2009 Annual Gathering Minutes

Minutes - Business Section - 9th Annual Gathering

The Honorable G. Barry Anderson called the convention to order in business session at 2:25 P.M. on Monday, October 5, 2009.

M/S/P    To nominate Barry Anderson to serve as permanent convention chair for the 2009 convention

M/S/P    To nominate Sue McKenzie to serve as permanent convention secretary for the 2009 convention

There were no other nominations.

M/S/P    To close nominations and elect Barry Anderson as convention chair and Sue McKenzie as recording secretary for the 2009 convention.

The chair moved to the proposed rules of the convention as presented in the convention binder with one change under section 8. ("or the gathering" has been added.)

M/S/P    To adopt the Convention Rules 1 through 10 as proposed (with one change, see above).

M/S/P    To authorize the chair to appoint a Credentials Committee for the convention.

The chair appointed Rev. Tony Stoutenburg, with the assistance of Mrs. Sharon MacFadyen (LCMC Administrative Coordinator), to the credentials committee.

Rev. Stoutenburg reported that the total attendance at the Gathering is 716 persons which include 275 visitors, 161 members, and 226 delegates, representing 132 congregations.

M/S/P    To accept the report of the Credentials Committee.

The chair appointed Atonement Lutheran Church, Fargo, North Dakota as the official host site of the 2009 Annual Gathering.

The chair appointed Vernon Peterson as Parliamentarian for these proceedings.

The chair moved to the minutes of the previous convention. With no corrections or revisions, the chair entertained a motion to accept the minutes as presented.

M/S/P    To approve the minutes of the 2008 LCMC convention as presented.

Mr. Kirk Dean presented the Treasurer's report.

Dean reported that we had a very satisfactory audit this year. This was due in great measure to Sharon MacFadyen's excellent record keeping skills.

Dean reviewed the preliminary budget for next year. A significant change for next year includes an increase in donations expected of 23%. Increased expenses include a 35% increase in event expenses. Thrivent supports us and we are grateful for that support. Travel and meeting expense are anticipated to be up 45%. We also will incur additional staffing expense.

We encourage each congregation to look at their budget and see what is appropriate for giving to the LCMC.

Other opportunities for giving include: Seminary debt relief fund, Lutheran Men's fund, and the International Mission Fund.

All and all we are in fine shape.

District funding: Dean also reviewed the form a District needs to fill out to create a District. He stressed that Districts need to be self-supporting.

M/S/P    To accept the treasurer’s report
  
Anderson reviewed the election process. There was a question as to why some congregations had been moved to different areas. This was to maintain the 15% rule. (Bylaws of this association permit a variance in Area size of no more than 15%.)

M/S/P    To approve the apportionment of areas for election of trustees for October 2009 as presented under Tab 7 of the convention packet, as recommended by the Board of Trustees.

M/S/P    To approve the apportionment of areas for election of trustees for October 2010 as presented under Tab 7 of the convention packet, as recommended by the Board of Trustees.
  
Anderson explained the difference between Districts and Areas and why we organize ourselves the way that we do. This is to free ourselves from the power struggles that can occur over this. In other words, Districts and Areas fulfill very different roles.

The chair opened the floor to old business. There was no old business.

The chair opened the floor to new business.

Resolution: Districts:

This resolution is submitted by the LCMC Board of Trustees and entered this 5th day of October 2009, at the National Gathering of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC), at Atonement Lutheran Church, Fargo, North Dakota.

Recitals:
1. Section 5.03 of the bylaws of LCMC recognizes the existence of districts to which LCMC congregations may, in the sole discretion of these congregations, join or participate with;

2. Section 5.03 of the bylaws of LCMC specifically provides "Congregation, in their sole discretion, may join together in districts and shall adopt governing documents, budgets and other procedures that will allow the districts to support the mission of the members of the association,"

3. That it would be in the best interests of the association to specify a minimum number of congregations in a district for the district to be recognized by the association as an LCMC district:

Now therefore be it resolved, that the minimum number of congregation in a district to qualify as an LCMC district shall be three congregations;

And be it further resolved that section 5.03 is hereby amended to provide as follows, "Congregations, in their sole discretion, may join together in districts composed of at least three LCMC congregations and shall adopt governing documents, budgets and other procedures that will allow the districts to support the mission of the members of the association."

And be it further resolved nothing in this resolution shall be construed in any way to limit the right of LCMC congregations to join or affiliate with organizations that, in the judgment of those congregations, further the mission and goals of the congregational members of this association.

Paul Braafladt spoke to the resolution:
It is our view that three congregations would be the best minimum number to form a district. Two congregations seem inadequate for the purpose. A minimum of four congregations could place an unnecessary burden upon joining together, especially where distance and travel are problematic in rural or spacious land areas. Non-geographic districts may have the same problem.

Both reasons above point to a minimum of three congregations which can still be defined as a group and that's what a district is, a group of three of more congregations that decide to work together for common Christian goals.

Merlyn Saathoff: What about congregations that are multiple congregations?

