motions, Chair Bishop Preibisch stated that eachspeaker had three minutes to speak, and that when the bell rang the speaker must sit down.R&C0801That the BC Synod in convention affirm that people of all sexual orientations and genderidentities share the worth that comes from being persons created by God and arewelcomed into the full life of the synod, in accordance with its constitution and by-laws, andits policies. (Action by the convention as SCon08-09.)Recommendation of the Committee – Action by the convention.R&C0801.1That voting on Motion 1 in the report of the Committee for Faith andSociety on page F2 of the Bulletin of Reports be postponed indefinitelybecause it is ambiguous and unclear.Recommendation – No ActionThe motion was then made from the floor (as SCon08-10). The Chair ruled the motion R&C0801.1(SCon08-10) out of order. The mover challenged the ruling. The Chair put the challenge to the meeting,asking it to vote by a show of hands. The challenge was defeated.SCon08-11That in the motion R&C0801 a period be added after “welcomed” and the rest of the motionbe deleted.The Chair ruled the motion SCon08-11 out of order.SCon08-12That the BC Synod in convention affirm that people of all cultures, ethnicities, genders,sexual orientations and socioeconomic levels share the worth that comes from beingpersons created by God and are welcomed into the full life of the synod, in accordance withits constitution and by-laws, and its policies.The Chair ruled the motion SCon08-12 out of order. The mover challenged the ruling. The Chair put thechallenge to the meeting, asking it to vote by a show of hands. The challenge was defeated.A request was made that voice be granted to Emily Eastwood from Lutherans Concerned-USA and LionelKetola from Lutherans Concerned-Canada. Voice was granted by the Chair.R&C0801.2That voting on Motion 1 in the report of the Committee for Faith andSociety on page F2 of the Bulletin of Reports be recorded and reported inseparate categories of clergy delegates and lay delegates, and thatpassage of this motion require that the same majority be achieved in eachcategory of delegates.Recommendation – No ActionThe motion was then made from the floor (as SCon08-13). The Chair ruled the motion R&C0801.2(SCon08-13) out of order. The mover challenged the ruling. The Chair gave explanation for the ruling,and then put the challenge to the meeting, asking it to vote by a show of hands. The challenge wasdefeated.The Chair ruled that SCon08-09 was now before the meeting for its vote. SCon08-09 Carried.Announcements by Rev. Dr. Mohr.British Columbia Synod Section C / 11

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionElina Singh, World Missions Committee, was introduced.Recess 4:00 p.m.Saturday, April 19, 2008Business Session 7 – 4:15 p.m.Report of the Nominating CommitteeRev. Jim Whaley presented nominations for Synod Council:Lower Fraser Valley, LayPeace River, clergyVancouver Island, clergySouthern Interior, layGreater Vancouver, clergyMs. Darla Steers,Mr. John Boucher declared ineligible following his election as Vice Chairnominated from the floor - Ms. Darlene Johnson.Rev. Tim Johnson, Rev. Roland Ziprick.Rev. Carol Dennison.There being no further nominations Rev. Dennison was elected byacclamation.Ms. Kim C. Issel,nominated from the floor - Ms. Jan Schulz.Nominated from the floor Rev. Tim Dutcher-Walls, Rev. Eric Krushel,Rev. Samuel Voo, Rev. Marlys Moen (declined).Committee of Reference and Counsel, continuedR&C0802That the BC synod in convention encourage congregations to go through a process ofstudy which will enable them to consider becoming Reconciling in Christ congregations.Recommendation – Action by the convention as SCon08-14. Carried.R&C0803That the BC Synod in Convention petition, through the office of the Bishop, the Premier andthe Minister of Labour to raise the minimum wage in the Province of British Columbia to$10.00 an hour.Recommendation – Action by the convention as SCon08-15. CarriedR&C0804That the BC Synod in Convention petition, through the office of the Bishop, the Premier andthe Minister of Labour to eliminate the $6 an hour training wage, effective immediately.Recommendation – Action by the convention as SCon08-16. Carried.R&C0805That the BC Synod in Convention petition, through the office of the Bishop, the Premier andthe Minister of Labour to index the minimum wage to the cost of living.Recommendation – Action by the convention as SCon08-17. Carried.R&C0808That the BC Synod in convention memorialise the National Church to initiate a studyprocess to review the policy of Holy Communion for those who are not yet baptized.Recommendation – Action by the convention as SCon08-18. Carried.British Columbia Synod Section C / 12

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionBallots for Synod Council were distributed.R&C0809That the BC Synod in convention memorialise the National Church to review the policiesand guidelines governing the Church Extension and Capital Fund.Recommendation – Action by the convention as SCon08-19.Vice-chair John Boucher assumed the chair.SCon08-20That SCon08-19 be referred to the BC Bishop’s office. Carried.Bishop Gerhard Preibisch resumed the chair.R&C0810That the BC Synod in convention instruct the BC Synod Council to examine therequirement for regional representation on the standing committees of Synod (Bylaw 12,Section 2a), and whether or not we can work more closely with our Anglican sisters andbrothers, and report its findings to the 2010 BC Synod Convention.Recommendation – Action by the convention as SCon08-21.SCon08-22 That R&C0810 be amended in the following way: “That the BC Synod inconvention instruct the BC Synod Council to examine the requirement forregional representation and strive for gender equality on the standingcommittees of Synod (Bylaw 12, Section 2a), and whether or not we canwork more closely with our Anglican sisters and brothers, and report itsfindings to the 2010 BC Synod Convention.”SCon08-21 Carried.The Chair ruled the amending motion, Scon08-22, out of order.The convention Chaplain led in prayer. Ballot for Synod Council was distributed and the nominees wereintroduced.Youth Presentation‘I am a church’ was the theme of the youth’s presentation giving us different views of churches andending by asking which church we would like to belong to!Vice-chair John Boucher assumed the chair.Committee of Reference and Counsel continued.R&C0811That the B.C. Synod in convention memorialise the National Church to allow individualcongregations to apply for lottery funds in order to assist the congregations with theirindividual projects.Recommendation – Action by the convention as SCon08-23. Defeated.R&C0812That the B.C. Synod in convention memorialise the National Church to create the office ofTheologian in Residence for the conventions of the church, engaging the services of one ormore theologians drawn from the seminaries of the ELCIC, to speak to the convention andto serve as theological consultants for the business of the convention.Recommendation – Action by the convention as SCon08-24. Carried.British Columbia Synod Section C / 13

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionCommittee of the Report of the BishopPresented by Rev. Cliff ReinhardtSCon08-25SCon08-26SCon08-27That the BC Synod in Convention encourage all congregations and individuals of thisSynod to review and consider increasing their proportionate giving to the church. Carried.That the BC Synod in Convention encourage all congregations and individuals of thisSynod to consider providing planned gifts to the Church. Carried.That the BC Synod in Convention request that congregations in Greater Vancouver enterinto consultation with the office of the Bishop to explore areas of ministry where they canwork cooperatively, including with their Anglican neighbours.Friendly amendment:SCon08-28 That the BC Synod in Convention request that congregations in GreaterVancouver and other congregations in the BC Synod enter into consultationwith the office of the Bishop to explore areas of ministry where they can workcooperatively, including with their Anglican neighbours. Carried.SCon08-29SCon08-30That the BC Synod in Convention request that congregations of this synod develop anarea-mission strategy. Carried.That the BC Synod in Convention encourage congregations of this synod to explore waysof enabling the birth of new mission congregations. Carried.SCon08-31 That the BC Synod in Convention request that congregations of this Synod encourage andprovide funding for their confirmands to attend the Synod’s confirmation camp.Friendly amendment:SCon08-32 That the BC Synod in Convention request that congregations of this Synodencourage and provide funding for their confirmands to attend confirmationcamps endorsed by the Synod. Carried.SCon08-33That the BC Synod in Convention request that congregations of this Synod encourage andsupport their youth to attend the 2008 National Lutheran Youth Gathering in Whitehorse,Yukon.Friendly amendment:SCon08-34 That the BC Synod in Convention request that congregations of this Synodencourage and support their youth to attend the 2008 National LutheranYouth Gathering in Whitehorse, Yukon, and the 2009 Synod YouthGathering. Carried.SCon08-35 That the BC Synod in Convention request that all congregations of this synod adopt the“Green Parish Accreditation Program.” Carried.SCon08-36 That the BC Synod in Convention request that all congregations of this synod considerongoing funding for the Lutheran Urban Mission Society and the Surrey Urban MissionSociety of our Synod. Carried.SCon08-37 That the BC Synod in Convention encourage congregations of this synod to supportrepresentatives from their congregation to attend the 2008 ACC/ELCIC National WorshipConference in Montreal. Carried.Bishop Preibisch resumed the chair.British Columbia Synod Section C / 14

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionReport of the Elections CommitteeRev. Marlys Moen presented the results of the first ballot for Synod Council111 ballots cast. A majority of ballots cast needed to elect.Lower Fraser Valley, Lay Darlene Johnson 52Darla Steers 49No election.Greater Vancouver, clergy Tim Dutcher-Walls 25Eric Krushel 38Samuel Voo 41No election.Peace River, clergy Tim Johnson 37Roland Ziprick 69Roland Ziprick was elected.Southern Interior, lay Kim Issel 39Jan Schulz 62Jan Schulz was elected.The second ballot for Greater Vancouver and Lower Fraser Valley Synod council representatives weredistributedBoard of LTS NominationsInge Maier had consented to let her name stand for a second term. There being no further nominationsInge Maier was elected by acclamation.Banquet 7:00 p.m.During the banquet several pastors were honoured for their years in the ministry:40 th Anniversary of Ordination25 th Anniversary of OrdinationGordon HoeflickerKebede DibabaLorin KossPeter HansonH. Kendall HarrisGreg MohrHarry KapeikisSharon BetcherErling LindstromBrian Heinrich30 th Anniversary of OrdinationRobert GoosTimothy JohnsonJames WhaleyH. Walter Johanson50 th Anniversary of OrdinationFerdinand BagloLarry DenefDonald JohnsonPeter MathiasenWallace BergmanFrank Schmitt60 th Anniversary of OrdinationHerman BickelRudolph BuschBishop Preibisch also recognized pastors who are retiring:Robert Byhre, retired April 1, 2008James Hill, retiring April 30, 2008Raymond Schultz, October 14, 2007Robert Shantz, retired April 15, 2008British Columbia Synod Section C / 15

Minutes 2008 Synod ConventionSunday, April 20, 2008Business Session 8 – 9:00 a.m.Chaplain Rev. Kathy Martin led in prayerAnnouncements by Rev. Greg MohrUBC Campus ReportRev. Tim LeDrew presented ‘Vision for the future of campus ministry at UBC’SCon08-38 That we thank Cliff Reinhardt and peer minister Jessica Schaap for their work at the UBCcampus. Carried.Report of the Elections CommitteeRev. Marlys Moen presented the result of the second ballot for synod council:Lower Fraser Valley, Lay Darlene Johnson 47Darla Steers 40No election.Greater Vancouver, clergy Eric Krushel 39Samuel Voo 52Samuel Voo elected.The third ballot for Lower Fraser Valley synod council representative was distributed.Lutheran Theological Seminary ReportDr. Eddie Kwok brought greetings from the seminary and gave highlights from his report.He mentioned that Dr. Christian Eberhart has received a grant from the Louisville Foundation to enablehim to write two books due out in the next year or so.Second reading of the BudgetSynod Treasurer Gene Blishen presented the second reading of the budget.SCon08-39 That the BC Synod in convention accept the proposed budgets for 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. Carried.Convention host, Pastor Patricia Giannelia has appointed herself minister of fun! She had put together aLutheran quiz for the delegates, she did not get many answers so all get a prize.Report of the Elections CommitteeRev. Marlys Moen presented the result of the third ballot for synod council.Lower Fraser Valley, Lay Darlene Johnson 46Darla Steers 36Darlene Johnson was elected.SCon08-40 That all ballots be destroyed after the convention. Carried.Committee for Reference and CounselRev. Cliff Reinhardt presented Motions of Gratitude to be approved by applause.British Columbia Synod Section C / 16

Peterson, KeithPope, AlanRandoy, RobertReinhardt, FrithjofMitchinson, GeraldOlesen, WillyOlsen, OsbornePaetsch, ErnestRode, EdwardSchmidt, H. PaulSchmidt, SylviaSchmitt, FrankSchultz, RaymondStrand, AnnSundmark, VernonSvingen, MarvinSwedberg, PaulThomas-Knudsen, AnneThomsen, LindaWestereng, KennethTEMPORARILY ON LEAVEDeng, Xi Xia (Esther)Fischer, PeterFrick, MarieMartin, J. TerranceRodgers, MichaelSandle, GuntherNAMES ADDED TO ROSTERFong, NathanHalvorson, MurrayJaugelis, VidaKeeley, ThomasMagnuson, RichardRichardson, TerrySchenk, GarySteele, KristenORDINATIONSFong, Nathan – Mar 15, 2009Keeley, Thomas – Jun 28, 2009Jaugelis, Vida – Sept 27, 2009Steele, Kristen – May 2, 2009NECROLOGYFrank, Otto – May 1, 2008Gaertner, Fred – Mar 11, 2008Haugen, Gayle – Nov 29, 2009Jackson, Pamela – Mar 24, 2010SERVING UNDER LICENSEJanko, KatalinNO LONGER ON ROSTERBaker, GregoryBoerner, AlanBusch, BradGrauer, LenoraSkutshek, EdStetson, RichardBritish Columbia Synod Section C | 20

Congregations & Ministries by ConferenceGREATER VANCOUVERBurnaby, EmmausBurnaby, FaithBurnaby, GraceBurnaby, Vancouver ChineseCoquitlam, Good ShepherdDelta, BenedictionNew Westminster, Mt. ZionNorth Vancouver, Gloria DeiNorth Vancouver, Mt. OlivetRichmond, Our SaviourSechelt, Living FaithVancouver, DunbarVancouver, FirstVancouver, Lutheran Campus CentreVancouver, Lutheran Urban Mission SocietyVancouver, New Life ChineseVancouver, OakridgeVancouver, RedeemerVancouver, Spirit of LifeVancouver, St. Peter’s EstonianTOTAL 20LOWER FRASER VALLEYAbbotsford, PeaceChilliwack, ChristCoquitlam, King of LifeDelta, TrinityLangley, Shepherd of the ValleyMaple Ridge, St. Paul’sMatsqui, MatsquiSurrey, Christ the King MinistrySurrey, EmmanuelSurrey, Surrey Urban Mission SocietyWhite Rock, Mount OliveTOTAL 11PEACE RIVERChetwynd, Faith (Shared)Dawson Creek, GraceFort St. John, PeaceHudson’s Hope, St. Peter’s (Shared)Mackenzie, Hope (Shared)Prince George, Our Saviour’sRolla, North Rolla (Inactive)TOTAL 7NORTHWESTPrince Rupert, St. Paul’sSandspit, Lord of Life (mission)Smithers, Mt. ZionTerrace, ChristTOTAL 4SOUTHERN INTERIORKamloops, Hills of PeaceKelowna, All Saints (mission)Kelowna, ChristKelowna, FaithNelson, AscensionOliver, St. John’sPenticton, Our RedeemerSalmon Arm, DeoVernon, PeaceTOTAL 9VANCOUVER ISLANDComox, Shepherd of the ValleyNanaimo, HopePort Alberni, TrinityPowell River, FaithVictoria, Lutheran Church of the CrossVictoria, Good ShepherdVictoria, GraceTOTAL 7GRAND TOTAL - 58British Columbia Synod Section C | 21

PROPOSED BYLAW AMENDMENTS FOR THE 2010 BC SYNOD CONVENTIONPresented by Synod CouncilMotion #1, enfranchising delegates of Shared Ministries:Moved and seconded that Bylaw 2 (Membership), Section 2, regarding voting members at Synodconvention, be amended by adding the following sub-section (abc):one lay delegate from each Shared Ministry officially recognized by this Synod.If the proposed amendment were passed, then Bylaw 2, Section 2 would read as follows:Voting members shall consist of:a. one lay delegate from each congregation officially recognized by this Synod.Congregations having more than 100 baptized members may have one lay delegate foreach additional 200 baptized members or major fraction thereof. Delegates shall cease tobe members in good standing upon the termination of their membership in thecongregation.b. ordained ministers on the roster of this Synod who are members in good standing oftheir respective congregations and not under suspension from office by the Bishop.c. lay diaconal ministers on the roster of this Synod who are members in good standing oftheir respective congregations and not under suspension from office by the Bishop.d. lay members of Synod Council who are members in good standing, who shall ease tobe members in good standing upon removal from office in the manner described in thesebylaws.e. one lay delegate from each Shared Ministry officially recognized by this Synod.Motion #2, enfranchising youth delegates:Moved and seconded:a) that Bylaw 2 (Membership), Section 2, regarding voting members at Synod convention,be amended by adding the following sub-section (abc):youth delegates as elected or appointed by their respective conferences (cf.Bylaw 6, Section 2) and who are members in good standing of membercongregations.Refer to the Bylaw text for Motion #1, above. If the proposed amendment were passed, itwould be added as another sub-section.b) that Bylaw 6 (Conferences), Section 2, be amended by adding a new sub-section g (abc):g. elect or appoint a confirmed youth between the ages of 15 and 18 yearsinclusive on the first full day of the convention and who is a member in goodstanding of a congregation in that conference, as a voting delegate to the synodconvention.If the proposed amendment were passed, then Bylaw 6, Section 2 would read as follows:The purpose of the conferences shall be to:a. encourage fellowship among ordained ministers and congregations;British Columbia Synod Section C / 23

. arrange opportunities for the study of the Holy Scriptures and Christian doctrine;c. assist this Synod in planning, promoting, and implementing the mission of the Church;d. respond in consultation with this Synod to particular needs within its territory;e. elect the required number of ordained ministers as delegates to the conventions of thischurch;f. elect a nominee to represent the conference on Synod Council;g. elect or appoint a confirmed youth between the ages of 15 and 18 years inclusiveon the first full day of the convention and who is a member in good standing of acongregation in that conference, as a voting delegate to the synod convention.c) that Bylaw 7 (Conventions), Part A (Synod Conventions), Section 10 (Delegates), beamended by adding a new sub-section b (abc) and re-numbering the current sub-sectionsc and d:b. each conference shall submit the name and address of its youth delegate to thesecretary at least sixty days prior to the opening day of the convention.If the proposed amendment were passed, then Bylaw 7, Part A, Section 10 would read asfollows:Delegates:a. each congregation shall submit the name(s) and address(es) of its delegate(s) to thesecretary at least sixty days prior to the opening day of the convention.b. each conference shall submit the name and address of its youth delegate to thesecretary at least sixty days prior to the opening day of the convention.c. delegates to conventions of this Synod shall be paid travel costs at a rate to bedetermined by the Synod Council.d. each congregation or employing agency shall pay the registration fee of its delegate(s).In the case of a pastor serving a multiple-congregation parish, such expenses shall beborne by the congregations pro rata on the basis of baptized membership.Motion #3, enfranchising full-communion ordained ministers:Moved and seconded:a) that Bylaw 2 (Membership), Section 2, regarding voting members at Synod convention,be amended by adding a new sub-section to read (abc):ordained ministers of a church with which this Church has a full communionagreement and who are serving in this Synod under the provisions of that fullcommunion agreement.If the proposed amendment were passed, then Bylaw 2, Section 2 would read as follows:Voting members shall consist of:a. one lay delegate from each congregation officially recognized by this Synod.Congregations having more than 100 baptized members may have one lay delegate foreach additional 200 baptized members or major fraction thereof. Delegates shall cease tobe members in good standing upon the termination of their membership in theBritish Columbia Synod Section C / 24

congregation.b. ordained ministers on the roster of this Synod who are members in good standing oftheir respective congregations and not under suspension from office by the Bishop.c. lay diaconal ministers on the roster of this Synod who are members in good standing oftheir respective congregations and not under suspension from office by the Bishop.d. lay members of Synod Council who are members in good standing, who shall ease tobe members in good standing upon removal from office in the manner described in thesebylaws.e. or f., (depending on whether an earlier amendment was approved) ordained ministersof a church with which this Church has a full communion agreement and who areserving in this Synod under the provisions of that full communion agreement.b) that Bylaw 4 (Ministers) be amended by adding a new Section 14 (abc):Section 14. An ordained minister of a church with which this Church has a fullcommunion agreement and who is serving in this Synod under the provisions ofthat full communion agreement shall have the same rights and privileges as anOrdained and Rostered Minister of this Synod.Motion #4, regarding some details of the termination of a call:Moved and seconded that Bylaw 4 (Ministers), Section 10, sub-section b be amended by deletingexisting text (abc) and adding new text (abc), so as to read:b. the attainment of the age of sixty-five years, after which time the pastor may becalled for renewable two-year terms retirement of the pastorIf the proposed amendment were passed, then the first part of Bylaw 4, Section 10 would readas follows:The regular call of a congregation when accepted by a pastor, or letter of appointment whenaccepted by another worker, shall constitute a relationship, which shall be terminated only forthe following causes:a. resignation or the expiry of the term for which the person was calledb. the attainment of the age of sixty-five years, after which time the pastor may be calledfor renewable two-year terms retirement of the pastorc. disqualification through disciplined. division of a pastoral chargee. physical or mental incapacityf. continued neglect of ministryg. inability to conduct the pastoral office satisfactorily in that parish in the view of localconditions, without reflection on the moral and spiritual character of the pastor . . .Motion #5, regarding the vocal authority of the Bishop in congregations:Moved and seconded:a) that Bylaw 3 (Congregations) be amended by adding a new Section 11(abc):British Columbia Synod Section C / 25

