2015 South Dakota Synod Assembly
May 29-30, 2015
at Calvary Lutheran, Rapid City
5311 Sheridan Lake Rd
Rapid City, SD 57702
2015 Synod Assembly Videos
Assembly Minutes and Passed Resolutions:
Guest Speaker:
Rev. Dr. Robin Steinke, President of Luther Seminary
The Rev. Dr. Robin Steinke came to Luther Seminary as president in June 2014. She was the first woman in the 145-year history of the seminary to be named to the position.
Prior to coming to Luther Seminary, Steinke was the dean of the seminary and professor of theological ethics and public life at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, where she served from 1999. She previously served as an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) pastor; a training manager and financial planner at American Express Financial Advisors; and a middle school band director in Marietta, Ga. Steinke is a graduate of Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. She holds a Master of Divinity and a Master of Sacred Theology from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in England.
Steinke is known for her strategic leadership and passion for sharing the gospel. She is involved in a number of important church and academic initiatives. She is currently co-chairing the national ELCA Theological Education Advisory Council that is evaluating and exploring the future of theological education. She serves as the ELCA Representative to the Lutheran World Federation Council and chairs their Endowment Fund. She is a member of the ELCA Ecclesiology Task Force and serves on a number of other church and academic committees. She previously served a six-year term as a commissioner for the Association of Theological Schools’ Commission on Accrediting.
Guest Worship Leader and Musician: Jay Beech
These are the words of St. Paul paraphrased in the signature song by Jay Beech, “Baptized.” This gifted artist has performed and led worship all over the country in venues ranging from stadiums to small country churches. He has long been recognized for his creative blending of musical energy and theological substance, and his ability to lift up ancient traditions within a modern context.
As a composer, Jay has the ability to bring the Biblical narrative to life in a deeply meaningful and relevant way. Seeking to express both the holiness and the compassion of God, his appreciation for the paradoxical nature of life and faith makes his music truly unique. His published works include hymns, liturgies, camp songs, musicals, and anthems that are sung each week in congregations throughout the United States.
Before the days when The Jay Beech Band was a favorite at youth gatherings, before there was a worship & praise industry, Jay was deeply committed to congregational singing and participation. He now shares this passion as a frequent presenter at workshops addressing trends in church music.
His musical vocabulary ranges effortlessly from blues to ballad, from hymn to funky jazz. Always surrounded by outstanding musicians, a performance or worship service with Jay Beech will be a truly inspiring experience.
Jay is the owner of Baytone Music. He has also worked as a church musician at several congregations including 16 years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN. He is now living in Minneapolis and serving as director of the new Center for Worship & Music Studies.
2015 Preliminary Report and Assembly Materials
The 2015 South Dakota Synod Assembly Preliminary Report and Assembly Materials are now available online on the synod website and Synod Assembly Guidebook App.
Synod Assembly Guidebook App
Starting last year, all assembly information will be included and updated in a free app that works on iPads, Android Tablets, and in a web browser on your laptop.
If you have any questions or problems, please contact Kevin Stillson at kstillson@sdsynod.org.
iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Blackberry Playbook, Kindle Fire, Android Users
Download the free ELCA Guidebook app called “ELCA Organizations & Events” from the Apple App Store or the Android Play Store. The Synod Assembly guide will be listed under the “Download Guides” section of the application. The name of our guide is: “2015 South Dakota Synod Assembly”.
Windows Phone, Blackberry and Laptop Users
You can access the same information using your web browser. Click here to access the guide.
Preliminary Report
(You may download the full PDF document below, or download and print sections individually.)
- Proposed Agenda
- Synod Assembly Committees and Contributors
- Synod Committees Directory
- Bishop and Staff Reports
- Regional and Synodical Board Reports
- Sustained and Supported Ministry Reports
- Other Reports
- 2016 Mission Plan
- Rules of Parliamentary Procedure
- Summary of Parliamentary Procedure
- Synod Constitution Chapter 7 Synod Assembly
- Conference Map
Resolutions
- Resolution 1: Elect South Dakota Synod Council Members
- Resolution 2: Elect 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Voting Members
- Resolution 3: 2016 Compensation and Guidelines for Clergy and Lay Staff
- Resolution 4: Celebration of 25 Years of Ministry for Iglesia Luterana de Nicaragua Fe y Esperanza (ILFE)
- Resolution 5: Raise the Roof at Woyatan Lutheran Church
Compensation and Guidelines
- A. 2016 Compensation and Guidelines for Pastors in Parsonages
- B. 2016 Compensation and Guidelines for Pastors Receiving a Housing Allowance
- C. 2016 Compensation and Guidelines for Rostered Lay Leaders
- D. 2016 Compensation and Guidelines for Lay Leaders
2016 Ballot
Audit Report
Additional Information and Handouts
- Voting Member Information
- Calvary Lutheran Church Map
- Congregations 2014 Mission Support Report
- Book of Faith – Getting the Word Out
- 2016 Grace Gathering
Registered voting members as of May 15 will receive an e-mail reminder that the above materials are available.
REMINDER: Voting members are responsible for printing these materials and bringing them to the Assembly. Wifi will be available in the Sanctuary at Calvary Lutheran during the Synod Assembly if you would prefer to read your reports via the app on your tablet or computer. Only a limited number of copies will be made available.
Assembly Offering
The year’s Synod Assembly offerings will be split between Cedro Galan in Nicaragua and the Campus Ministries General Fund.