M/S/P    That the minimum number of congregation in a district to qualify as an LCMC district shall be three congregations; and that section 5.03 is hereby amended to provide as follows, "Congregations, in their sole discretion, may join together in districts composed of at least three LCMC congregations and shall adopt governing documents, budgets and other procedures that will allow the districts to support the mission of the member of the association." and nothing shall be construed in any way to limit the right of LCMC congregations to join or affiliate with organizations that, in the judgment of those congregations, further the mission and goals of the congregational members of this association.

Resolution: Open discussion with other Lutheran groups:

This resolution is submitted by the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) Board of Trustees and entered this 5th day of October 2009 at the LCMC National Gathering at Atonement Lutheran Church, Fargo, North Dakota.

Recitals
1. Section 1.01 of the constitution of LCMC affirms that LCMC is an association of congregations;

2. Section 6.01 of the constitution of LCMC states that "the national convention of congregational delegates shall be the legislative authority of LCMC;"

3. Opportunity exists for conversation between LCMC and other Lutheran reform and renewal organizations.

Now therefore let is be resolved, that the LCMC Board of Trustees be authorized to engage in conversation with other Lutheran reform and renewal organizations, including, but not limited to, The Canadian Association of Lutheran Congregations (CALC), The WordAlone Network and Lutheran CORE, for the purpose of identifying commonality in mission and ministry;

And be it further resolved that any proposed agreements resulting from conversations with said groups be brought to the 2010 Annual Gathering of the association for consideration.
  
Larry Lindstrom spoke to this:
Lutheranism in North America is undergoing dramatic shifts in power and structure, the results of which are impacting the Lutheran Church around the world. As the Lutheran body that is among the youngest and perhaps closest to our structure to the mind of the Reformers, it is our view that LCMC is in a unique and opportune time and place in which to converse with those organizations that share our heritage, goals, and values.

Given the congregational structure of LCMC, it is appropriate that the place to begin and end those conversations is here in the legally called gathering of our highest legislative body.

Larry acknowledged that we want to engage in conversation but that we could make no decisions without returning to this body.

Bruce Gamache’: 
We seem to be in a different place than CORE. This is not a new process. The Trustees are not asking to make decision only to speak.

James Lindgren:
Would this include pension and benefits discussion? Answer from Bill Sullivan: All suggested changes would come back to this body.

Kate Person:
Could this distract us from the Great Commission? Answer from Larry Lindstrom: This is a chance to ask; how can we work together and help each other?

Glen Peterson:
What is the Board’s intention in this matter? What does commonality in mission mean?

Gary Seefeldt:
Supports the resolution, the Trustees should be free to receive information and come back and report to us so that we can rejoice.

Mark Vander Tuig:
I would hate for us to blur the lines between a reform movement and LCMC. We are not a reform movement within any denomination.

Larry Lindstrom:
Spoke to the structure needed by people like CALC and how to help our Canadian friends meet their government demands.

Bill Sullivan:
We respect you too much to carry on these conversations without your permission.

Bruce Wilder:
Spoke in favor. Civil, Christ-centered, evangelical Christians should have conversation. This shows our transparency and is not dictated from some group on high.

Don McMillan:
Question of practicality: Should this be brought to a future Gathering?

A representative from the congregation in Medicine Hat: Caution about CALC

Tony Stoutenburg:
Caution to brothers and sisters in LCMC. Let's try to help those that are coming to us now. Remember that God is in charge, not us. Don't be afraid. These Board members are good people. I encourage you to go out and engage in conversation.

Steven Broers:
Question: Do we really need a resolution to do this?

Lee Nielsen:
I feel they do not need a resolution to talk to anyone.

Steve Dennis:
Can we say to our brothers and sisters that we understand what is going on? Speak in favor.

The resolution was amended to strike the phrase "the 2010"
  
M/S/P    That the LCMC Board of Trustees be authorized to engage in conversation with other Lutheran reform and renewal organizations for the purpose of identifying commonality in mission and ministry; and that any proposed agreements resulting from conversations with said groups be brought to Annual Gatherings of the association for consideration.

Resolution: A resolution was presented by Rev. Nathan Hanson, Romsdal Lutheran Church, Hudson, SD

Whereas: We are Lutherans who not only enjoy sharing the Living Bread that restores our souls, we enjoy the bounty of the earth that comes from the dedicated labor and stewardship of our farmers and ranchers, and

Whereas: October is a month of harvest and ingathering of everything staple to our economy,

Be it resolved: This assembly schedule to convene the Annual Gathering sometime after December and before May so as to welcome these folks who have long been disenfranchised from participation in these meetings.

Comment: We have had difficulty with other church bodies accommodating those that work the land.

Motion fails for lack of a second.

Election of Treasurer

Anderson opened the floor for nominations for treasure.

M/S/P    To nominate Kirk Dean for the position of Treasurer.

M/S/P    To close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Kirk Dean.

M/S/P    To recess at 3:37 pm

M/S/P    To adjourn the business session of the 2009 Annual Convention and Gathering of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ. 

Respectfully submitted,
Susanne McKenzie
Secretary

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