Section 11. The Bishop of this Synod, or the Bishop’s designate, shall have theprivilege of voice in each congregation or ministry of this Synod, includingcongregational meetings.b) that Bylaw 9 (Officers), Section 7 be amended by adding a new sub-section f (abc) andre-numbering the current f to k sub-sections accordingly:The Bishop shall . . .f. have the privilege of voice in each congregation or ministry of this Synod,including congregational meetings.If the proposed amendment were passed, then Bylaw 9, Section 7 would read as follows:The Bishop shall:a. serve as leader and counselor to the congregations, ordained ministers, andconferences of this Synod;b. convene and preside over conventions of this Synod and the meetings of the SynodCouncil;c. be its chief executive officer and oversee the offices of vice-chairperson secretary, andtreasurer, co-ordinate the work of all staff of this Synod, and appoint all committee nototherwise provided for;d. ensure that the constitution and bylaws of this Synod are observed and that itsresolutions are implemented;e. visit the congregations and pastors of this Synod and confer with them concerning theirspiritual and temporal welfare;f. have the privilege of voice in each congregation or ministry of this Synod,including congregational meetings.g. ordain, or provide for the ordination of, all candidates accepted for the ministerial office;h. install, or provide for the installation of, the pastors of all congregations of this Synodand other ordained ministers called to service within this Synod, and induct into office theother officers of this Synod;i. be ex officio member of all committees of this Synod, its chief representative on theboards of directors or trustees of all institutions in which this Synod is entitled torepresentation;j. be the custodian of the seal of this Synod and attest all documents as required;k. appoint the (Synod) archivist of this Synod;l. report and make observations and recommendations to each regular convention of thisSynod concerning its mission and ministry with observations and recommendations.Motion #6, regarding the number of terms of office for the Bishop:Moved and seconded that Bylaw 10 (Synod Council), Section 1 be amended by deleting existingtext (abc) and adding new text (abc), so as to read:Section 1. The membership of the Synod Council shall be the officers of thisBritish Columbia Synod Section C / 26

Synod, together with eight additional members consisting of an equal number ofordained ministers and lay persons elected by the convention to serve for fouryears in such manner that the terms of one-half of the elected members shallexpire each biennium. There shall be at least one ordained minister or laypersonfrom each conference. With the exception of the Bishop, nNo elected membershall be eligible for more than two consecutive terms.British Columbia Synod Section C / 27

Motion #7, regarding the procedure for congregational secession from this church:Moved and seconded that Bylaw 3 (Congregations), Section 7 be amended by deleting existingtext (abc) and adding new text (abc), so as to read:A congregation and its members desiring to withdraw from this Church shall requirea two-thirds majority vote at any do so by special resolution as defined by theSociety Act of BC, requiring a 75% majority vote of all voting members presentand voting at a legally called and conducted meeting. Such a decision shall not beeffective until at least ninety days after the Bishop has been notified and until theinitial action has been ratified by a 75% majority vote at a subsequent legally calledand conducted meeting held not less than ninety days after the first meeting.Written notice for both meetings shall be given by postal service to all votingmembers and by registered mail to the bishop of this Synod at least 30 days inadvance of the date of each meeting.Motion #8, regarding the timeframe for electing lay delegates for National Conventions:Moved and seconded that Bylaw 7 (Conventions), Part B (National Church Conventions),Section 2 be amended by deleting existing text (abc) and adding new text (abc), so as to read:Section 2. Ordained delegates and alternates shall be elected at least nine monthsbefore the national church convention, after which the (Synod) secretary of thisSynod shall inform those parishes eligible to elect lay delegate(s). Lay delegates andalternates shall be elected at least six not earlier than twelve months and not laterthan four months before the convention.British Columbia Synod Section C / 28

Form for submitting petitions to the 2010 BC Synod ConventionThe bylaws of the Synod make provision for delegates, congregations, conferences andsynodical committees to formulate petitions for the consideration of the Synod in convention.Here are the pertinent parts of the bylaws:Bylaw 3, Section 2: Congregations shall have the right to petition this Synod, accordingto procedures set forth in these bylaws.Bylaw 6, Section 5: Each conference shall have the right to petition this Synod accordingto procedures set forth in these bylaws.Bylaw 7, Section 11, sub-section c: Petitions from congregations and conferences shallbe submitted to the secretary of this Synod prior to the convention for referral to theCommittee of Reference and Counsel.Bylaw 7, Section 11, sub-section d(i): receive and study petitions submitted to thesecretary by congregations and conferences, as well as those referred to it by theconvention, a synodical committee, or a delegate, and report to the convention itsrecommendations, together with the original resolutions.NAME of delegate, congregation, conference or synodical committee:Date:Petition:Signature:over . . .

Rationale (for the benefit of the Secretary and/or the Committee of Reference and Counsel):Please note: When a motion is presented to the convention, no rationale may accompany itaccording to Bourinot’s Rules of Order; rather the mover has the privilege of being the firstspeaker in the debate and may then provide the rationale.Reminder: petitions from congregations and conferences must be submitted to the Secretary ofthe Synod prior to the convention. Please submit a signed paper form and, if possible, send itas a digital file as well.DEADLINE for congregations and conferences: Monday, May 10, 2010Rev. Clifford Reinhardt, Secretary6070 Buchanan StreetBurnaby, BC V5B 2S2

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATIONFOR NOMINATIONSin theBritish Columbia SynodEvangelical Lutheran Church in Canada2010Nomination forConference Lay ClergyNameAddressTelephoneRes.Bus.Home CongregationOccupation (current and/or past)Service in the ChurchCommunity ServiceOther CommentsNominated by

REPORTSSection DTreasurerAuditor’s Report 2008Auditor’s Report 2009Budget for 2010 - 2011

Budget for July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011Regular Synod Mission $389,000Other income 65,000Total income $454,000ELCIC Support $50,000Canadian Missions 2,000Cong. Support Missions 20,000Faith and Society 1,500Youth Programs 2,000Specialized Ministry 0LTS 50,000CTEL 5,000Pastors Study Conference 0Campus Ministry 1,000Communications 7,800Deans conferences 3,500Stewardship 1,500Salaries 145,000Employee Benefits 34,000Payroll Costs 900Synod Travel 25,000Training, course fees 500Bishop’s discretionary 4,000Synod Council 10,000Examining Committees 700Worship Committee 1,000Rent 15,500Postage 4,600Telephone 5,000Office Supplies 5,000Computer 0Utilities 2,000Equipment purchase 5,000Insurance/Audit/Prof. 10,000Misc. 350GST Expense 5,000Convention 0Deferred contrib. rev. 0Total Expenses $417,850Net income $36,150

REPORTSSection EConference DeansGreater VancouverLower Fraser ValleyNorth WestPeace RiverSouthern InteriorVancouver Island

Report of the DeanGreater Vancouver ConferenceBENEDICTION, DUNBAR, EMMAUS, FAITH, FIRST, GLORIA DEI, GOOD SHEPHERD, GRACE,LIVING FAITH, MOUNT OLIVET, MOUNT ZION, NEW LIFE CHINESE, OAKRIDGE, OUR SAVIOUR,REDEEMER, SPIRIT OF LIFE, ST. PETER'S ESTONIAN, VANCOUVER CHINESEThese are the names of the eighteen congregations that form the Greater Vancouver Conference (GVC).The ministries of Lutheran-Anglican Mountaintop Ministry (SFU), Lutheran Campus Centre (UBC) andLutheran Urban Mission Society are also located within the GVC. All these names reflect geographical,faith, ethnic and even chronological emphases, but they certainly do not convey the stories of the peopleand ministries of the congregations and of the conference as a whole. (I wonder if there will come a timewhen we name or rename one of our congregations “Last Lutheran Church.”) Even the name of ourconference may need to change since “Greater Vancouver” has been re-branded and re-named “MetroVancouver.”The words from the prophet Isaiah for the Fifth Sunday in Lent can be a word of hope to the Church whencongregations are feeling caught in a time of change and transition, a time of questioning the Church’srelevance in a context that prefers to describe itself as “spiritual but not religious”, in a time when themajority of people do not want to belong to religious institutions of any kind.“Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings outchariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished,quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I amabout to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in thewilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:16-19)As the people of the Greater Vancouver Conference we often feel caught between the stories of formerdays and yet trying to be hopeful and perceptive enough to see “the new thing” God promises to do. Forsome of the congregations in the GVC it has meant stepping out in faith and calling a new pastor (Grace,Burnaby; Oakridge and Dunbar, Vancouver); for two congregations (Augustana and Christ) it has meantlaying aside the former things and taking hold of a new thing, i.e. a new entity as Spirit of Life, Vancouver;for another congregation (Basel Hakka, Vancouver) the “new thing” has meant severing its ties with theELCIC; for one congregation (First, Vancouver) it has meant providing sanctuary for Mikhail Lennikov,who is now joined by his family in residence at the church.As a conference we continued to grapple with what God is calling us to do and be. On February 14, 2009sixty-four people from fourteen different congregations/ministries attended the GVC Epiphany EducationEvent which was held at Mount Olivet, North Vancouver. Rev. Dr. Greg Mohr and Rev. Dr. Alan Lai wereour presenters as together we explored the missional church and emerging churches models, models thatinvite us to reclaim the nature of the church in mission that seeks to be meaningful to the contemporarycultures and mindsets. Following the presentations the participants then engaged in lively discussionsabout the implications for their own contexts. As requested, a follow-up event was held on October 31,2009 at Grace, Burnaby.We met in convention on September 26, 2009 at Good Shepherd, Coquitlam. In addition to the usualbusiness matters, we heard from Tita Valeriano, a representative of the Lutheran World Federation,followed by “Stories of Hope” about the impending merger of Christ and Augustana and the story ofsanctuary at First Lutheran. Following a brief discussion of “Next Steps – New Leadership: The Processof Electing a Bishop” we concluded the convention with Holy Communion.Such conference-wide events have contributed to some basic pieces of being church, like getting to knowone another, hearing each other’s stories, and sharing in worship – Word and Sacrament in action.Unfortunately, nothing is planned for this year other than the annual conference convention.British Columbia Synod Section E | 1

The ELCIC Study on Human Sexuality has been completed by some congregations, deemed “a waste oftime” by at least one, and not necessary by another which had just completed the RIC process recently.For those who have used the study, it seems to have engendered thoughtful and sometimes lengthydiscussions which participants have found helpful. The two remaining Chinese congregations expressedtheir strong desire to remain in the ELCIC, but it is dependent upon the outcome of the issue regardingthe blessing of same-sex marriages.The ministerial continued to meet on a monthly basis for text study, worship, fellowship, support, lunchand discussion around a theme or to listen to an invited speaker. We have been delighted to welcomenew ordinands Nathan Fong, Thomas Keeley and Vida Jaugelis. We are also grateful that many of ourretired colleagues continue to participate in the life of the conference, particularly showing their support atordination and installation services.Several congregations continue to struggle with finances and having enough people to carry on the workand ministry of being a congregation. To respond to some of those concerns an area strategy discussionhas been suggested for Burnaby, New Westminster and Coquitlam. Bishop Gerhard has appointed KeithPeterson and Gordon Peterson as facilitators for an intentional conversation between Mount OlivetLutheran Church and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in North Vancouver. For the next year or so, under thefacilitation of these two individuals, Mount Olivet and Gloria Dei will explore options concerning the bestways to carry out mission in their neighbourhood. Again requests for synodical support for such ventures,as well as for input in dealing with times of transition have been heard from congregations through theEvery Parish Consultation process.As we look forward to the Synod Convention in May and to the conversations about restructuring withinthe ELCIC our prayer is that we will see and embrace the new things God is doing in our midst as wecontinue to be God’s people in mission for others.Respectfully submittedMarlys Moen, Dean, Greater Vancouver ConferenceAlan Lai, Assistant Dean, Greater Vancouver ConferenceBritish Columbia Synod Section E | 2

Report of the DeanLower Fraser Valley ConferenceGrace and Peace to the Delegates of the BC Synod Convention;The Lower Fraser Valley conference is made up of the following congregations and ministries:Christ Lutheran Church, ChilliwackEmmanuel Lutheran Church, SurreyKing of Life Lutheran Church, CoquitlamMatsqui Evangelical Lutheran Church, AbbotsfordMount Olive Lutheran Church, SurreyPeace Lutheran Church, AbbotsfordShepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, LangleySt. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Maple RidgeTrinity Lutheran Church, DeltaChrist the King Ministry, SurreySurrey Urban Mission Society, SurreyThe Lower Fraser Valley conference ministerium usually meets the third Thursday of every month. Werotate from parish to parish which enables us to get a sense of each parishes’ ministry and mission. Ouragenda for gathering is worship, reflection, mutual conversation and normally concludes with lunchtogether at a local restaurant.Some of the highlights for us this past year have been: May‣ Installation of Reverend Kristen Steele at Shepherd of the Valley Langley August‣ Funeral service for our colleague and good friend Gertie Gatzke, formerparish worker of Peace Lutheran Church, Abbotsford September‣ Joint gathering with Vancouver conference at the home of ReverendKathy Martin October‣ Conference convention held at Trinity, Delta. Instead of inviting a guestspeaker we spent our time together sharing stories of how God is at workin our parishes - our joys, our dreams, our struggles, as well as ourreflections on the challenges and opportunities for our Synod in thefuture. November‣ Joint gathering with Vancouver conference. Guest speaker Rev. Dr.Karen Bloomquist, Director of the Department of Theological Studies forthe Lutheran World Federation November through December‣ Two gatherings to discuss the Human Sexuality Study made available bythe National Church March‣ Helped sponsor the Seminary on the Road event – Mount Olive, SurreyThree of our youth groups have been meeting together every couple of months. This has been helpful inbuilding friendships and relationships between youth and leaders. It has also been advantageous inenabling some of our youth groups to pair up together for the National Youth Convention being held thiscoming summer in London Ontario.British Columbia Synod Section E | 3

The ministry of Surrey Urban Mission continues on with all kinds of stories of hope and promise. Ourconference parishes try to lend assistance by hosting monthly Sunday evening suppers and supportingthe various ministry opportunities. Good things are happening! Please see the SUMS report foundelsewhere in the bulletin of reports for further information.We are grateful to Bishop Gerhard Preibisch and Assistant to the Bishop, Reverend Dr. Greg Mohr fortheir ongoing support and for their presence at our gatherings whenever possible. We appreciate theirtime, their work and their leadership.May God continue to bless all of us as we continue on in our Lenten/Easter journey.Respectfully SubmittedPastor Peter HansonDeanLower Fraser Valley ConferenceBritish Columbia Synod Section E | 4

Report of the DeanNorthwest ConferenceOur conference is small in number of congregations and members but covers a large geographic area.We have four congregations that extend from Smithers to Sandspit on Haida Gwaii. We see our missionas providing opportunity for people in northern and isolated regions to hear and experience the gospel.We continue to maintain strong relationships between congregations through our conference conventionand personal contacts between members. Our small size allows us to get to know each other but limitsthe resources we have for ministry. The large distance between congregations makes it difficult to haveconference programs. Thanks to some funding from Synod Missions we were able cover the hightransportation costs of travel to our mission congregation in Sandspit. We continued a joint internship forSt. Paul’s in Prince Rupert, Mt. Zion in Smithers and Lord of Life in Sandspit. We were pleased to haveour Conference Convention at Lord of Life in Sandspit. Because of the ferry schedule this venue requiresa four day commitment from delegates.Congregational NotesLord of Life Community Church, Sandspit: I continue to be amazed by the way God continues toprovide ministry through this small congregation. Just when it looks like it is time to close the doors dueto decreasing numbers more people start to attend. On September 4 th we welcomed delegates andvisitors for the conference convention. There are clergy-led services on the third Sunday of the monthalternating between Intern Fleming Blishen and myself. This provides Holy Communion on alternatemonths. Lay services are held on Sundays when clergy are not present, with sermons written by Synodpastors being read. Our building is beginning to show signs of wear and need for maintenance. Plansare necessary to replace the back roof. In December, members administered the community Christmashamper fund. A food bank has also been established at the church. We are pleased to have visitingclergy who stay in the church apartment and provide worship services, usually during the summermonths. Finances remain very limited. Travel costs are being paid using money from BC SynodMissions. As the community of Sandspit continues to struggle with a very depressed economy anddecreasing population, Lord of Life Church provides support and hope of the Gospel. Sometimes travel isa challenge with weather delays and cancelled flights. The willingness of members to provide necessaryextra transportation and billeting is necessary and appreciated.St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Prince Rupert: St. Paul’s continues to be active in the conference and inthe community. The mission arrangement with Lord of Life and Mt. Zion worked well as we continued toshare our intern. The contract with Northern Health to provide pastoral care was seen as positive ministryby our congregation and helped provide funding for an intern. Unfortunately, this contract was ended dueto financial constraints. The congregation provided funeral services for several non-members this pastyear. Some of this is a result of the hospital work but others came as referrals by our members. Theeconomy remains poor in Prince Rupert. For the second year in a row St. Paul’s had a deficit in thegeneral budget. At the same time the congregation continues to work with the Aboriginal HomelessnessProgram to supply coats and outerwear to those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless andto support a ministry to at risk teen girls. The congregation provided people to “man” the Salvation ArmyKettles for several days. Worship continues to be a high priority for St. Paul’s. They are continuing tolearn new liturgies from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship Book.The congregation is having a very successful year with Intern Fleming and is committed to having anintern next year. St. Paul’s is thankful for the health of our congregation. Many congregations in PrinceRupert are struggling. St. Paul’s strives be a positive witness in the community even as numberscontinue to decline. The Sunday School grew this past year and is very active. They had a prizewinning float in the Prince Rupert Winterfest Parade. The choir continues to meet and sing regularly.The monthly congregational “fun night” is growing in popularity with people from age seven to eighty-nineattending. The congregation appreciated the support from the Synod Missions Committee to help ussupply Mt. Zion and Lord of Life and to have an intern. The congregation is concerned about futuredirections for St. Paul’s and other congregations in our conference.British Columbia Synod Section E | 5

Christ Lutheran, Terrace: The congregation remains as a small and aging congregation. They haveregular Sunday worship service lead twice per month by a retired Anglican priest and twice by lay leaderswho read sermons prepared by Synod pastors. They are blessed with a fine musician but are concernedabout LCC services being held in Terrace. They have no Sunday School but are beginning a midweekadult Bible Study. They provide support for LAMP. At present there is no view for growth but a strongdesire to provide support for the aged members of the congregation.Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Smithers/Telkwa: The congregation was excited to welcome Intern Flemingand his wife Vanessa. Intern Fleming leads worship service on the second Sunday of the month and Iprovide Holy Communion on the fourth Sunday of the month. On alternate Sundays the services are layled.Even with their small numbers, the congregation sent a delegate to the national convention. Theyalso had three people travel to the conference convention in Sandspit. The congregation is facing somechallenges but does so with a spirit of hopefulness. Having an intern led service and a pastor led serviceeach month was a welcome blessing for the congregation. The congregation takes their turn in providingworship services at the local seniors’ residence. They also help out with the Salvation Army ChristmasKettle and donate to the Christmas food hamper organized by Smithers Community Services. This year,Mt. Zion will join with the local Anglican congregation to celebrate the 100 th anniversary of St. StephensAnglican Church. This is the building Mt. Zion rents for worship services. They practice hospitality wellbut want to do even more to welcome visitors. There is a desire to have their own pastor but their limitedfinances would only at best support a half time pastor. There is a desire to grow and hope that a way canbe found to make this possible. The congregation appreciates St. Paul’s willingness to share its pastorand intern.Closing Comments: Sometimes it feels lonely being the only Lutheran pastor in the conference. Moreand more the Conference is feeling like a multi-point parish. Some members of St. Paul’s congregationare concerned about my health and safety. Some trips have been a challenge – to say the least. Theyare also concerned about my time away from St. Paul’s while St. Paul’s continues to pay my full salary. Ifno pastor can be called by Mt. Zion in the next year or two, perhaps it is time to consider making this amulti-point parish where salary is shared. Another solution would be to have a second pastor to serve Mt.Zion and Christ Lutheran. A previous intern made this observation about ministry in our conference that,“This is a great adventure but you have to be a little crazy to do it.” There are some wonderfully faithfulpeople in our Conference and a real need to do grace-centered ministry in small isolated communities.My prayer is that we will find ways to provide good pastoral support for our congregations.British Columbia Synod Section E | 6

Report of the DeanPeace River ConferenceCongregations & ClergyELCIC Congregations:Shared Ministries:Dawson Creek, Grace Lutheran, Rev. Tim JohnsonFort St. John, Peace Lutheran, Rev. Kebede DibabaPrince George, Our Saviour's Lutheran, Rev. Roland ZiprickChetwynd, Chetwynd Shared Ministry, Ms. MarlenePeck (Presbyterian)Hudsons' Hope, St. Peter's Shared Ministry Church, no present clergyMackenzie, Hope Trinity, Rev. Henry Dunbar (Anglican)(Tumbler Ridge, St. Paul's, unorganized)Specialized Ministries: Prince George Youth Custody Centre (PGYCC), Rev. StephanWagnerConference OverallThe Conference Convention was held at Peace Lutheran Church in Fort St. John in June 2009with good local attendance. Following worship Bishop Preibisch engaged in a Question and Answersession that proved useful and satisfying. Business sessions observed uncertainties about attendanceand voting since "All members of congregations are encouraged to attend conference meetings," and yetthe voting membership is restricted.Our 2010 Conference Convention is a combined convention with the Northwest Conference andis scheduled for June 4-6, 2010 at Our Saviour's, Prince George. This may be one of the last officialevents for Bishop Gerhard Preibisch and we hope it can be a joy for him. We plan to share a Saturdayevening banquet with the Peace River Conference ELW and hope for a shared presentation about FourCorners and CLWR.The Conference has organized a Conference Treasury and added a Treasurer to our Council.We did not engage in the Every Parish Consultation process but instead did deliberate Clergy Exchangesthat matched a BC Synod congregation with a Shared Ministry site – and urged the clergy in each case to"interpret" their own local ministry to the congregation they were visiting. One thing the Council isstumbling on is trying to implement the motion from our 2008 convention that instructed us to researchthe topic of shared ministry representation at Synod Conventions. This is proving complex becausevoting rights are constitutional and involve up the three levels (e.g. congregation, synod, church) of fourdifferent denominations. This may prove to be impossible.Most of our congregations engaged in the Study of Human Sexuality. Nevertheless, numericalparticipation was small in almost all cases.Some Congregational NotesDawson Creek, Grace Lutheran: Began studying Living Lutheran, a "slow and steady" approach tovisioning. This and an urge for more activity are encouraging signs of revitalization. At the same time thecongregation reduced its budget for 2010 and so the need is obvious. Tithing from previous land salemoney has been designated for local charities. Worship, music, ELW, ecumenical service (Food Bank,Soup Kitchen, homelessness response) are strengths.Fort St. John, Peace Lutheran: Twelve in Confirmation classes, regular Sunday School, Bible Study,Prayer Meeting. Weekly Youth Event has Bible study/activities and "jamming." Congregation renovatedworship space (painting, carpet, chancel rebuilding). Pastor is active in ministerial and Peace was site forMission Vision, March 12-13, and will take part in a City Wide Prayer Meeting May 16. Congregation iskeeping up finances including benevolence to Synod.Prince George, Our Saviour's Lutheran: Parish changes include a refreshed Sunday School, YouthGroup (that likes to “jam”), enriched worship life, service ministry with the Salvation Army; but alsostruggle with vision and making it happen. New plans include VBS, a newsletter and a website.Congregation reduced its mortgage payment in order to maintain synod benevolence and felt good.British Columbia Synod Section E | 7

Attendance continues to slide and this prompts radical thoughts about visioning.Chetwynd, Chetwynd Shared Ministry: Chetwynd shows evidence of good, ecumenical work over theyears. The coming year will be challenging as Marlene Peck is planning to pursue ordination and this willrequire her to attend VST full time. Ordination will be a good development for her and hopefully will alsomake it possible to make this a regular call rather than the yearly appointments that are presentlyrequired by her situation and shared denominational polity.Hudsons' Hope, St. Peter's Shared Ministry Church: (from Fay Lavallee) "Have managed quite wellthis past year in obtaining ordained clergy to provide Communion Services . . . and Sunday worship wasavailable every week. . . . in spite of people moving away, three new families have joined the church inthe past year and a half, . . . In this time of economic down turn St. Peter's seems to be moving aheadquite adequately. . . ."Mackenzie, Hope Trinity: Congregation has shrunk with people moving out of town. However, Canfor isoperating two shifts and another mill may be coming back. Henry Dunbar serves part-time but nowteaches shop part-time as well. Henry assisted the Tsay Keh First Nations village at the north end ofWilliston Lake to refurbish a church hall and Hope Trinity made use of United Church emergency grantsto teach First Nations Moms to manage when their husbands are working away.Prince George, PGYCC: Budget cuts and understaffing affect Stephan's work and have a trickle-downeffect on youth. More time is spent on staff counselling but Stephan is now firmly established andrespected. Multifaith commitment in chaplaincy here means with First Nations culture and Stephan hassolidified a friendship with Earl Henderson, the Elder at the Centre. The Centre is a fringe ministry – butan extreme place to be and therefore may be model for the wider church.Tumbler Ridge, St. Paul's: Starting in September 2009 there is only one service a month in TumblerRidge with myself going, usually the third Sunday of the month. Charlie Parslow, an Anglican deaconfrom Dawson Creek, retired from this in 2009.British Columbia Synod Section E | 8

Report of the DeanSouthern Interior ConferenceOur Congregations:All Saints Mission, Kelowna - Pr. Tyler GingrichAscension, Nelson – Pr. Nolan GingrichChrist, Kelowna – Pr. Patricia GianneliaDeo, Salmon Arm – Pr. Erik BjorganFaith, Kelowna – Pr. Wallace Loge (interim)Hills of Peace, Kamloops – Pr. Brian KrushelOur Redeemer, Penticton – Pr. Curtis AguirrePeace, Vernon – Pr. Rick SchulzSt. John’s, Oliver – Pr. Jim Hill (interim)Specialized Ministries:Village by the Station, Penticton, GSS, Chaplain Ron BjorganMountainview Village, Kelowna, GSS, Chaplain Terje NessHeron Grove, Vernon, GSS, Chaplain Bill PantzerHillside Village, Salmon Arm, GSS, Chaplain Bill KiesmanCampus Ministry, UBC Okanagan, Kelowna – Pr. Tyler GingrichGeneral Overview of the ConferenceThe Southern Interior Conference is a hardy group of congregations, responding to the challenge ofdefining what it means to be Lutheran in changing times. Our Conference is geographically large, with sixhours driving from its northernmost congregation, Hills of Peace, Kamloops to the south-eastern most,Ascension in Nelson.2009 saw the departure of one of our congregations, Grace Lutheran in Westbank, so we are now ninecongregations remaining. We have also seen the resignation of Pr. Ron Bjorgan, from St. John’s Oliverand Pr. Anita Desjardins from Faith, Kelowna, due to health and stress. Our Conference welcomed Pr.Curtis Aguirre and his family, as he accepted the call to Our Redeemer in Penticton in April of 2009.Pastor Otto Frank, died on May 1, 2008 at the age of 98. Mrs. Julia Krisch, widow of the late Pr. EdmundKrisch, died in February 2010 at the age of 95. Diaconal Minister Pam Jackson died very prematurely inMarch 2010.Our pastors meet four-five times per year for learning, worship, and fellowship, and as a conference wetry to schedule at least one social event for pastors and spouses. – last year it was an afternoon cruise onLake Okanagan! The Conference gathers in convention every October, an event well-attended bypastors and lay members. The Evangelical Lutheran Women also keep inter-congregational ties strongby meeting every October and May for a one-day convention.Our 2009 Fall Convention was hosted by Deo in Salmon Arm, with the theme of “Healthy Congregations”.Our speaker was Karen Peyton-Evans, a layperson (and clergy spouse) in the United Church, sharingvery frank information, statistics and conversation on the issue of bullying in the church – that is,individuals antagonizing clergy and/or the lay leadership to the personal detriment of the individuals, andlong-term detriment of the congregation.MinistriesAll Saints Mission Congregation, Kelowna - All Saints continues to assert its presence as a forwardthinking and acting congregation, including being RIC (Reconciled-in-Christ), which can be a particularchallenge in the theologically very conservative climate of the Okanagan. Due to reduced funding, Pr.Gingrich has been serving part-time since January 2010. Nonetheless, he continues to give as muchBritish Columbia Synod Section E | 9

commitment as he can to the Lutheran presence at the UBC Okanagan campus, and with thecongregation to Lutheran and ecumenical community involvement.Ascension Lutheran Church, Nelson - Ascension continues in its steady, faithful worship and outreach toits neighbourhood, particularly the social justice activities of ELW related to CLWR, a monthlyneighbourhood “free-supper”, and joint-worship with United and Anglican churches. The congregation isundertaking a building expansion project – a leap of faith, but one that is well-supported by itsmembership. Challenges include the smallness of the congregation, and increasing biblical andtheological literacy in the congregation.Christ, Kelowna - Christ serves in a German-English context, with active attendance at both services. Notimmune to financial challenges, the congregation reduced its full time staff to one pastor. Much attentionin the past biennium has been given to regularization in policies and procedures, which has led to betterinternal equilibrium. Congregational activities and outreach continue, and attendance and giving havebegun to settle, enabling the congregation is more able to focus on future directions.Deo, Salmon Arm - The congregation is in a process of discernment regarding a 10-acre propertybequest, which brings its own challenges, yet they also continue with their innovative Sunday worship andcommunity involvement, including hosting a weekly farmer’s market. As with other congregations, thereare concerns about the sustainability in the future.Faith, Kelowna - After some significant congregational difficulties, Faith has become stable and healthier,and continues in its commitment to serve the neighbourhood in which it is located. Confirmation ministry,hospital visitation and mid-week Lenten services are being shared with Christ Lutheran, Good Friday isshared with All Saints, and all three Kelowna congregations participate in the Good Friday Walk of theCross and the Easter Sunrise service at the cemetery.Hills of Peace, Kamloops - This congregation continues to be well-grounded, involved with communityand wider church ministries, as well as internally active as they develop their mission focus, “Living andGiving in God’s Grace”. The congregation continues its relationship with the Logan Lake ChristianFellowship (ecumenical), and the Barrière Anglican-Lutheran-United preaching point. 2011 will see the25 th anniversary of the building, and there is some consideration being given to upgrading it. Attendancehas stabilized, and the congregation is doing well.Our Redeemer, Penticton - Pastor Curtis Aguirre commenced ministry in April 2009, and the pastorcongregationrelationship is growing steadily stronger. The congregation celebrates a strong worship lifeand community spirit, and are looking eagerly to the future. Areas of concern include paying off theremainder of the debt incurred in the recent building expansion, and addressing membership needs, asmost of their growth is among new retirees moving to the region, rather than among young families.Peace, Vernon - This continues to be an active, vibrant congregation, both internally and externally.Experimentation in worship continues, and they continue to raise the profile of the congregation in theVernon community.St. John’s, Oliver - Established in 1936, this is one of the oldest congregations in our Synod. Sadly, dueto the demographics of our times, the congregation has declined significantly, and faces very realquestions about the viability of its future. Until then, however, the congregation continues to serve in itscontext, renting out its parsonage to a refugee family, providing space for a pre-school, and making thechurch space available for community concerts and the annual memorial service. This might suggest thatour congregations are much more resilient than perhaps we realize, and by affirming that resilience, wemay find the “kernel” of what is needed for the regeneration we all seek.Respectfully submitted,Pastor Patricia Giannelia,Dean, SI ConferenceBritish Columbia Synod Section E | 10

Report of the DeanVancouver Island ConferenceWe are a very small conference, only 7 congregations - 3 clustered in Victoria, 3 in mid-island and Faith,Powell River on the mainland. But we have a much larger number of clergy than we have congregations –some in Special Ministries and several Retired. We attempt to get together as rostered leaders everymonth or two for fellowship, learning and keeping up-to-date with the wider Church. Here’s what’shappening in a few of our ministries.Ron Sedo writes:Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Comox, BC remains steady in its commitment to the gospeland the mission of the church. We are now in a process of looking for another place to worship. Thepresent building is going up for sale. We are now in dialogue with the Anglicans to see if we can haveindependent or joint worship and ministry together. This venture looks very promising and both councilsare working together nicely and a level of excitement is very present.Our parish has on record 80 baptized members and our average attendance is 44 to 48 people and manytimes we have had over 50 in service. We are blessed to have gifted people who work hard to maintain aLutheran presence in Comox, BC. They take on many forms of ministry when needed and are very activein the life of the church. This does not mean we don't have problems, but we continue to keep in mind thepurpose of mission and this parish understands that commitment. It's been a good year for Shepherd ofthe Valley Lutheran Church, and with a major change in building and perhaps a Lutheran/ Anglicanarrangement, this will be an exciting time for all.Carol Dennison writes:This year was an occasion for rejoicing. The accessibility project came to completion and we celebrated itwith joy. We are now fully wheelchair accessible. We had visits from both Bishop Gerhard Preibisch andhis assistant the Rev. Dr. Gregory Mohr. Many of our members were studying the Bible from the old to thevery young. We also celebrated the generous gift of a new organ. Music is still a very important part ofour ministry with our choir including caroling in the area around the church and inviting our neighbours tojoin our Christmas celebrations.Our food cupboard fed 111 different families over the course of the year and they also enjoyed the socialtime while they waited for their food. It is open twice a month. In addition we gave out Christmas hampersin our congregational family.We were saddened by the death of a long-time member and rejoiced as we received an adult member byHoly Baptism. We rejoiced as we celebrated a confirmation and cried as the family moved away. Ourmembership is aging and there are some things we no longer do but all in all we continue to carry out ourmission to be and bring the good news to the people of Powell River. Thanks be to God who strengthensand empowers us.Marvin Svingen writes:I am retired, sharing my life with a wonderful wife, living on a farm, caring for animals, exercising, andlearning a number of different musical instruments. Up until last September, I have been officiating at aLutheran service once a month at St. Martins Anglican Church on Gabriola. I also officiated at occasionalservices at Hope before we called our present pastor.British Columbia Synod Section E | 11

Brenda Nestegaard-Paul writes:Grace Lutheran Church is in the midst of their centenary which began with a multi-faceted celebration lastthanksgiving weekend. In this one hundredth year of Grace we continue to grow and to engage invarious mission opportunities both close to home (eg. producing a musical with the kids and teachers ofCentral Middle School) and afar (eg. beginning a relationship with our companion congregation in Lima,Peru and their pastor Fran Schmidt); to strengthen our relationships through Christ both within andwithout our faith community; and to grow in our commitment to be God's witness in Victoria by embarkingupon a Vision Fulfillment campaign. Truly, we know ourselves to be blessed with God's grace andeagerly desire to share this good news with others.Gerry Mitchinson writes:I offer edited prayers for the synod on a regular basis and am serving on the BC Stewardship Committee.As Marvin mentioned, we at Hope in Nanaimo, have welcomed our new pastor, the Rev. TerryRichardson and his spouse Mona and all seems to be getting off to a good start. The Rev. Ed McKinleyhas accepted the call to Good Shepherd in Victoria.I am well into my second year as Chaplain at Wexford Creek, a Seniors’ facility of the Good SamaritanSociety, in Nanaimo. It is wonderful to relate to and hear the stories of our Seniors and to accompanythem in this phase of their journey.Pastor Gary Schenk, DeanBritish Columbia Synod Section E | 12

REPORTSSection FCommitteesCommittee for Faith and SocietyCommittee for MissionsWorld Missions SubcommitteeCommittee for StewardshipCommittee for WorshipLutheran Student Foundation/ Campus MinistryUBC - OkanaganUBC - Vancouver

Faith and Society CommitteeAs specified in the Synod bylaws, the task of the Faith and Society Committee is extensive:a. to equip and challenge the members of this Synod for Christ-centered ministry in society whereinfaith is active in love …b. to seek to assist this Synod and its congregations to:i. participate in appropriate programs, resource development, partnerships, networks,institutes, and legislative processes in society with a Christ-centered ministry ;ii.participate in appropriate programs, chaplaincies, and institutions in the area of extendedcare ministry;iii. receive, identify, and articulate issues, needs, and concerns in all aspects of ministry insociety, and to develop and implement strategies of response, both individual andcorporate;iv. address issues of justice within this Synod and its congregations.Throughout the past two years, the Faith and Society Committee has sought to be faithful to the abovetasks and has undertaken a number of initiatives.As mandated by the 2008 convention, the committee was given the task of preparing resourcematerial for congregations to study what it means to become a Reconciling in Christcongregation; a letter outlining the availability of resources was distributed to congregations,along with instructions on how to conduct “Listening Circles”Committee members and former committee members serve as liaisons with numerous coalitionsand networks, including BC Health Coalition, KAIROS, Aboriginal Truth and ReconciliationInitiative, Greening the Parish Initiative, BC Poverty Reduction Plan, and the Gateway Project.A Social Justice Ministry survey was created and distributed to each parish in the synod in orderto identify the many ways by which congregations and individuals are engaged in social justicework. The responses gleaned from the survey will help create interest and awareness within thesynod, enabling a greater linkage with others who are engaged in the same type of ministry orwho are looking at starting a similar ministry.Two young adults from each synod attended the KAIROS convention in June of 2009. Thisinitiative of KAIROS aimed to broaden the demographics of those who have previously been partof this network of organizations. The financial obligations for this involvement were covered bythe national church and KAIROS.The committee oversees the granting of funds within the synod that are received from the GlobalHunger and Development Appeal (GHDA). Projects are to address issues of hunger,homelessness, or community emergency needs. With a new Memorandum of Understandingbetween the ELCIC and Canadian Lutheran World Relief, the GHDA has been discontinued.However, the grant money available to synods for these local projects will continue.The committee submitted motions to the ELCIC national conventions requesting that the leadersof the federal political parties make it a high priority to address issues of poverty and housing forthe poor, including subsidized housing.We offer a word of thanks to Kate Anderson (Christ Lutheran, Chilliwack) who preparedresources for us here in BC with respect to pandemic planning. These were distributed tocongregations and were also available on the synod website.With a high turnover of committee members during the past year, the committee took theopportunity to review its mandate and explore what its plans and strategies should be in theBritish Columbia Synod Section F | 1

coming years. It pondered the question of how do we develop a more responsive structure toenable us to engage the challenges and opportunities that abound in our communities. One ofthe ways the committee can do that is to place more emphasis on assisting conferences withaddressing regional concerns.A particular word of thanks must be extended to Rev. Bob Goos for his many years of service to thecommittee as well as for his continued overseeing of the Global Hunger and Development grant process.In addition, we give thanks to God for the ministry of so many others who have served on the Faith andSociety committee these past few years. Their commitment, insight, passion, and advocacy is inspiring.Respectfully submitted,Dr. James BergerMs. Kim EmmettMs. Janice TrentRev. Tyler GingrichRev. Tim Le DrewBritish Columbia Synod Section F | 2

Canadian Missions CommitteeHighlights of the Missions Committees activities over the last two years include:1. Shepherding Mission Congregations: The committee has been actively involved in helping todevelop the life and ministry of the following mission congregations:All Saints, Kelowna: The last two years have been very challenging ones for this newmission. Among the hurdles to its growth have been land development issues, thechallenges of finding an economically viable alternative space, and a major reduction infunding available from National and Synodical sources. The unfortunate result of these andother factors has been the reduction of Pastor Tyler Gingrich’s position to half time as ofJanuary 1, 2010.However, within the last year there have been some very promising signs of new life. PastorTyler Gingrich and the people of the mission have worked hard to give All Saints a publicface as a community of radical welcome and engagement in the issues and concerns of thesociety around them. As a result, All Saints has become home to some newcomers for whomchurch had been an irrelevant sideline in their life. With this new energy, they are working onnew projects to increase their visibility even more and extend their invitation even wider.Their new website allsaintslutheranchurch.com is exploring, in new ways, what it means tobe faith community today and there is much hope for a new chapter in the mission’s lifeahead.Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Surrey: This newest congregation in our synod waschartered on Epiphany Sunday 2008. Since then it has been pursuing the development of itsmission to the Chinese immigrant population of the Whalley area. There have beenchallenges in negotiating some of the cultural dynamics between newcomers and the moreestablished community in Canada. However, recently there has been new growth and agrowing hopefulness about its future.A unique feature of this congregation’s life is that they have become associated, throughtheir pastor, with a group of new immigrants that meet in Coquitlam. This dynamic group of50 to 60 people is growing and beginning to develop an identity. The congregation’s hope isto deepen the relationship between the group in Coquitlam and the one in Surrey.2. Fostering New Ministries: While not a new mission start, the committee has been working withPastor Nathan Fong at Grace Lutheran Church, Burnaby to develop the vision for an outreachproject to the Canadian-born Chinese population (a particular passion of Pastor Fong’s). Somepreparatory work has been done and Pastor Fong meets with a mentoring team occasionally toassist him with discernment and strategizing.3. Administering CECF Grants: BC Synod suffers from a distribution formula that sees it receivethe fewest dollars in the ELCIC from this National Fund...this despite having needs for missionfunding as significant as any other synod. Nevertheless, we have done the most with the fewdollars we have received and have funded projects that include (but are not limited to): An internship at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Prince Rupert which assists this congregation’smission to Haida Gwaii and Smithers. Surrey Urban Mission Summer day camp Publicity materials for Living Faith, Sechelt Mission Developer Training for new pastors Outreach and Community Development at First Lutheran, VancouverBritish Columbia Synod Section F | 3

4. Promoting World Missions: We are very grateful for the work of Elina Singh who is our synod’sWorld Missions Coordinator. She has developed a presentation that she has shown at severalcongregations around the synod in the past two years and is open to further invitations. She hasserved as a liaison for those congregations in our synod who are partners with a congregation inour partner synod, ILEP in Peru. She is also a resource for anyone with questions about theELCIC and its mission in the world.5. Assisting With Congregational Revitalization: The committee has struggled over the yearswith a desire to be more of a resource to congregations seeking help to redevelop their missionand ministry. Unfortunately much of our time is absorbed in the important tasks outlined above.However, we have been pursuing this goal on two main fronts: Over this past two year there have been two learning events in the Lower Mainland helpingus as a church to explore the realities of being a church in mission these days as well assome of the responses to these realities from the Missional Church and the EmergingChurch movements. Both were well received by those in attendance. We continue to explorefurther possibilities for topics and resource people as well as sharing such events with otherregions of our synod. For the past couple of years we have been sending new and other interested pastors to theELCA’s Mission Developer Training Event which has stimulated much thinking, conversation,and personal growth around mission awareness and skills. With a new stream focusing oncongregational redevelopment being introduced at the event this summer, we look forward toeven more relevant learning.As always, these past two years have been extremely busy ones for the committee and I thank all themembers who have given of their time and gifts to our work.Respectfully SubmittedPastor Eric Krushel, ChairBritish Columbia Synod Section F | 4

World Missions SubcommitteeThe World Missions Subcommittee operates as part of the BC Synod Missions Committee.The purpose of the World Missions Subcommittee is to assist congregations in the British ColumbiaSynod to be better informed and active in the area of world missions, as well as to work toward the healthof the global church. The main channel of information to congregations is Mind for Mission newsletter,sent out four times a year. The World Missions display board, annual World Mission Sundays andpresentations in congregations are other channels of communication used by the subcommittee.Companion Synod ProgramIn the Companion Synod Program, the BC Synod is a partner with Iglesia Luterana Evangelica Peruana(ILEP), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Peru. This partnership includes regular communicationbetween the synods. Visits are arranged back and forth, even though getting visas for Peruvians to comeand visit Canada is often problematic. About half a dozen BC Synod congregations are companions to anequal number of congregations in Peru. These companion relationships take diverse forms: somecongregations send a Christmas greeting every year, others arrange events informing their members ofPeru and Peruvian culture, and still others arrange visits back and forth. The level of participationdepends greatly on the level of Spanish language skills in the congregation, as very few Peruvians speakEnglish. However, for those who want to get to know another country and culture, becoming a companioncongregation can be a rewarding experience even without the highly useful Spanish skills. Understandinga different culture and the life of the Christian church in another country can help us understand our owntheology and appreciate the richness of the Lutheran tradition in Canada. If your congregation isinterested in getting involved, please contact the Synod.MissionariesThe ELCIC now has three long-term missionaries; Rev Brian Rude in El Salvador, Rev. Fran Schmidt inPeru and Lori Endress in Thailand. Besides these, the ELCIC supports two pastors in Argentina and onein Peru since their local churches cannot afford to support them. The subcommittee posts excerpts ofmissionary newsletters in Mind for Mission. The subcommittee also arranges visits to BC frommissionaries who are visiting or have returned to Canada.World Mission SundayThe last Sunday of March is dedicated as “World Missions Sunday” by the BC Synod. Each year, thesubcommittee mails materials to all congregations prior to that Sunday. This package includesinformation about the various ELCIC Global Mission programs. It may also include additional material,such as hymn suggestions, prayer requests, recipes or craft ideas from different countries.Invitations Are Welcomed!Do you want to organize a world mission evening or highlight global missions on a Sunday morning?Please contact me at elinasingh28@yahoo.ca or by phone at 778-893-1905, and I will come and visityour congregation. The presentation includes mission stories and a PowerPoint slide show (20-45min).Get InvolvedThe subcommittee is looking for new members and volunteers, as I have been the only member of thesubcommittee for the past two years. Since one person’s time is limited, congregations are greatlyencouraged to find mission-minded people who would be interested in giving some of their time andtalents for world missions. Please contact either me or the synod office if you would like to be involved inthis way.Elina SinghWorld Missions CoordinatorBritish Columbia Synod Section F | 5

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Stewardship Committee1. Thanks to the congregations and individuals who have faithfully remitted their benevolence giftsto the Synod. Through those gifts you have shown your support for the ministries of our Synodand our National church, including …a. The ministry of administration through our Bishops, their assistants, the Synod and Nationaloffice staff, and our many committees and task forces;b. The ministry of seminary education which helps us ensure we have future qualified parishpastors and ministers for years to come;c. The ministry of financial support to mission-assisted congregations, for urban ministries, forintern programs, and for mission development training; and,d. The program ministry of our church, including national youth gatherings, synodical youthleadership support, stewardship education, “greening the parish” initiatives, worshipresource development, and a variety of conferences and studies.2. Since the last synod convention, the Stewardship Committee has been engaged in the followingactivities and emphases:co-sponsored a 2009 stewardship conference along with the Anglican and United churches,that included diverse speakers, provided a mix of the theological/theoretical/practical, andthat was well-attended;the synod’s Stewardship Consultant (Rev. Greg Mohr ) has been in consultation with severalcongregations who are struggling financially and are faced with diminishing membership; hehas also been engaged in one area strategy and is in preliminary conversations with respectto two others;in order to facilitate greater financial communication throughout the synod – as well assharing the stories of how people are involved in ministry in their churches and communities– the stewardship committee identified several key times throughout the course of the yearthat could benefit from additional communication; the committee is working with synod officeto implement these ideas, one of which was to include the Bishop’s report in congregationalannual general meeting packets;the committee encourages congregations to prayerfully and seriously discern their “faithfulshare” with respect to the ministry of the church-at-large; the stewardship committee isconscious of the need for us to speak of the synodical and national ministry as being ourministry and encourages congregations and individuals to recognize that not only is suchministry an extension of our congregation ministry, but also to provide sufficient financialsupport for that ministry to happen;provides periodic list of stewardship resources for congregations and pastors;is overseeing the work of a fund-raising consultant with respect to the synod’s capitalcampaign; as mandated by the previous synod convention, this campaign is to raise funds forthe synodical Mission Development Fund and the UBC campus ministry centre; in addition, acampaign by the Lutheran Theological Seminary will be woven into this campaign; thepreliminary phase has just been completed and involved preparing and testing a “case forsupport” as well as conducting preliminary interviews; synod council reviewed theconsultant’s report in March 2010 and decisions have yet to be made as to whether toproceed with the full campaign and, if so, in what fashion.3. Of course Christian stewardship involves more than the financial support we give our church.With this in mind, the Stewardship Committee of the BC Synod recommends that all members,British Columbia Synod Section F | 7

congregations and Conference Conventions continue to remind each other of the importance ofbeing a good steward in the broad sense of the word.For example…a. Christian stewardship will include ensuring that each adult member has an up-to-date will;b. Christian stewardship could consider including the church in one’s will. (As one personcommented, “I wouldn’t think of leaving the church out of my will; I am who I am because ofthe church, its message and its ministry.”) Of course, the “church” could include thecongregation, the Synod, a specific program of our church, or the seminary.c. In addition to the will, Christian stewardship could include consideration for an insurancepolicy that names the church as the beneficiary and where your dues are tax-deductible.d. Complementary to the will, Christian stewardship should involve:i. A designation of your power of attorney—your choice of who would be responsible to lookafter your finances in the event you become incapacitated;ii. a “living will,” or as it is known in BC, “a representative agreement” which designates whowill be responsible for making life and death decisions on your behalf should you beincapacitated;iii. a “legacy will” where you express your prayers, thoughts and values that you want to leavebehind.e. Christian stewardship might include membership in the Memorial Society of British Columbiadedicated to ensuring “access to simple, dignified and affordable funerals.”f. Christian stewardship could include registering for the BC transplant organ donor program.g. Christian stewardship includes planning ways to volunteer one’s time and abilities.h. Christian stewardship could include recommending to your family and friends that if theobituary includes the phrase “in lieu of flowers,” that one would include “what one has livedfor and not just what one has died from.” (Congregations could facilitate that stewardship actby ensuring that the congregation has a clear policy regarding available envelopes and thankyou notes.)i. Christian stewardship includes many other facets of life from our use of fossil fuels, our use ofthe thermostat, and how we choose what we buy and where … any other suggestions, letyour stewardship committee know.Respectfully submitted,Rev. Gerry MitchinsonTara PalmRev. Dr. Greg MohrBritish Columbia Synod Section F | 8

Worship CommitteeThe worship committee has the privilege of designing and coordinating our worship experienceat all Synod events as well as to help and assist, where possible and invited, the worship life ofour congregations. Since the last Synod convention, our activity has been primarily focused onthe former. For example at the annual Bishop's Study Conferences, it has been our hope to assistour clergy and congregational leaders in their awareness and use of various worship resourcesfound in our new hymnal. (We hope the same will occur for an even greater crowd at SynodConvention). As well, with the information gathered at the last convention, we have been able tocompile a list of individuals willing to share their musical talents at synodical gatherings so thatwhenever and wherever we gather as God's people across this great synod, we will be able toinclude and invite all who are willing and able to help us lead in worshipful song. We'd love toupdate this list regularly so if you know of someone who needs to be a part of this list, please letme/us know.Many thanks to our current team for their dedication to this ministry.Blessings,Rev. Brenda Nestegaard Paul, chairCurrent worship committee includes Rev. Jim Whaley, Lorraine Reinhardt, Barbara Perry,Rev. Brenda Nestegaard Paul, Bishop Gerhard Preibisch.British Columbia Synod Section F | 9

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Committee for the Theological Education and Leadership (CTEL)BC SYNOD COMMITTEE FOR THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP (CTEL)Report to the BC Synod Convention, May 13-16 2010 VictoriaThe task of the CTEL is to shepherd candidates for professional leadership through the process oftraining and accreditation that leads to ordination as a pastor or consecration as a diaconal minister in ourchurch. The task of recruitment for professional leadership in our church begins at the congregationallevel. The process normally begins with conversation - someone in a congregation approaches theirpastor with a question about ministry or a member of one of our congregation is approached and asked ifthey would be willing to explore how they might use their gifts for ministry in the life of the church. (I wouldencourage all members of our congregations to watch for people in our midst who might be encouragedto pursue professional leadership in our church.)If that conversation moves forward the candidate for ministry is then asked to contact the BC Synod officeand they are sent a registration package. In that package are forms which offer the parish pastor,congregational council and even one’s medical doctor input into the candidate’s leadership skills and theirability to do well in the program. When the candidate begins to submit the components of the registrationpackage CTEL is informed and contact is made to hold a structured interview. The structured interview iscarried out with two CTEL members and it explores with the candidate various components of thecandidate's background. On the basis of the structured interview the candidate’s name is brought forwardto the next committee meeting and we discuss whether they are a viable candidate at that point in time.Once it has been determined the candidate should proceed a set of psychological tests are arranged witha professional psychologist. On the basis of all of the material submitted the candidate is then endorsedfor their first year of studies.While the candidate is engaged in preparation for ministry, yearly developmental interviews, to track theirprogress, are held. Candidates for ministry in our church are required to attend, in person, at arecognized Lutheran seminary for one year, (all other academic requirements are subject to acceptanceby one of our Seminaries), to complete an internship and successfully complete a 400 hour clinicalpastoral education experience. The bottom line is that CTEL is looking for affirmation of call toprofessional leadership in our church from a wide range of voices in our church. In this processcongregations play a significant role, we are always looking for good internship sites where candidatescan learn and explore their sense of call. The best affirmation is “We would love to have this person serveas our pastor or diaconal minister.”The proof of the quality of the process for training of our professional leaders is in the candidates who arenow serving in ministry. We are delighted that during the period covered by this report, Nathan Fong,Kristen Steele, Thomas Keeley and Vida Jaugelis are serving in our synod and Sabine Milewski hastaken a call to MNO Synod. As well Courtenay Reedman has taken a call into our synod and JudyWhaley is in the final stages of becoming rostered as a diaconal minister. We celebrate and give thanksto God for their willingness to use their gifts among us.The membership of CTEL is: Bishop Gerhard, Preibisch, Rev. Ian Nestegaard-Paul, Dr. Rosalene SaleskiHarald Kubert and Rev. Lorin Koss and Rev. Dr Eddie Kwok. I am grateful for their partnership and goodwork on this committeeRespectfully submitted,Rev. Kim Staus, CTEL chairpersonBritish Columbia Synod Section F | 11

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Campus Ministry – UBC-OkanaganDear members of the BC Synod,Greetings from Kelowna, where campus ministry on behalf of Lutherans, Anglicans, and Uniteds issupported and carried out by the mission congregation of All Saints Lutheran!We have been on campus at the University of British Columbia - Okanagan since the Fall of 2006. ...so,if I were a student, I'd be graduating this Spring! Campus ministry is carried out through the campus club,'Peace Seekers' which was ratified as a student club in January, 2007, by the UBC students' union of theOkanagan (UBCSUO). This means that, while the administration does not acknowledge campus ministryas a university service and does not provide space or resources for such work, students can support thepresence of a chaplain by signing up for the club and making it possible to book space to meet at theuniversity. ...so it really is mission-work.It's become clear to me that, while many young people today have little or no interest in what they called"organized religion" or church, they are very much interested in matters of spirituality, life, values, and arewilling to engage in social justice work and environmental awareness work. Many connect with blogs,social networking sites, and other online media for their community and spiritual needs - this is a placethat our larger church has been slow in engaging. I've found Facebook to be a helpful tool in connectingwith the campus community.As a chaplain, I'm also conscious of how campus ministry is supported - or not. I'm grateful to thecongregation of All Saints for their determination and confidence in the ministry at UBCO, but the broaderchurch has - perhaps for reasons beyond its control - not been a major source of support. While I heartalk of congregants lamenting the lack of young people darkening our church door-ways, we are notmaking very many strides as a larger church to meet them where they are, either.Campus ministry is a great opportunity for the broader church to connect with young people, with peopleoutside the Lutheran tradition, and to mingle with current thinking and creative minds.My hope for the future of campus ministry at UBCO, as well as on other university campuses, is that ourcongregations, conferences, synods, and national church might all see the value of investing in youngpeople. It's not an investment with an immediate return, but it's a long-term investment that just maybreathe new life into our local churches, Synod and ELCIC - one never knows what might be sparked inthe imaginations of young people when they converse with a campus chaplain!At UBCO, through the Peace Seekers campus club, one of the things we do regularly is to showdocumentary movies and dramas about social justice and environmental issues. Following thescreenings of a couple of environmental films in the past year, I've had students comment, "I never knewwe had that kind of effect on the earth," and have worked to live differently by carpooling, making an effortto buy more locally-produced things, and spreading the word.I invite you to visit the campus club website: www.peaceseekers-ubcsuo.ca From there, you can alsoconnect with our Facebook page and YouTube channel.Thank you for campus ministry support received! I look forward to deeper engagement the church willhave with this ministry with young adults!In Christ,Rev. Tyler GingrichKelowna, BCBritish Columbia Synod Section F | 13

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Campus Ministry – UBC-VancouverWe have been blessed! Our foremothers and forefathers in the faith were willing to give ofthemselves and take risks in order to build a place at the University of British Columbia where youngpeople could wrestle with the questions of faith and life, belonging, vocation and ethics. Wrestle and growthey did! Over the years many people have become part of and been blessed by Lutheran CampusMinistry at UBC. A significant number of these people have gone on to serve as Pastors, Bishops andprofessionals in the world. These people have raised for all of us the profile of faith in life. Bishops SusanJohnson and Raymond Schultz are but two of these people. And Douglas Todd, a current awards winningjournalist with the Vancouver Sun also spent time at the Lutheran Campus Center at UBC.In the recent past a decision was made that the land that the Lutheran Campus Center stood onat UBC could no longer be leased. Once again a number of people in our Church were passionateenough about reaching out to the generation of young people at UBC to take risks. They didn’t want tolose that place and the opportunity for ministry it continually affords. Fund raising endeavors wereundertaken. The land where the center has stood was purchased. Thanks to all the people who workedand sacrificed to make this happen. And thanks be to God!Yes, we are blessed. But some of you who have seen our building now might say, all that wehave now is an old, uninhabitable building. To some extent that’s true. But A NEW OPPORTUNITYARISES. The young, multi-ethnic, varied faith or perhaps no faith generation attending UBC from all overBC, Canada and the world, need a hospitable place. These people, though surrounded by thousands ofothers are often lonely. They need a place where they are welcomed in their entirety: questions, joys, andconcerns. We are convinced that it would be good if they could be so welcomed by people of deep faithand compassion – people who are truly open to them. Ethics, faith and vocation are often not addressedin holistic ways by academia. Yet these realities are so important.So, we have a dream. Our present land could be home to such a place, host such a community.Students and UBC staff could come with their questions, convictions and dilemmas, giving voice to theirhopes, dreams, fears and anxieties. Here students will find a place to engage ethically with openness andknowledge, in a context of hope. Here mind, body and spirit will all be held together as gifts from God.Here people of different religious convictions and experience can rub shoulders, stretching their own faithas they are in community with people of other religious convictions and experience. Here people ofdifferent religious convictions could covenant to live side by side respectfully.We are richly blessed to have an opportunity to reach out to a new generation. We need to behonest. We have not done very well in this regard by employing traditional congregational means. Buthere at UBC there are literally thousands of young people, already beginning to explore who they are andwhat truly matters. We can be a welcoming presence, available and open to them. Our Lutheran Christianfaith has in the past been willing and open to engage the life questions of people in a multi-faceted quicklychanging world. Will we be so willing now?To that end our board has worked diligently these past two years seeking to secure financialpartners who by the grace of God would share this expansive dream. During this period we haveengaged in serious discussions with three potential partners. Unfortunately, to this point such discussionshave not culminated in fruition. One of these potential partners held great hope for us, but a seriousfinancial downturn in the world markets left them unable to move forward with us. And so we carry on,seeking direction. We admit that at times we are tired, but we continue to hope against hope. Our dreamis extremely worthwhile but far from easy.At our last Synod Convention of 2008 we as a Synod voted in favour of this dream. But for thedream to be more than words, more than godly inspired intentions we must act. Our window ofopportunity for this dream will not remain open forever. Will our dream become the actualized dream ofour Synod? WILL WE TOGETHER RISK IN FAITH TO SEE WHAT GOD MIGHT YET DO ON THISPROPERTY?British Columbia Synod Section F | 15

Hear now, some of what is already happening in Lutheran Campus ministry at UBC through theeyes of our peer minister Stephanie Olson:Although faced with challenges regarding space, dwindling numbers (as in the rest of theLutheran GVRD community), and a lack of visibility on campus, we have a wonderful and vibrantcommunity of students! We are currently meeting in a student lounge in the Vancouver School ofTheology. On any given week we may have anywhere between 3-15 students. We see numbersfluctuate throughout the year as the academic calendar becomes more strenuous on the students. Butwe believe it is especially important during the busy and stressful times to provide students with a place tocome and be nourished physically and spiritually, so they may be refreshed for their journeys ahead(even if it just means getting that paper done!).Our regular meetings happen on Wednesdays, where we meet for dinner, casual conversationand fellowship, a devotion, and prayer. In the absence of a regular Campus Chaplain, we have had aroster of pastors from the community come and share dinner with us, each taking turns through theschool year. The students have responded to this very well. Students are always eager to share, and tohave the opportunity to discuss issues and ask questions of many different pastors. I feel that this hasbeen a really positive addition to our meetings. It is our hope too, that by inviting pastors from thecommunity into our community, we are increasing the profile and visibility of Lutheran Campus MinistryUBC in the GVRD.Once a month we meet for a movie night off-campus. Many students, in the hustle and bustle ofschool-work, find themselves confined to the walls of campus. This gives them an opportunity to getaway from school, even if just for an evening, and share a fun and casual evening with friends. Themovies we watch often address an ethical or theological issue, and therefore lead to some greatdiscussions afterwards.Lutheran Campus Ministry has recently become more involved with LUMS, and has plans toregularly serve as a group at the LUMS monthly meals for the Downtown Eastside community. LCM hasmade a personal connection with Brian Heinrich, as he was one of the visiting pastors to our Wednesdaynight meals. Other service projects that benefit LUMS include cookie bake-offs and ongoing sock andunderwear collections.The students have formed close friendships with each other, and LCM has become an importantsupport system for them. LCM provides students with a safe and comfortable place to come and be fedand loved. Students have expressed how nice it is to meet with people who understand the same issuesthey are going through – in school, relationships, and faith. We have many different demographicsrepresented within the group – some undergraduate, some grad students, foreign exchange students,and Vancouver “lifers”. We have Lutherans, Anglicans, Baptists, and Uniteds. Although we all comefrom very different places, we are united in two very important ways: we all need spiritual and physicalnourishment, and we are all very willing to help be the vehicles in providing this nourishment to others.And these, I believe, are most important.On behalf of the Lutheran Campus Ministry Board, UBC,Rev. Tim Le Drew, Stephanie OlsonBritish Columbia Synod Section F | 16

REPORTSSection GRelated Institutions,Corporations, and MinistriesEvangelical Lutheran WomenLutheran Theological SeminaryLutheran Urban Mission SocietySurrey Urban Mission Society

BC Synodical Evangelical Lutheran WomenThe ELW is experiencing an organizational restructuring. The National board is looking at structural reorganizationwhich includes the drafting of a new Bylaw. Heading towards the convention in 2011 thisstructural renewal process is combining the wishes of the grassroots to be:- less structured- less depended on many leadership roles- more reflective of the lives of women today i.e.; busy- good stewards of all that God has provided.The draft of the bylaws was reviewed and has gone back to the lawyer with our input.Esprit magazine will no longer be published after the Fall 2010 issue. After all the years of decliningsubscriptions and increased costs of production it was concluded that Esprit is no longer and affordablemagazine to produce. Many valiant efforts to keep this magazine alive have been made to no avail. Theloss of this magazine will not only affect the subscribers but the whole organization.Steppin’ Out Convention will be held in May, 2011 in Winnipeg at the Fairmont Hotel. Plans are wellunderway for this convention.The total for the year given to CLWR for the Human Rights and Health Project in Chamanculo,Mozambique was $15,746.The ELCIC received 80% or $80,000 of total Praise Offering income with the remaining 20% to bedesignated by the Board in consultation with the ELCICAt our Sept. 2009 The ELW National Board endorsed Human Trafficking as an organizational issue.Human Trafficking has gone ramped in Canada. Our women have been encouraged to write to theirMP’s in Parliament demanding something be done about this situation. Our women have beenencouraged to hold gatherings to make people aware of this problem.Since our last reporting to BC Synod Convention the ELW has held their BC Biennial Convention at UBC.It was a very successful convention. One of the highlights of the convention was a panel onHomelessness. Panel presentations were made by Jonquil Hallgate from Surrey Urban Missions, JudyGraves, Coordinator from Tenant Assistance Program City Hall in Vancouver, and John Buis, StaffSergeant: SE District Community Police Office in Burnaby. The women were amazed at thehomelessness problem in, not only Vancouver, but all over. The women were encouraged to write toelected officials, whether you vote for them or not! Tell them you want the problem resolved and youwant the homeless people taken care of. Handwritten also shows individual, unique concerns are beingexpressed. Offering of $3,008.00 was distributed between SUMS, Chamanculo and Synodical expenses.A wonderful communion service was held on the Saturday evening. The weekend was enjoyed by all.The ELW is a very important part of the ministry of each congregation. We would ask for your supportand prayers during this time of re-organizing.President – Lorna SteinkeVice President – Lorna YeatesSecretary – Merle MacDonaldTreasurer – Karen GehrsBritish Columbia Synod Section G | 1

Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do notlose heart.How could we lose heart? Christ has assured us of victory in the resurrection. How could we fail tocelebrate? Life is a gift and abundant life a promise! Confident in our Lord’s abundant grace and mercy,LTS engages in its ministry by equipping others for their ministry. We rejoice in the trust God and theELCIC have placed in us.AccreditationFor the past three years, LTS has been reviewing all aspects of the seminary’s work from curricula tofinances, from board governance to alumni(ae) relations. This review process was mandated by the reaccreditationprocess for the Association of Theological Schools. It culminated with a visit by a committeeof our peers from other ATS accredited schools in September. Our facts and figures were checked andre-checked. The visitors then wrote a report and recommendation to the commission. The ATSCommission on Accreditation will make their decision in February 2010 but we have every hope that ouroutlook is positive.The review process is very thorough and has helped LTS look at our strengths and our weaknesses.Among the strengths we discovered an exciting curriculum that is innovative and cutting-edge. We havea strong faculty and, for our small size, a great staff who each do more than the work of one person. Ourchallenges lie in developing resources to fund our future and in energizing our governance. We at theseminary would like to thank all those who contributed to the process, especially those who werecontacted to fill out questionnaires, etc.Accreditation by ATS is an assurance of the quality of education that LTS provides. Students withdegrees from an accredited institution can more easily go on for further study at other schools. Similarly,accreditation assures the church that their seminary holds to the highest academic standards.FacultyLTS, as noted in the accreditation report, has a stellar faculty. Here is just some of what they are doing:Gordon Jensen: Dean, Professor of Reformation History: In the 2008-2009 academic year, Gordon putgreat effort into negotiating agreements with the seminaries of the ELCA so that our students could paytuition at home but take January term courses at any of the 8 ELCA schools. This is a huge advantage toour students who want to broaden their education! His involvement with the Association of TeachingTheologians of the ELCA has also given our professors opportunities for cross-fertilization in theirteaching.In 2009-2010, Gordon is on a much deserved sabbatical spending half a year in Germany doing researchand half a year writing. For those interested, Gordon will lead a study tour of Reformation sites in theSpring of this year.Jann Boyd: Professor of Worship and Homiletics: Jann continues to serve as Dean of Chapel and asDirector of the Globalization/Cross-cultural program. This year she has led a group of students toEthiopia. Liturgy students continue to find her use of an all-day retreat where students pray through theservices of Ash Wednesday, Passion Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil to bedeeply moving and practically invaluable for their training.Cameron Harder: Acting Dean, Professor of Systematic Theology: Through an enormous effort andwith true passion, Cam has seen the Centre for Rural Leadership and Ministry (Circle M) come alive. In2009 Circle M received a major grant from the Rural Development Fund of the Province of Alberta.Already there have been important conferences and a new group of students for our new Rural MinistryBritish Columbia Synod Section G | 2

track in the Masters of Sacred Theology. During Gordon’s absence, Cam is not only teaching, but hastaken over the duties of the Dean of Studies for the year.Christian Eberhart: Associate Professor of New Testament: Chris received a grant from the LouisvilleFoundation to offset his teaching time and allow him to work on a new book due out soon from AugsburgFortress. He continues to publish articles for a German theological dictionary and has submitted asecond thesis to his alma mater in Germany for post-doctoral work. He has spoken often around theconstituency. Chris co-ordinates our annual Seminary on the Road program.Eddie Kwok: Assistant Professor of Christian Education and Missions; Director of Contextual Education:On top of his teaching load in Christian Education and Mission, Eddie has taken on the direction of ourcontextual education program, especially the Internships. This is enormous work and Eddie has done agrand job of moving into this work, freeing Cam Harder to develop Circle M. He has brought his own giftsto the position and in several cases has worked out difficult problems with great finesse and pastoralacumen.Development:In 2008, the Board of Governors authorized a capital campaign for the seminary which has beenapproved in each of the synods. The goal is to raise $2.5 million to fund a larger faculty and makesignificant improvements in the seminary building. The project languished a bit this year as we searchedfor an additional staff person in the Development Office. Happily, Mr. Joseph (Joe) Stolee has recentlyaccepted the position and we will begin shortly to ramp up for the campaign. Joe lives – and will remaindeployed – in Calgary.In this down economic environment the efforts of the Development Office have not gone unrewarded.Giving is up. We are extremely grateful to our donors for this!Enrolment:2008-2009 saw a sharp decline in the number of entering students. A normal entering class at LTS is 12to 14. In 2008-2009 the entering class was 4. It rebounded again in 2009-2010 to 9. Recruitment forministry continues to be a top priority for the seminary and for the synods.Students:While our numbers are lower, we have had a very energized and competent group of students who areexcelling at their studies and even, sometimes, pushing their professors for more. What an exciting timeto be a teacher!In the last year, the students themselves have organized to help the seminary ‘go green.’ They handlealmost all the recycling done at LTS!LTS graduated 13 in 2009 and expects to graduate 14 in 2010.Board of Governors:In 2009 the Board adopted a new strategic plan. Already much work has begun to flesh out the details,but in broad strokes that plan is:1. To strengthen and continue to develop Godly and learned rostered ministers and other leadersthrough a program of education and formation that includes theology, spiritual formation, biblical andtheological hermeneutics, ecclesiology, pastoral ministry, and congregationalleadership.2. To discern critically our role in theological education for a changed and changing church.British Columbia Synod Section G | 3

3. To exercise good stewardship of our property and support the teaching of scripture and training ofpastors, diaconal ministers, and other leaders to meet the needs of the Church.In 2009, the Board also thoroughly reviewed the work of President Ogilvie and has re-elected him for anadditional 5 year term.Finances:While the economic environment in North America has been extraordinarily difficult for theologicalschools, LTS has weathered the storm well. Our Endowment portfolio is beginning to rebound. InJanuary 2009 the kitchen operation was outsourced to a local catering company which has helped lowerour costs. The Board Finance Committee is looking at other ways to reduce expenses without harmingour program.Seminary Financial Status as of June 30, 2009REVENUEEXPENSESSynod Grants 354,702 Instruction 563,041Provincial Grant 187,400 Administration 284,431Tuition Fees 187,917 Operations 76,846Annual Fund 189,150 Development 83,413Trust & Endowment 116,581 Library 96,888Miscellaneous 14,246 Governing Board Expenses 20,004Auxiliary Services 394,251 Auxiliary Services 327,9671,444,247 1,452,590Respectfully submitted:The Rev. Kevin A. Ogilvie, PresidentTOTAL REVENUE $1,444,247TOTAL EXPENDITURES 1,452,590EXCESS REVENUE BEFORE DEPRECIATION -8,343DEPRECIATION (13,702)EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSES ($22,045)British Columbia Synod Section G | 4

Lutheran Urban Mission Society - VancouverIt has been an amazing year of transition for LUMS as an organization, primarily due to ourrelocation. After almost 15 years in ministry, in September of 2009 LUMS had a home of its very own.We are no longer squatters, and signed a 3 year lease on office space in the DTES. Our new home,located at 360 Jackson Street, provides the perfect location for our urban ministry, being in the heart ofthe downtown eastside, near Oppenheimer Park, and our Saturday meal host location, The Door is Open.We have seen a substantial increase in the number of people who drop in to our mission at the newlocation, and as a result Pastor Brian has been busier than ever offering counselling and pastoral care toour many visitors. Our offices are located in on the main floor of a low income social housing high riseand we have made many new connections with residents of the DTES through our closest neighbours.Over half of those served through the LUMS pantry are residents in the building.As I alluded to, we have continued to offer two food services, the Saturday meal program and theLUMS pantry. In 2009 we hosted close to 4000 guests for a hot meal and our LUMS hospitality at theDoor is Open. Several congregations from the Greater Vancouver and Lower Fraser Valley conferencescontinue to host a meal every year faithfully, and this year we hope to encourage those congregationswho have not served in recent years or ever, to come and experience the blessings of service in thiscapacity. With help from the BC GHDA funds, we also distributed over 200 bags of non-perishablegroceries from the LUMS pantry. While the GHDA program in no longer, the LUMS board is committed tofunding and continuing with the LUMS pantry for 2010. We would also like to encourage thecongregations in Greater Vancouver to consider collecting non-perishable items for us. Items such ascanned tuna, chili, peanut better, and juice boxes are in huge demand. For a complete list of our highdemand items, please contact the LUMS office.In addition to these long standing programs, with a new home comes new possibilities. Theboard is in the process of developing new programs which can be run from our new home. The firstunderway so far is the hosting of a smaller community meal, in which Pastor Brian and members of thecommunity prepare and enjoy a simple meal together one Wednesday of the month. Our new homeincludes a small sanctuary, and we plan on holding Eucharist service on a regular basis for thecommunity as well. The board is continuing to develop additional uses for the space, and welcomeinterested volunteers to put forward proposals for consideration.Speaking of volunteers, LUMS is in need of additional people power this year. We have so muchpotential in the DTES, but not enough hands to do the work. Please spread the word that LUMS needsmore volunteers. So often our public face is that of the meal program, but that is only one day of themonth. LUMS has a daily ministry and the opportunities to help know no limits. I am blessed to be butone set of hands in this ministry!Respectfully Submitted,Katie Eloranta- Chair, LUMS Board of DirectorsBritish Columbia Synod Section G | 5

Surrey Urban Mission Society - SurreyThe SURREY URBAN MISSION SOCIETY (SUMS) is an Urban Mission of the British ColumbiaSynod serving the people of Surrey. It is volunteer run and besides offering hot meals several timeseach week, it also seeks to help people living in poverty to deal with the many challenges of every dayliving and assist them in finding safe housing and a future with hope!“The Mission”, as it is known in the community, is known as a place where everyone is welcomeand valued as a child of God. “The Mission” is becoming a hub for a diverse community and providesand wide variety of services to that community. In the fall of 2009, SUMS received a $50,000 grant fromthe Surrey Homelessness and Housing Society to hire a person to coordinate a mentorship programThe intent is to match folks who have been homeless for a long time with someone from the communitythat they are moving into to help them to make a smooth transition along with perhaps a wonderfulfriendship.By February 2010 close to 200 people had been provided with furniture and household goodsthrough the kindness of people passing on the needed items to the Mission. We were able to help manypeople move into their new homes and outfit them with items that made the space into a home.In March 2010 the City of Surrey provided a $5,000 grant to SUMS in order to continue todevelop a ‘Health and Wellness Clinic’ that will be staffed by volunteer medical personnel and studentsfrom Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Douglas College who are doing their practicum! These are justa couple of the new initiatives being undertaken.SUMS provides community meals three times each week and invites congregations to come onthe third Sunday of the month to prepare, serve and share a meal with our neighbours. Schools,churches and many community groups are involved in providing and serving food at SUMS. The “HandsUp” program runs twice a year providing instruction and support for single parents seeking the skills toreturn to school and/or employment. Much of this program is taught by students from one of the localcolleges as part of their practical training.Jonquil Hallgate, Program Director of SUMS, volunteers her days (and often nights) to grow andexpand the mission and ministry of SUMS. Her tireless efforts have enabled SUMS to becomerecognized and valued by partners at the City of Surrey and at BC Housing. The opportunities to sharethe love of God on tangible ways through the ministry of SUMS seem to grow each week!The budget for 2010 is $167,550. Less than $30,000 of that amount is for salaries and benefits ofSUMS staff. $15,000 is for Summer Day Camp staffing. Funding from Service Canada underwritesabout 75% of the Summer Day Camp costs. We also receive a stipend when we are open as an ExtremeWeather Shelter but that depends on the weather. Most of our program money for materials, food andother costs comes from donations by individuals and congregations.SUMS is truly a place where the BC Synod is “In Mission for Others” as most who come to SUMShave little or nothing in this life. When you go back to your congregation, share the story of “The Mission”in Surrey that is bringing people on the fringe of life back into the community and seeking to help peoplechange their lives in many ways. Plans are to begin a Wednesday meal program along with aworship/learning time for our neighbours! Watch for more information! Pray for our ministry and wewould welcome your participation in any way that works for you!Pastor Bob GoosChairman, Surrey Urban Mission SocietyBritish Columbia Synod Section G | 6

Surrey Urban Mission Society - StatisticsNumber of Volunteers – 1063 – this includes approximately 50 regular weekly volunteers and those whocome for special events and through school programs.Number of hours of service - to the Mission and its guests - 18,000 in total.Number of meals served – 36,760Day Camp children – 50 – 60 per day for a total of 5,000 meals served during the summer. 9 youngpeople between the ages of 15 and 24 years of age were employed thanks to a Service Canada grantand individual donations this year. We began our first ever Junior Leaders Program for young peopleturning 15 to volunteer with the goal of becoming a paid leader in 2010. 3 youngsters took part in ourInaugural program!56 backpacks, filled with school supplies, were donated to the Summer Day Camp by the combinedefforts of the ELW’s from around the province and 56 children were present on the last day to receivethem!Extreme Weather Shelter – a total of accommodation to 1500 people over the months of November 08through the end of March 09 – between 45 – 60 people each night we were open. (We open when thetemperature is below -2 degrees.) Total of 4320 meals served to our overnight guests. 8 volunteerscontributed their time to ensure that folks had a warm place to stay and great meals to eat!Number of students – 400 gr. 8 – 12 students from Southridge School and 65 from Holy Cross RegionalHigh School volunteer throughout the year at the Mission. An approximate number of young people whocome for service learning through other school groups, church groups, sports groups etc. total about 500.32 Bike and Build - participants from around America rode from Portsmouth New Hampshire toVancouver. They spent a night with us after riding across America and into Canada to raise funds foraffordable housing. In exchange for a place to stay and a few meals they made a donation to Habitat forHumanity in the name of the Mission from funds that they had raised during their journey.Free the Children/Me to We – sent 30 young people who were visiting from across Canada to volunteerin our Summer Day Camp.Number of Practicum Students – 32 from Kwantlen Polytechnic University School of Nursing andDouglas College School of NursingDental visits – due to the kindness of 2 dentists in our community the Mission was able to refer 72people to community offices to have their dental needs met! How wonderful to have people come andshare their wonderful stories of being relieved of pain and or receiving dentures and being able to smilefor the first time in many years. What a great gift!Bridges to Hope – Connecting formerly homeless members of our community with new neighbours todevelop a network and support system – 23 matches since November 2009.This year the Mission has been working with agencies in Surrey that have been finding affordablehousing for people who had lived on the street for up to 15 years. So far housing has been found for 250individuals. Through the incredible kindness of people in the Mission network we have been able toassist about 180 people with moving into their new homes and providing furniture and household items.A very special thanks is due to Shayne Lawson for his tireless dedication in cruising the city in his littlegreen station wagon to pick up furniture that had been donated to the Mission and deliver it to people whoare transforming their new place into a home! You can only imagine this car traversing the streets ofSurrey with sofas, beds, dressers, recliners and other assorted items strapped to its roof. It was quite asight!British Columbia Synod Section G | 7

DIRECTORIESSection HSynod DirectoriesDirectory of Congregations and MinistriesList of:Synod CouncilDeansCommitteesLutheran Theological Seminary Board ofGovernors (BC Rep.)

BC Synod Council MembersOFFICERSBISHOP Rev. Gerhard Preibisch 2010VICE-CHAIRPERSON Ms. Darlene Johnson pro temSECRETARY Rev. Clifford Reinhardt 2012TREASURER Mr. Gene Blishen 2010DIRECTORSGREATER VANCOUVER Rev. Samuel Voo 2012LOWER FRASER VALLEYVacantNORTHWEST Ms. Gail Henry 2010PEACE RIVER Rev. Roland Ziprick 2012SOUTHERN INTERIOR Ms. Jan Schulz 2012VANCOUVER ISLAND Rev. Carol Dennison 2012OPEN CLERGY Rev. Brian Krushel 2010OPEN LAY Mr. Roland Stieda 2010BC Synod Conference DeansGREATER VANCOUVERGREATER VANCOUVER (Vice)LOWER FRASER VALLEYNORTHWESTPEACE RIVERSOUTHERN INTERIORVANCOUVER ISLANDRev. Marlys MoenRev. Alan LaiRev. Peter HansonRev. James WhaleyRev. Timothy JohnsonRev. Patricia GianneliaRev. Gary SchenkCommittee for MissionsCHAIRPERSON/AT LARGE Rev. Eric Krushel 2010 (2 nd )GREATER VANCOUVER (World Missions) Ms. Elina Singh 2010 (1 st )LOWER FRASER VALLEYVacantNORTHWEST/PEACE RIVERVacantSOUTHERN INTERIOR Ms. Lisa Camfield 2012 (1 st )VANCOUVER ISLAND Dr. Gerry Saleski 2012 (2 nd )AT LARGE Rev. Ron Bjorgan 2012 (1 st )British Columbia Synod Section H / 7

Committee for Specialized MinistryLOWER FRASER VALLEY Ms. Allyson Aporta 2011 (1 st )LOWER FRASER VALLEY Rev. Fred Gehrs 2012 (1 st )LOWER FRASER VALLEY Rev. Kathy Martin 2012 (1 st )GREATER VANCOUVER Rev. Willy Olesen 2010 (1 st )GREATER VANCOUVER Rev. Ray Neibergal 2012 (1 st )Committee for Faith and SocietyCHAIRPERSON/ GREATER VANCOUVER Dr. James Berger 2012 (1 st )LOWER FRASER VALLEY Ms. Kim Emmett 2012 (1 st )NORTHWEST/PEACE RIVER Ms. Janice Trent 2011 (1 st )SOUTHERN INTERIOR Rev. Tyler Gingrich 2012 (1 st )VANCOUVER ISLANDVacantAT LARGEVacantAT LARGE Rev. Tim Le Drew 2010 (2 nd )Committee for StewardshipGREATER VANCOUVERVacantLOWER FRASER VALLEYVacantNORTHWEST/PEACE RIVER Ms. Tara Palm 2012 (1 st )SOUTHERN INTERIORVacantVANCOUVER ISLAND Rev. Gerry Mitchinson 2012 (1 st )AT LARGE Rev. Thomas Keeley 2014 (1 st )Committee for Theological Education and LeadershipCHAIRPERSON, GREATER VAN. Rev. Kim Staus 2014 (2 nd )LOWER FRASER VALLEYVacantNORTHWEST/PEACE RIVER Mr. Harold Kubert 2011 (1 st )SOUTHERN INTERIORVacantVANCOUVER ISLAND Dr. Rosalene Saleski 2014 (2 nd )AT LARGE Rev. Lorin Koss 2014 (2 nd )AT LARGE Rev. Ian Nestegaard Paul 2012 (1 st )LUTHERAN THEO. SEMINARY Rev. Dr. Eddie Kwok AppointedBritish Columbia Synod Section H / 8

Committee for WorshipCHAIRPERSON, VAN. ISLAND Rev. Brenda Nestegaard Paul 2011 (1 st )GREATER VANCOUVER Ms. Barbara Perry 2012 (1 st )LOWER FRASER VALLEYVacantNORTHWEST/PEACE RIVER Rev. Jim Whaley 2010 (2 nd )SOUTHERN INTERIORVacantAT LARGE Ms. Lorraine Reinhardt 2012 (1 st )Committee for Youth MinistryCHAIRPERSON, SOUTHERN INT. Rev. Erik Bjorgan 2012 (1 st )GREATER VANCOUVER Mr. Jesse Lam 2012 (1 st )LOWER FRASER VALLEY Mr. Ryan Buhrig 2012 (1 st )NORTH WEST/PEACE RIVER Rev. Stephan Wagner 2012 (1 st )VANCOUVER ISLAND Ms. Angela Chorney 2011 (1 st )AT LARGE Rev. Richard Schulz 2011 (1 st )Lutheran Student Foundation / Committee for Campus MinistryGREATER VANCOUVERLOWER FRASER VALLEYNORTH WEST/PEACE RIVERSOUTHERN INTERIORVANCOUVER ISLANDVacantVacantVacantVacantVacantUniversity Campus Centre Chaplains and AssistantsSFU, Chaplaincy AssistantUBC-Vancouver, Peer MinisterUBC-Okanagan, ChaplainUniversity of Victoria, ChaplainDr. Rebecca GoyanMs. Stephanie OlsonRev. Tyler GingrichRev. Lyle McKenzieExamining CommitteeBC SYNOD, ELCICLUTHERAN THEO. SEMINARYBC REPRESENTATIVEBC REPRESENTATIVEBishop Gerhard PreibischDr. Kevin OgilvieRev. Dr. Alan LaiMs. Loris MartinBritish Columbia Synod Section H / 9

British Columbia Synod Section H / 10

APPENDICESSection JAppendicesBC Synod Constitution and Bylaws 2004Bourinot’s Rules of Order

CONSTITUTIONANDBYLAWSBritish Columbia SynodEvangelical Lutheran Church in Canada(Revised May 2009)British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 1

Constitution ......................................................................................... 2Bylaws ................................................................................................. 31 Mission .................................................................................................... 32 Membership ............................................................................................ 33 Congregations ......................................................................................... 44 Ministers ................................................................................................. 55 Lay Diaconal Ministers........................................................................... 86 Conferences............................................................................................. 97 Conventions ............................................................................................ 10A SynodB National8 Nominations and Elections ..................................................................... 139 Officers.................................................................................................... 1310 Synod Council ......................................................................................... 1511 Financial Matters.................................................................................... 1712 Standing Committees .............................................................................. 17A The Committee for Theological Education and LeadershipB The Committee for Faith and SocietyC The Committee for MissionsD The Committee for StewardshipE The Committee for Youth MinistryF The Committee for CommunicationsG The Committee for Specialized MinistriesH Examining CommitteeI Lutheran Student FoundationJ The Committee for Worship13 Theological and Educational Institutions .............................................. 22A SeminaryB Lutheran Campus Ministry14 Auxiliaries ............................................................................................... 2315 Synod Policies ......................................................................................... 2316 Amendments ........................................................................................... 2317 Synod Study Conference ........................................................................ 23British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 2

CONSTITUTIONArticle 1. NameThe name of this synod shall be the British Columbia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church inCanada (referred to herein as "this Synod").Article 2. PurposeAs the regional expression of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (referred to herein as "thisChurch") and in faithfulness to the Lord of the Church, this Synod shall facilitate and advance the missionof this Church within the province of British Columbia. Guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, itshall carry out this mission by shepherding its congregations and ordained ministers, and by engaging inother forms of ministry that proclaim God's Word and serve to bring reconciliation to the world.Article 3. Confession of FaithThe Confession of Faith shall be that of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, as follows.Section 1. This Synod confesses the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—as the one trueGod. It proclaims the Father as Creator and Preserver, His Son Jesus Christ as Redeemer andLord, and the Holy Spirit as Regenerator and Sanctifier.Section 2. This Synod confesses that the Gospel is the revelation of God's saving will and grace inJesus Christ, which He imparts through Word and Sacrament. Through these means of grace theHoly Spirit creates believers and unites them with their Lord and with one another in thefellowship of the Holy Christian Church.Section 3. This Synod confesses the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Wordof God, through which God still speaks, and as the only source of the Church's doctrine and theauthoritative standard for the faith and life of the Church.Section 4. This Synod subscribes the documents of the Book of Concord of 1580 as witnesses to theway in which the Holy Scriptures have been correctly understood and explained and confessed forthe sake of the Gospel, namely:a. The Apostles', and Nicene, and the Athanasian Creeds as the chief confessions of the Christianfaith;b. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession as its basic formulation of Christian doctrine;c. Luther's Small Catechism as a clear summary of Christian doctrine;d. The Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Luther's Large Catechism, the Smalcald Articles withthe Treatise, and the Formula of Concord as further witnesses to the Unaltered AugsburgConfession.This article shall be unalterable.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 3

BYLAWSBYLAW 1. MissionSection 1.In seeking to achieve its mission, this Synod shall:a. organize, recognize, receive, release, and exclude congregations and approve or disapprove ofrelocation or merger of congregations;b. ordain ministerial candidates and receive, nurture, support, and discipline ordained ministers;c. recruit, approve, supervise, and support ministerial candidates;d. co-operate with this Church to provide for theological education at Lutheran TheologicalSeminary, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and elect two members to its Board of Governors;e. provide for higher education for the members of this Church and others and for ministry topersons engaged in higher education at universities and colleges on its territory;f. encourage congregational evangelism and works of mercy;g. encourage congregational programs for justice and service;h. maintain and support social and health care agencies and institutions in accordance with thestandards adopted by the Church;i. co-operate with this Church and other organizations or groups in activities that promote justiceand reconciliation, meet human need and alleviate suffering;j. interpret and support the nation-wide and worldwide work of the Church through effective cooperationwith this Church;k. acknowledge the official auxiliaries as partners in carrying out the mission of the Church;l. participate in a provincial council of churches and similar co-operative, province-wide Christianmovements that have been approved by this Church as adhering to sound principles;m. adjudicate appeals from congregational discipline in accord with the procedure in Bylaw 3.11;n. administer this Synod as stipulated in the constitution and bylaws of this Church and this Synod;o. carry out such other ministries that may be identified by this Synod or by this Church;p. research and interpret current societal conditions and restate the church's mission in response tosuch changes;q. organize, recognize, adopt, support or discontinue special ministries of this Synod, depending oncongregational support and appropriateness.BYLAW 2. MembershipSection 1. The membership of this Synod consists of congregations and their baptized members whohave applied for membership in this Synod and have been recognized by this Synod, as a regionalmanifestation of this Church.Section 2.Voting members shall consist of:a. one lay delegate from each congregation officially recognized by this Synod. Congregationshaving more than 100 baptized members may have one lay delegate for each additional 200baptized members or major fraction thereof. Delegates shall cease to be members in goodstanding upon the termination of their membership in the congregation.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 4

. ordained ministers on the roster of this Synod who are members in good standing of theirrespective congregations and not under suspension from office by the Bishop.c. lay diaconal ministers on the roster of this Synod who are members in good standing of theirrespective congregations and not under suspension from office by the Bishop.d. lay members of Synod Council who are members in good standing, who shall cease to bemembers in good standing upon removal from office in the manner described in these bylaws.Section 3. This Synod at its organizational meeting shall recognize those congregations on itsterritory that are recognized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and certified to it bythe secretary of this Church.Section 4. A congregation and its baptized members seeking to be admitted into this Synod shallsubmit to the Bishop a formal application and a copy of the constitution and bylaws of thecongregation which this Synod, prior to admitting such congregation and their baptized members,shall ascertain to be in harmony with the faith and polity of this Church. Every congregation thatis recognized by this Synod shall have a constitution and bylaws that conform to the requirementsof the Society Act of British Columbia and, in the judgement of the Synod Council, is in harmonywith the constitution and bylaws of this Church and this Synod.Section 5. A congregation and its baptized members may be suspended or excluded from thisChurch and this Synod by action of this Synod if the congregation persists in any of the followingoffences:a. turning aside from the faith confessed by this Church and this Synod as set forth in Article 3 ofthe constitution of this Synodb. refusing or neglecting to exercise proper discipline over its membersc. wilfully violating or disregarding the constitution and bylaws or official actions of this Churchand this SynodThe Bishop of this Synod shall counsel with any congregation where such offences exist.If necessary, the Bishop shall then admonish the congregation in writing. If the admonition isunheeded a representative committee composed of ordained ministers and laity shall be appointedby the Synod Council to investigate the congregation. Upon the recommendation of thecommittee, the Synod Council may suspend or exclude the congregation from this Church andthis Synod.Disciplinary action of the Synod Council may be appealed to the Court of Adjudication ofthis Church within thirty days of receiving notification of the action of the Synod Council. Thedecision of the Court of Adjudication is final.BYLAW 3. CongregationsSection 1. Every congregation of this Synod shall choose a delegate or delegates to represent it atconventions of this Synod and at meetings of the conference to which the congregation isassigned. An alternate or alternates may act in the stead of the delegate or delegates in the eventof their absence.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 5

Section 2. Congregations shall have the right to petition this Synod, according to procedures setforth in these bylaws.Section 3. When a pastor resigns, the congregational council shall receive the resignation, report itto the congregation, and notify the Bishop of this Synod.Section 4. The alignment of congregations in pastoral charges shall be subject to approval by theSynod Council.Section 5. The approval of this Church or a convention of this Synod or of Synod Council shall berequired for the solicitation of funds from congregations for institutions, agencies, and causes ofthis Church.Section 6. In cases of strife and division in a congregation, the congregational council shall seek theadvice of the Bishop of this Synod.Section 7. A congregation and its members desiring to withdraw from this Church shall require atwo-thirds majority vote at any legally called and conducted meeting. Such decision shall not beeffective until at least ninety days after the Bishop has been notified and until the initial action hasbeen ratified by a two-thirds majority vote at a subsequent legally called and conducted meeting.Section 8. A congregation of this Synod that has ceased to exist, or whose membership has sodiminished in numbers as to render it impossible or impractical for the congregation to functionaccording to its constitution and bylaws, shall, after consultation with any remaining members, bedeemed by this Synod to be defunct. The Synod Council shall appoint trustees, including wherefeasible former members of the congregation, who shall take charge and control of the property ofsaid congregation to hold, manage, and convey the same on behalf of this Synod.Section 9. A lay member of any congregation may appeal to this Synod from the disciplinary actionof the congregation. All such appeals must be made in writing to the Bishop within thirty daysafter the action has been taken. Copies of said appeal shall be transmitted by the appellant to thepastor and to the secretary of the congregation. The Bishop shall appoint a special committee toinvestigate the appeal. The decision of the committee shall be final and reported to theappropriate parties.Section 10. Members in this Synod shall cease to be in good standing upon the termination of theirmembership in this Synod.BYLAW 4. MinistersSection 1. To be eligible for ordination or acceptance onto the roster of ordained ministers of thisSynod, a candidate must have accepted a call (which call might be subject to the candidate’sordination) and must have met one of the following standards:British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 6

a. be a graduate of a recognized college or university and a theological seminary of this church andpresent satisfactory reports of regular and frequent contact with the Committee on TheologicalEducation and Leadership and the Bishop of this Synod. In the case of an older candidate therequirements for graduation from a recognized college or university may be waived by theCommittee on Theological Education and Leadership.b. if theological education was received at a seminary other than one of this Church, give evidenceof graduation from an approved theological school and have fulfilled a year internship acceptableto the appropriate synodical authorities.c. have been a member of the clergy of another denomination and have undertaken additionaltheological preparation in a seminary of this church, or have passed a comprehensive examinationprepared by the National church and administered by a synodical committee, which may alsorequire the successful completion of an internship in a parish of this Church. Persons who havebeen ordained in the name of the Triune God through laying on of hands by anotherdenomination, and have been approved by colloquy, shall be accepted into the roster of ordainedministers of this Church through a public rite that includes affirmation of the ordination vows ofthis Church.Section 2. The synodical Examining Committee shall interview all candidates for ordination and allpersons applying for acceptance on the roster of ordained ministers and shall ensure their:a. acceptance of and adherence to the Confession of Faith of this Churchb. fulfilment of academic requirements andc. personal qualifications for carrying out the functions of ordained ministry.Section 3. Continuance on the Roster of Ordained MinistersIn order to remain on the roster of ordained ministers of this Synod, each ordainedminister must be in possession of a proper call in this Synod, be on leave from call, or be anindividual who has been suspended from exercising the office and privileges of the ordainedministry, in accordance with this Church’s administrative bylaws.Following the procedural guidelines found in the Constitution and Bylaws of this Church,the Synod Council shall subject an ordained minister to discipline and may suspend the ministeror remove the minister from the roster for the following:a. preaching or teaching of doctrine in conflict with the confession of faith of this Churchb. conduct unbecoming an ordained ministerc. wilful disregard for or violation of the functions and standards established by this Church for theoffice of Word and Sacramentd. wilful disregard of the constitution, administrative bylaws and enactments of this Church and ofthis Synod.Section 4. Ordination of approved candidates shall normally take place in connection with aconvention of this Synod. The time and place of all ordinations shall be designated by theBishop.Section 5. Every pastor shall preach the Word, administer the Sacraments, and conduct publicworship in harmony with the faith and practices of this Church; shall baptize, confirm, and marryin accordance with the teaching of this Church and with the laws of the province; shall visit thesick and distressed and bury the dead; shall inculcate piety in individual and family life andBritish Columbia Synod Appendix J / 7

provide pastoral leadership to all schools and auxiliary organizations of the congregation; shallinstall members of the congregational council and, with the council, administer discipline; shallseek out and encourage qualified persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel and strive toextend the Kingdom of God in the community, at home, and abroad; and shall encourage themembers to the generous in support of the ministry of the congregation, this Synod, and thisChurch.Section 6. Every pastor shall keep accurate congregational membership records, including baptisms,confirmations, marriages, burials, and communicants, and shall submit a report of such statisticsannually to the secretary of this Synod on forms provided by this Church. The records shall bekept in a separate book, which shall remain the property of the congregation.Section 7. When members of a congregation move, the pastor shall commend them to the pastoralcare of the parish in which their new home is located.Section 8. Each congregation shall consult the Bishop of this Synod before taking any steps leadingto the extending of a call to a prospective pastor.Section 9. Upon receiving a call to another ministry, the pastor shall consult with the Bishop and thechairperson of the congregational council before a decision is reached. The pastor shall informthe congregation and the Bishop of the decision on the call within thirty days of official notice.When a call has been accepted, the pastor shall terminate the ministry within two months unlessan extension has been agreed upon by the pastor and the congregational council.Section 10. The regular call of a congregation when accepted by a pastor, or letter of appointmentwhen accepted by another worker, shall constitute a relationship, which shall be terminated onlyfor the following causes:a. resignation or the expiry of the term for which the person was calledb. the attainment of the age of sixty-five years, after which time the pastor may be called forrenewable two-year termsc. disqualification through disciplined. division of a pastoral chargee. physical or mental incapacityf. continued neglect of ministryg. inability to conduct the pastoral office satisfactorily in that parish in the view of local conditions,without reflection on the moral and spiritual character of the pastor.In the last three contingencies, when such difficulties are made known, the Bishop may,following consultation with the conference dean, appoint an Advisory Committee of two ordainedministers and two lay members to investigate. Upon the request of the congregational council orthe receipt of a petition signed by at least one-third of the voting members of the congregation,the Bishop shall appoint an Advisory Committee to investigate.In case of alleged physical or mental disability, medical testimony shall be secured.When such incapacity is evident, the Bishop, on the advice of the Committee and with theconcurrence of the congregational council, shall declare the pastorate vacant. Upon therestoration of such a pastor to health, the Bishop of this Synod shall take steps to enable the pastorto resume the ministry, either in the congregation last served or in another field of labour.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 8

In the case of alleged neglect of ministry or of local conditions which imperil the wellbeingof the congregation, all those concerned shall be heard, after which the Bishop of thisSynod together with the Advisory Committee shall counsel with the pastor and the congregationon a proper course of action. Such counsel shall be offered out of Christian love and is not to beregarded as an act of discipline. After such counsel, if the problem has not been resolved, thecongregation may terminate the call by majority vote. The Bishop of this Synod at any point inthe foregoing proceedings, with the concurrence of the congregational council, may suspend thepastor from the functions of the ministry within the congregation, pending completion of theformal proceedings.The foregoing procedure shall never be invoked when questions of doctrine or moralityare involved, all such cases being treated as disciplinary matters.Section 11. No ordained minister shall preach or perform any ministerial act within the parish ofanother pastor except at the latter's request or consent, or visit or perform ministerial acts in atime of a pastoral vacancy except by invitation of its congregational council.Section 12. During a pastoral vacancy, an interim pastor shall be selected by the congregationalcouncil after consultation with the Bishop. The interim pastor shall have the responsibility of aregularly called pastor. All interim and supply pastors shall refrain from exerting influence in thecall process of the congregation.Section 13. All ordained ministers serving under call shall attend all conventions of this Synod, theannual study conference and the meetings of the conferences to which they belong.BYLAW 5. Lay Diaconal MinistersSection 1.This Synod shall have a roster of lay diaconal ministers.Section 2. To be eligible for consecration into the lay diaconal ministry and be on this Synod’sroster of diaconal ministers, a candidate must have accepted a call in this Synod (which call maybe subject to the candidate's consecration) and must have met the standards set forth in thecandidacy manual of this Church.Section 3. This Synod’s Examining Committee, which shall interview all candidates for ordinationand all persons applying for acceptance on the roster of lay diaconal ministers, shall ensure their:a. acceptance of and adherence to the Confession of Faith of this Churchb. fulfilment of academic requirementsc. personal qualifications for carrying out the functions of the lay diaconal ministry to which a callhas been extended.Section 4. Continuance on the Roster of Lay Diaconal MinistersIn order to remain on the Synod’s roster of lay diaconal ministers, each lay diaconal minister mustbe in possession of a proper call in this Synod, or be on leave from call or be an individual whoBritish Columbia Synod Appendix J / 9

has been suspended from exercising the office and privileges of the diaconal ministry, inaccordance with the administrative bylaws of this Church.Following the procedural guidelines found in the Constitution and Bylaws of this Church,the Bishop may subject the diaconal minister to discipline and may suspend that minister for thefollowing reasons:a. teaching of doctrine in conflict with the Confession of Faith of this Church as expressed in theconstitution of this Synodb. conduct unbecoming an diaconal ministerc. wilful disregard of the constitution, administrative bylaws and enactments of this Church and ofthis Synod.BYLAW 6. ConferencesSection 1. This Synod may be divided into up to eight conferences as decided by this Synod inconvention. Individual congregational membership within conferences shall be ratified by thisSynod in convention.Section 2.The purpose of the conferences shall be to:a. encourage fellowship among ordained ministers and congregations;b. arrange opportunities for the study of the Holy Scriptures and Christian doctrine;c. assist this Synod in planning, promoting, and implementing the mission of the Church;d. respond in consultation with this Synod to particular needs within its territory;e. elect the required number of ordained ministers as delegates to the conventions of this church;f. elect a nominee to represent the conference on Synod Council.Section 3. A conference may adopt for itself any rules and regulations not in conflict with theconstitution and bylaws of the Synod.Section 4. Each conference shall meet at least once a year, at a time and place set by the conference,and in sufficient time to allow for the election of a nominee to the Synod Council on an electionyear. Each conference shall designate its own quorum.Section 5. Each conference shall have the right to petition this Synod according to procedures setforth in these bylaws.Section 6. Each conference shall elect from its membership a dean, a secretary, and at least twoother persons, who shall constitute a Conference Council. Election shall be for a two-year term.The dean, who shall serve as chairperson, shall be an ordained minister.Section 7. The Conference Council shall fill any vacancies in its membership until the next meetingof the conference.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 10

Section 8. The dean of each conference shall make a written report to this Synod through theBishop's report.Section 9. The deans of the conferences shall meet at least once a year with the Bishop for spiritualrenewal and the discussion of programs, plans, and problems affecting conferences and thisSynod. Except where otherwise provided in these bylaws, the function of such a meeting shall beconsultative and advisory.Section 10. All members of congregations are encouraged to attend conference meetings. The votingmembership shall be all ordained ministers on the territory of the conference and two laydelegates from each congregation. Congregations having more than 100 baptized members shallbe entitled to an additional lay member for each additional 100 baptized members or majorfraction thereof.Section 11.The Bishop of this Synod or the Bishop's appointee shall attend the conference meetings.Section 12. The dean of each conference shall carry out, as delegated by and on behalf of the Bishop,the call and placement of pastors and other ministers, first level intervention in cases ofcongregational distress, representation of this Synod at special congregational or regional events,and the articulation and promotion of this Synod’s theology of mission and ministry.BYLAW 7. ConventionsA. Synod ConventionsSection 1.The convention of this Synod shall be its highest legislative authority.Section 2. The regular convention of this Synod shall normally be held either biennially betweennational conventions or annually at a time that is at least forty-five days before or forty-five daysafter the biennial convention of this church.Section 3. Regular conventions shall be held annually or biennially as determined by a two-thirdsmajority vote of those present and voting at any regular convention. Regular conventions may ormay not be primarily business conventions; however, business conventions shall be held at leastbiennially, between national conventions. For the purpose of satisfying the requirements of theB.C. Society Act, one meeting of the Synod Council annually shall include the annual generalmeeting of this Synod which meeting shall be held within six months of the end of the fiscal year.For purposes of this annual general meeting a voting member shall be any person who holdsmembership in a congregation of the Synod and a quorum shall be three persons. Furthermore,thirty days written notice of this annual general meeting shall be given to every member of theSynod Council and to each congregation of this Synod. In addition members of this Synod willbe informed of such meeting by posting notice where each congregation and its membersregularly meet.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 11

Section 4. Special conventions for specified purposes may be called by the Bishop and shall becalled by the Bishop at the request of two thirds of the Synod Council or by request of 10% ofthis Synod’s congregations or by request of 10% of ordained ministers on the roster of this Synodwho are in good standing and not under suspension from the office by the Bishop. Such requestsfor a special convention shall be in writing with accompanying signatures delivered to the addressof this Synod and stating the purpose of such a general meeting. Such special conventions shallbe convened within 21 days and to be held within 90 days of receiving the request in writing .Section 5. The secretary shall publish the time and place of each regular convention at least sixmonths in advance. The secretary shall give written notice of a special convention to eachcongregation and each ordained minister and shall publish the same at least thirty days prior to theopening date of the convention.Section 6.A quorum at a convention shall be fifty voting delegates.Section 7. The voting membership at a special convention shall be those who were seated in thepreceding regular convention, provided that they have not been disqualified by termination ofmembership in the congregation they represented. Vacancies in this voting membership shall befilled by the parishes so represented as necessary.Section 8. The national Bishop of this Church and such other official representatives of this Churchas may be designated by the National Church Council shall have seat and voice in theconventions of this Synod. Like privileges shall be accorded to the chairpersons of synodicalcommittees, in connection with their reports, to representatives of institutions and agencies relatedto or officially recognized by this Synod, to the presidents of the synodical units of the officialauxiliaries of this Church.Section 9.Convening:a. the secretary shall give notice of the time and place of the convention, including registrationcosts, to all pastors and the chairperson of each congregation at least four months before theopening day of the convention.b. the Synod Council shall determine the amount of the registration for delegates to coverconvention expenses.c. arrangements for conventions shall be made by the officers, or by a committee named for thatpurpose by the Synod Council, acting in conjunction with a local committee.d. the Synod Council shall prepare the proposed agenda.e. the secretary shall send out a bulletin of reports to all voting members at least thirty days beforeeach regular business convention.f. all arrangements for worship services or public meetings shall be made in consultation with theBishop.Section 10.Delegates:a. each congregation shall submit the name(s) and address(es) of its delegate(s) to the secretary atleast sixty days prior to the opening day of the convention.b. delegates to conventions of this Synod shall be paid travel costs at a rate to be determined by theSynod Council.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 12

c. each congregation or employing agency shall pay the registration fee of its delegate(s). In thecase of a pastor serving a multiple-congregation parish, such expenses shall be borne by thecongregations pro rata on the basis of baptized membership.Section 11.Procedure:a. During the first sitting of each regular business convention, the Bishop shall announce theappointment of the convention committees, as follows:i. Committee on the Report of the Bishopii. Committee of Reference and Counseliii.Committee on Nominationsiv. Committee on Minutesv. Committee on Registration and Attendancevi. Committee on Electionsb. The report of the Bishop to each regular business convention shall be referred to the Committeeon the Report of the Bishop, which shall study it, make appropriate comments, and transmit to theconvention the recommendations of the Bishop, together with any additional recommendationsthat it considers appropriate.c. Petitions from congregations and conferences shall be submitted to the secretary of this Synodprior to the convention for referral to the Committee of Reference and Counsel.d. The Committee of Reference and Counsel shall:i. receive and study petitions submitted to the secretary by congregations and conferences,as well as those referred to it by the convention, a synodical committee, or a delegate,and report to the convention its recommendations, together with the original resolutions;ii. recommend special orders for the hearing of representatives;iii. grant or deny permission to distribute printed matter not issuing from the office of thesecretary; andiv. give such assistance to the Bishop as this officer may desire in the course of theconvention.e. All reports published in the bulletin of reports shall be received by the convention by virtue ofthat fact without vote.f. Procedures enumerated in this section may be suspended during a convention by a two-thirdsmajority vote of the delegates present and voting.B. National Church Conventions, Election of DelegatesSection 1. The (Synod) secretary of this Synod shall inform each of the conferences of the numberof pastors to be elected to the national church convention.Section 2. Ordained delegates and alternates shall be elected at least nine months before the nationalchurch convention, after which the (Synod) secretary of this Synod shall inform those parisheseligible to elect lay delegate(s). Lay delegates and alternates shall be elected at least six monthsbefore the convention.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 13

BYLAW 8. Nominations and ElectionsSection 1. At the first meeting following the regular business convention of this Synod, the SynodCouncil shall appoint a Committee on Nominations consisting of six members.Section 2. The Committee on Nominations shall invite the congregational councils, ordainedministers, lay diaconal ministers, and synodical committees to suggest names for the vacancies tobe filled at each convention and for which the Committee on Nominations is to proposecandidates.Section 3. The Committee on Nominations shall nominate two persons for each position to be filledby election at a convention of this Synod except for the officers of this Synod and the threegovernors of the seminary nominated by the National Church Council. Additional nominationsmay be made from the floor for all elections for which the nominations are made by theCommittee on Nominations.Section 4. All elections shall be by ballot. In all elections, except for the officers of this Synod, amajority of the votes cast on any ballot shall elect.Section 5. The election of Bishop, secretary, and vice-chairperson of this Synod shall proceed in thisorder, without oral nominations. If the first ballot does not result in election, it shall beconsidered a nominating ballot.Section 6. The nomination of the treasurer shall be made by the Synod Council. Additionalnominations may be made from the floor.Section 7. On the first ballot for an officer, three-fourths of the votes cast shall be required forelection. Thereafter only such votes as are cast for persons who have received votes on the firstballot shall be valid. On the second ballot, two-thirds of the votes cast shall be required forelection. On the third ballot, the voting shall be limited to the four persons receiving the highestvote on the second ballot, and a majority of the votes cast shall elect.Section 8.Section 9.For all other elections, a majority of all votes cast constitutes election.The result of each ballot in every election shall be announced in detail to the convention.BYLAW 9. OfficersSection 1. The officers of this Synod shall be the Bishop, vice-chairperson, secretary, and treasurer.The Bishop shall be on the roster of ordained ministers of this church and shall serve full time inoffice. At least two of these officers shall be lay members of a congregation of this Synod.Section 2. The officers shall be elected by the Synod convention for a term of four years, accordingto procedures established in Bylaw 8. All officers shall serve until their successors assume office.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 14

Section 3. Should a vacancy occur ad interim in any of the offices, the Synod Council is empoweredto fill the same until the next regular business convention, or to call a special convention to fill thevacancy. Each election by a convention shall be for a full term of office.Section 4. The terms of the officers shall begin on the first day of the third full month followingelection.Section 5.An officer or other member of Synod Council may be removed from office by:a. a 75% majority vote of those delegates present and voting at a duly called convention of thisSynod; orb. a 75% majority vote of those members of Synod Council present and voting at a duly calledmeeting of Synod Council.Section 6. Assistants to the officers, if and when such positions are created by this Synod inconvention, shall be elected by the Synod Council on nomination by the officer concerned. Suchpersons may be recalled or dismissed on proper notice by the action of the Synod Council. Theyshall be ineligible for membership on the Council.Section 7.The Bishop shall:a. serve as leader and counsellor to the congregations, ordained ministers, and conferences of thisSynod;b. convene and preside over conventions of this Synod and the meetings of the Synod Council;c. be its chief executive officer and oversee the offices of vice-chairperson, secretary, and treasurer,co-ordinate the work of all staff of this Synod, and appoint all committees not otherwise providedfor;d. ensure that the constitution and bylaws of this Synod are observed and that its resolutions areimplemented;e. visit the congregations and pastors of this Synod and confer with them concerning their spiritualand temporal welfare;f. ordain, or provide for the ordination of, all candidates accepted for the ministerial office;g. install, or provide for the installation of, the pastors of all congregations of this Synod and otherordained ministers called to service within this Synod, and induct into office the other officers ofthis Synod;h. be ex officio member of all committees of this Synod, its chief representative on the boards ofdirectors or trustees of all institutions in which this Synod is entitled to representation;i. be the custodian of the seal of this Synod and attest all documents as required;j. appoint the (Synod) archivist this Synod;k. report and make observations and recommendations to each regular convention of this Synodconcerning its mission and ministry with observations and recommendations.Section 8.The vice-chairperson shall:a. preside at Synod conventions and at meetings of the Synod Council on the request of the Bishop;b. in the event of the death, resignation, or incapacity of the Bishop, convene the Synod Council tofill the vacancy until the next convention and provide for the discharge of the Bishop's duties untilthe Synod Council has made the appointments;British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 15

c. perform such additional duties as are set out in the bylaws.Section 9.The secretary shall:a. keep the minutes of all conventions of this Synod, be responsible for the printing and distributionof such minutes and perform such other duties as this Synod may from time to time direct;b. keep a roster of the ordained ministers and of the congregations of this Synod;c. report to the secretary of this Church additions to and subtractions from the synodical roster, issuecertificates of transfer for ordained ministers who are moving to other synods, and enter on theroster of this Synod the names of all ordained ministers for whom such certificates of transferhave been received;d. file a copy of the Annual Report with the Registrar of Companies within 30 days of the annualmeeting or convention;e. be authorized, in the name of this Synod to attest all documents as required;f. deposit all papers and documents of historical value with the Synod archivist;g. serve as statistician of this Synod, secure the parochial reports of the congregations, collate thesame for annual report to this Synod, and make composite figures available to the secretary of thisChurch;h. serve as the necrologist of this Synod.Section 10.The treasurer shall:a. have charge of all the monies and accounts of this Synod, its deeds, mortgages, contracts,evidences of claims and revenues, and trust funds, holding the same at all times subject to theorder of this Synod;b. manage the investment of funds owned or held in trust by this Synod, as authorized by the SynodCouncil;c. receive, record, and acknowledge all offerings, contributions, and legacies made to this Synod;collect all interest and income from its investment funds; and disburse funds as approved anddirected by the Synod Council;d. transmit each month to the treasurer of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada the fundsreceived by this Synod for the general work of the Church;e. inform each congregation, at least quarterly, of its record of giving to this Synod;f. keep an account for the conferences of this Synod and disburse to them such funds as arebudgeted or otherwise appropriated for their use;g. present to each convention a detailed and audited report of all receipts and disbursements for thepreceding fiscal year;h. be bonded under the fidelity coverage provided by this Church.BYLAW 10. Synod CouncilSection 1. The membership of the Synod Council shall be the officers of this Synod, together witheight additional members consisting of an equal number of ordained ministers and lay personselected by the convention to serve for four years in such manner that the terms of one-half of theelected members shall expire each biennium. There shall be at least one ordained minister orBritish Columbia Synod Appendix J / 16

layperson from each conference.consecutive terms.No elected member shall be eligible for more than twoSection 2.Section 3.The officers of this Synod shall be the officers of the Synod Council.The Synod Council shall:a. plan, co-ordinate, supervise, and evaluate the activities of this Synod in carrying out its missionand ministry through actions including, but not limited to the following processes:i. Each standing committee shall be convened by a member of Synod Council whoseportfolio shall include both advocacy and administrative responsibilities for thecommittee.ii.Portfolios, including communication, education, evangelism, and worship, shall beconvened by a member of Synod Council whose responsibilities shall include advocacyand administration.iii. Synod Council members shall be appointed to portfolios at the first Synod Councilmeeting following a Synod convention.b. be the directors of the corporation and trustees for this Synod;c. represent this Synod and attend to its business between conventions;d. elect executive staff if and when such positions are created by this Synod in convention;e. issue letters of call to ordained ministers who are full-time officers or staff officials of this Synod,or who are called to special service;f. provide for an annual review of the rosters of ordained ministers and congregations;g. determine the time and place for each convention and prepare its proposed agenda and program;h. recommend annual budgets to the regular business conventions;i. set the salaries of the Bishop and staff of this Synod;j. elect the representatives to the governing bodies of inter-church agencies to which this Synod isrelated;k. fill vacancies to any elective position until the next business convention;l. consult with program committees and appoint committee members as necessary when vacanciesexist and when sufficient lay and/or ordained representation is required;m. appoint members to standing committees as required;n. report its actions to the regular business convention;o. approve candidates for call, ordination, and admission to the roster of ordained ministers;p. perform the additional duties prescribed in the constitution, bylaws, and resolutions of this Synod;q. provide for the publication of a synodical paper and appoint its editor;r. establish personnel policies for this Synod;s. revise the synodical budget, as may be required.Section 4. The Synod Council shall have at least two regular meetings annually. Special meetingsmay be called by the Bishop of this Synod or, in the case of the Bishop's death or removal, by thevice-chairperson. A majority of the members of the Synod Council shall constitute a quorum.Section 5. A resolution in writing, sent to all members of Synod Council and signed by 75% of themembers of Synod Council and placed with its minutes shall be valid and effective as if regularlypassed at a meeting of Synod Council.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 17

BYLAW 11. Financial MattersSection 1. The fiscal year and the budget year of this Synod shall be from July 1 to June 30 of thefollowing year.Section 2. The annual budget and financial reports of this Synod shall reflect the entire range of itsactivities. The income listed shall include support from all sources.Section 3. The annual budget shall include an amount for contingency not to exceed 7% of thebudget.Section 4. There shall be an operating reserve, determined by the Synod Council, of no more than15% of the following year's budget.Section 5. Representatives of the Synod Council shall meet with representatives appointed by theNational Church Council to agree upon this Synod's commitment goal for support of the budgetof the Church during the next fiscal year. These representatives shall recommend for approval bythis Synod and by the National Church Council, the amount of support to be transmitted throughthis Synod to this ChurchSection 6. Special appeals to congregations for the raising of funds shall require the consent of theconvention or the Synod Council.Section 7. Subject to Section 8 of this Bylaw 11, the Synod Council may borrow money on behalf ofand in the name of this Synod in order to carry out the purposes of this Synod.Section 8. No debentures shall be issued except by resolution adopted by a 75% majority vote ofthis Synod in convention.Section 9. No real estate shall be purchased, disposed of, or encumbered in any manner except byresolution adopted by a 75% majority vote of the Synod Council or this Synod in convention.Section 10. The financial accounts of this Synod shall be submitted annually for audit to a charteredaccountant named by the Synod Council.Section 11. This Synod shall be carried on without purpose of gain for its members, and any profits orother accretions to the organization shall be used in promoting its objects.BYLAW 12. Standing CommitteesSection 1. Members of all standing committees shall be appointed by Synod Councilwith effort made to provide parity in regional representation and between lay and clergy.Section 2.Unless specified, each committee shall:a. ordinarily consist of one member from each conference unless additional members are appointedBritish Columbia Synod Appendix J / 18

y Synod Council;b. meet at least once a year;c. submit an annual report and minutes of its meetings to the Synod Council;d. prepare an annual budget for its program(s) and submit it to the Synod Council;e. be elected or appointed in such manner that the terms of one-half of the members shall expireeach biennium;f. submit a report of its activities to each regular convention, with such recommendations as it maydesire.Section 3. Committees shall consist of ordained and lay members, nominated by election byconferences and appointed by Synod Council for terms of four years. All conferences eligible toprovide a nominee for a committee or committees shall be represented if they so choose on thosecommittees for which they make nomination. Additional appointments may be made by SynodCouncil. No person shall be eligible to serve on more than two consecutive terms. No personshall be a member of more than one committee at the same time.A. The Committee for Theological Education and LeadershipSection 1.The task of the committee shall be to:a. equip and challenge members of this Synod to provide Christian ministry to and througheducational institutions and programs with this Synod and Church, working in consultation andharmony with the national council of this Church;b. stimulate interest, and identify and mobilize resources for Christian ministry to and through postsecondaryeducation through educational institutions of this Church.c. stimulate interest, and identify and mobilize resources for theological education in this Synod by:i. providing support of ordained ministers and professional lay workers;ii.selecting, endorsing, supporting, and recommending candidates for ordained ministryaccording to policies and procedures developed by the National Church Council;iii. providing theological education for lay leaders;iv. providing for and encouraging continuing education for the ordained ministers andprofessional lay workers of this Synod;B. The Committee for Faith and SocietySection 1.The task of the committee shall be to:a. equip and challenge members of this Synod for Christ-centred ministry in society wherein faith isactivated in love toward justice and reconciliation in the human family, working in consultationand harmony with the parallel offices and structures of the ELCIC;b. seek to assist this Synod and its congregations to:i. participate in appropriate programs, resource development, partnerships, networks,institutes, and legislative processes in society with a Christ-centred ministry;ii.participate in appropriate programs, chaplaincies, and institutions in the area of extendedcare ministry;iii. receive, identify, and articulate issues, needs, and concerns in all aspects of ministry insociety, and to develop and implement strategies of response, both individual andcorporate;British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 19

iv. address issues of justice within this Synod and its congregations.C. The Committee for MissionsSection 1.The task of the committee shall be to:a. equip and challenge members of this Synod for local and global mission, working in consultationand harmony with the parallel offices and structures of this Church;b. stimulate interest, and identify and mobilize resources for the mission program of this church asdeveloped by the parallel offices and structures of this Church;c. suggest ways and means to stimulate interest in and support for world missions among thecongregations of this Synod;d. develop strategies for mission development within this Synod by:i. seeking new fields for mission development;ii. advising on anticipatory church sites and mission development;iii. consulting with mission support congregations to review and recommend proposals andgrants.D. The Committee for StewardshipSection 1.The task of the committee shall be to:a. equip and challenge members of this Synod to recognize the true nature of Christian stewardship;b. work in consultation and harmony with this Church to equip and challenge members of thisSynod to practice Christian stewardship;c. through education and visitation programs, assist pastors and members to become moreintentional about personal and congregational stewardship, beginning with the Biblical tithe;d. assist this Synod, in collaboration with the conferences of this Synod, to encourage annualstewardship programs;e. promote programs for special giving, as authorized by this Church;f. promote wills awareness.E. The Committee for Youth MinistrySection 1.The task of the committee shall be to:a. equip and challenge members of this Synod to provide youth ministry to and through itscongregations, working in consultation with the parallel offices and structures of the nationalChurch;b. assist congregations by stimulating interest, and identifying and mobilizing interest, support, andresources for youth ministry among the congregations of this Synod by:i. providing support and training for youth leaders;ii. planning biennial or triennial Synod youth gatherings;iii. evaluating, selecting, developing and circulating material resources for congregations.c. seek ways and means to stimulate and support ministry to and with youth and others outside thechurch;d. facilitate communal youth ministry among congregations in this Synod and with other churchesBritish Columbia Synod Appendix J / 20

F. The Communications CommitteeSection 1. The task of the committee shall be to equip and challenge members of the BC Synod tocommunicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the mission and ministry of this Synod, with a focuson the media and method of communication, by:a. serving as the accountability structure for the volunteer communication staff.b. serving as a communications policy review committee, monitoring and auditing communicationneeds within the Synod and recommending policy.c. exploring and utilizing new media and technology for improved, alternative methods ofcommunication.d. conducting and coordinating synod communication functions.G. The Committee for Specialized MinistriesSection 1. The membership of the committee shall consist of three to four persons appointed bySynod Council for terms of four years. No person shall be eligible to serve more than twoconsecutive terms.Section 2.The task of the committee shall be to:a. recommend, advise, support and monitor rostered pastors for specialized ministries;b. establish qualifications and review all applications from clergy for call to specialized ministries;c. submit to Synod Council the names of those recommended for call to a specialized ministry, andto provide Synod Council with the committee’s rationale for such recommendations;d. oversee the work of all clergy in specialized ministries;e. ensure that there is adequate supervision of all those who are called to specialized ministries;f. receive annual reports from the clergy serving in specialized ministries;g. provide ongoing support to clergy serving in specialized ministries;h. provide a bond between those serving in specialized ministries and this Synod;i. facilitate inter-disciplinary studies, e.g. meetings and conferences, etc., for those serving inspecialized ministries;j. foster collegiality among those who serve in specialized ministries;k. ensure that each person in specialized ministry be a member of a local congregation of thisChurch and attend synodical conventions, conference conventions, church worker conferencesand congregational events;l. report annually to the Synod Council.H. Examining CommitteeSection 1. The Examining Committee shall consist of the Bishop, together with the one seminaryprofessor, two laypersons and one pastor appointed by the Synod Council, and one pastorappointed by the National Church Council. The appointed members shall serve for two-yearterms.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 21

Section 2. It shall be the duty of this committee to examine candidates for ordination, or forreception from other Lutheran churches with whom mutual recognition of ministry has not beenestablished, and to present recommendations to the Synod Council.Section 3. The committee shall work in close co-operation with the Committee for TheologicalEducation and Leadership and the parallel offices and structures of this Church.I. The Committee For Campus MinistrySection 1. The membership of the committee shall consist of three to four persons appointed bySynod Council for terms of four years. No persons shall be eligible to serve more than twoconsecutive terms.Section 2.The task of the committee shall be to:a. encourage and support the Lutheran ministry on campuses throughout the BC Synod;b. enter into appropriate ecumenical relations to enhance campus ministry in BC;c. establish guidelines, policies and recommend terms of reference for the formation of localcampus ministry committees on the various campuses throughout BC;d. receive requests for formal recognition of individual campus ministry committees throughout BC;e. prepare policies and priorities in order to invite and receive funding requests from campuschaplains or local campus ministry committee, and on behalf of campus ministry throughout BC,submit budgetary request to Synod Council;f. work in consultation with the parallel offices and structures of this Church to stimulate interestand identify and mobilize resources for Christian Ministry to and through post secondaryeducational institutions in British Columbia.g. Provide opportunities for chaplains and others involved in campus ministry throughout the BCSynod to gather periodically to exchange ideas and receive mutual support.J. The Committee for WorshipSection 1.The task of the committee shall be to:a. assist congregations in their central task of providing worship, which nurtures, feeds challengesand prepares congregations for mission.b. work in consultation with the parallel offices and structures of the National Church, helping tomaintain and undergird a strong worship ministry that is faithful to our liturgical and sacramentaltradition, and is responsive to the needs of congregations; assisting in introducing newresources/programs to congregations, and informing the National Church of the particularresource needs of the Synod in the area of worship.c. seek ways to stimulate, support and train church musicians, working to uphold a strong musicaltradition in our congregations and in our Synod.d. in consultation with the Bishop, to plan and coordinate worship for Synodical events, includingthe biennial synod convention.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 22

BYLAW 13. Theological and Educational InstitutionsA. SeminarySection 1. This Synod acknowledges its responsibility to maintain a theological seminary within theguidelines provided by this Church, to strengthen this seminary spiritually and academically, andto provide for its financial support.Section 2.Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan:a. The Board of Governors of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, shallcontrol and manage the seminary and determine its academic and administrative affairs. Theproperty of the seminary, both real and personal, shall be held by the Board of Governors in trustfor and under the guidance of the synods of British Columbia, Alberta and the Territories,Saskatchewan, and Manitoba-Northwestern Ontario.b. The board may, in consultation with the National Church Council, propose to the synod(s) anincrease in the number of its members, such increase to include an equal number of ordainedministers and lay persons. Any proposal for increase in the number of members of the boardmust have the approval of the synod(s).c. The term of office for each member of the board shall be four years, except in the followingcases:i. Where a member is appointed to fill a vacancy, such appointment shall be by the SynodCouncil and shall be for the remainder of the term of the predecessor;ii.In the case of the first of any new elections in connection with increasing the number ofthe said board, the terms of office shall be for two or four years, so spaced that one-half ofthe membership of the board shall be elected each biennium.d. Members of the board shall be eligible to serve for not more than two consecutive terms.e. Financial support for the seminary shall be determined by a process of consultation between theBoard of Governors, the National Church Council, and the Synod Council.f. The board shall make an annual report to the regular convention of this Synod.B. Lutheran Campus MinistrySection 1. Where physical facilities for this ministry are owned or secured, title shall be held in thename of the British Columbia – Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.Section 2. The British Columbia Synod – Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada shall control andmanage the Lutheran Campus Centre at the University of British Columbia. The property of theLutheran Campus Centre at the University of British Columbia of British Columbia, both real andpersonal, shall be held in trust for and under the guidance of this Synod.Section 3. Such facilities shall be administered by campus ministry board(s) of Trustee establishedby action of Synod Council.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 23

BYLAW 14. AuxiliariesSection 1. There shall be synodical units of the official auxiliaries of this church. Such units shallreport to the Synod Council and convention. The Bishop, or an appointee, shall have seat andvoice at synodical unit conventions and board meetings.BYLAW 15. Synod PoliciesSection 1. There shall be a Synod policy called Policy and Procedures Dealing with Sexual Abuseor Sexual Harassment by Clergy, Lay Diaconal Ministers, Synodical and Congregational Leadersadopted by Synod Council and reported to this Synod in Convention.BYLAW 16. AmendmentsSection 1. Amendments to this constitution and bylaws may be enacted by special resolution at anySynod convention, provided they are proposed in writing by Synod Council, the National ChurchCouncil, a conference of this Synod in convention, or a congregation at a duly called meeting, andare circulated in the convention mailings or to the chairpersons of all congregations of this Synodat least thirty days in advance of the Synod convention, and adopted, with or without change, by75% of those present and voting.Section 2.Amendments become effective upon acceptance by the Registrar of Companies.BYLAW 17. Synod Study ConferenceSection 1. A committee appointed by the ministers of this Synod and approved by the Bishop shallplan and implement an annual study conference.Section 2. The Study Conference Committee shall work in consultation with the Bishop to decidetime, place and topic for the study conference and to establish a budget to be approved by SynodCouncil.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 24

Bourinot’s Rules of OrderBourinot’s Rules of Order are the guidelines for business meetings at our church conventions.These are the same rules that govern debate in the parliament of Canada.General Principles1. Proper opportunity is given to all concerned for an expression of opinion.2. Rights of a minority are respected.3. Clear decisions are reached on the basis of a free majority vote.4. Proceedings are governed by an assessment of the issues rather than by personality factors.MOTIONSAn issue cannot be discussed unless a motion is formally presented, with the exact wording of themotion being the focus of debate.Main MotionA motion must be moved, seconded and accepted by the chair. The mover says “I move that…” If amotion is out of order or beyond the authority of the meeting, the chair can refuse to accept it. Thechair then asks, “Is there a seconder.” If another delegate “Seconds” the Motion, then it is open todebate by the assembly. Unless the motion is dealt with, all discussion must be addressed only tothe motion. If the motion is not seconded, then it cannot be debated.A motion should be worded in the affirmative and should express fully and clearly the intent of themover. Its meaning should be clear to somebody who later reads the minutes. It is best if themotion is prepared in writing and made available to the secretary at the time it is moved.When discussion is complete, the chair asks, “Are you ready for the question?” and repeats thecomplete motion. The members vote and if the majority votes in favour, the chair states, “Carried.”A motion may be withdrawn by its mover only with the assent of the meeting as a whole.After a motion is declared carried or defeated, it cannot be brought up again at the same meeting. Ifit becomes necessary to rescind (repeal) a motion, it can be announced at the meeting and thendiscussed and voted on at a subsequent meeting.Subsidiary MotionsThese motions provide a way to handle main motions besides simply debating and voting on them.(They are listed in order of ranking.)Postpone indefinitely – this procedures kills the main motion without voting against it.Amend – This is the most widely used subsidiary motion. In the excitement of making amotion, the wording may be unclear or incomplete. Amendments must relate specifically tothe main motion and cannot merely negate the motion. The wording used is “I move toamend the motion by substituting the words… with the words… so that the motion willread…” The chair will restate the main motion or even read it to show how the main motionwould change if the amendment is passed. The amendment is voted on before the mainmotion.An amendment may be amended and must be moved and voted on in the same ways as thefirst amendment. However, amendments to amendments should be avoided to maintain thesanity of the chair and membership.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 25

Commit or refer – this action sends the main motion to a committee. Use this procedurewhen the main motion requires more research and in-depth discussion. If used, this motionshould include the size of the committee, how it is to be selected, the specific item, and adeadline for reporting to the main group.Postpone definitely (to a certain time) – This can mean later in the same meeting or asubsequent meeting. The reason would be to get more information or wait until anotherevent has taken place on which to base a decision.Limit or extend debate – It imposes specific limits on the time allowed for a debate and thenumber of times any member may speak to the motion. It can also be used to extend thetime. Needs two-thirds vote to carry.Previous question – The object is to immediately close debate and vote on the issue. Thismotion cannot be amended or debated. The value is in ending frivolous debate. The motionis made in the form, “I move that the question now be put.” Needs two-thirds to carry.Lay on the table – This is the highest ranking subsidiary motion. It temporarily sets asidethe main motion and subsidiary motions. It differs from Postpone because it can berecovered later. It allows the meeting to go on to other business. A later motion by themembership can bring the matter back into discussion.Privileged Motions (Housekeeping Motions)These are variations of motions and rank above subsidiary and main motions. They never relatedirectly to a pending question but deal with issues that need immediate attention. They are notdebatable.Call for orders of the day – to get the meeting back on track (return to the agenda)Raise a question of privilege – to get immediate action on simple matters such as askingspeaking to talk louder. Does not require seconder or a vote.Take a recess – to ask for a short break. Requires a seconder and majority vote to carry.Adjourn – most frequently used to close the meeting. Any debate after adjournment isunofficial.Incidental MotionsThese motions deal with procedural matters but do not relate directly to business.Point of order (or question of privilege) – when debate begins on a motion that has not beenseconded, or if someone tries to make an additional motion when one is already on the floor.Appeal the decision of the chair – to challenge a decision made by the chair. Must bemade immediately after the chair’s decision.Suspend the rules – to discontinue the rules when the group wishes to do somethingagainst its regular rules, but not in conflict with its constitution or bylaws. Requires two-thirdsvote to carry.This is a summary of information taken from Bourinot for the Baffled, a publication of theCommunications Committee of the Eastern Synod, 1994.British Columbia Synod Appendix J / 26