Important information regarding year end filings and materials can be found below. Please be sure to share this with the appropriate person in your congregation.
Important Year End Reporting
Has your congregation had your annual meeting? Complete the following forms online after your annual meeting:
**All required forms and information can be found online at sdsynod.org/yearend. **
File Your Annual Congregational Report by Feb 15
All congregations should have received the 2016 congregational report forms, along with instructions on how to complete the form, at the end of December. Online filing is now open and needs to be completed by February 15, 2017.
Click here to complete your annual congregational report.
Congregational Remittance Forms for 2017
All congregations should have received their remittance forms for 2017 and a letter on how to send in contributions to the Synod office. Please refer to this letter with instructions for contributions. Payments for registrations should be sent on a separate check. Questions? Contact Lois Borchardt, Business Manager at lborchardt@sdsynod.org or call 605-274-4025.
Annual Rostered Minister Reports to the Bishop
Reports for all Rostered Ministers can be filed online this year.
Click here to file your annual report to Bishop Zellmer that pertains to your particular call.
Complete Your Annual Health Assessment Today
A new year, a new health assessment is ready for you to take. Log on to your MyPortico to take your health assessment and earn $100 in Wellness Dollars. It only takes 10 minutes to complete. The Synod staff has completed their assessments and encourages all ELCA Primary Members and Spouses to complete yours as well. When you’re in your MyPortico, check out the other new ways to earn wellness dollars this year of up to $400! This year, Portico encourages you to consider the ways your physical, financial, and emotional health contribute to your overall well-being, then take steps to improve and create meaningful change in your life.
Ministers of Word and Service Update
As of January 1, the official roster change is now in effect for Ministers of Word and Service. This action was voted on at the Churchwide Assembly in August. The South Dakota Synod is working on making the following title changes:
- The title for a Diaconal Minister or Associate in Ministry is now Deacon. Ex. “Deacon Karen Johnson”.
- The title for Deaconess is Sister.
- Deaconesses can opt to change their title to Deacon by contacting Office of the Secretary at the ELCA, however, the community at large prefers to remain “sister.”
- Term “rostered leader(s)” has been changed to “rostered minister(s)”.
- Proper way to refer to rosters are: “Roster of Ministers of Word and Service,” and “Roster of Ministers of Word and Sacrament”.
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Secretary at the ELCA or the South Dakota Synod office.
Appeal Update
THANK YOU to all the congregations, individuals and volunteers who helped with the “Listen God Is Calling Appeal” in 2016; your investment of time and dollars is most appreciated. The total of the appeal gifts from all sources through December 31, 2016 is: $3,288,762.53. Thank you for your generous support. Congregational Phase:
If your congregation has not conducted the appeal, Lent would be a good time to set a date for the appeal. If I can assist with the commitment Sunday, contact me to set a date.I will begin a new assignment in March so my involvement with the appeal will be limited but I will assist congregations as best I can. The appeal will officially come to a close at the Synod Assembly in June 2017, so congregations are encouraged to schedule their appeal before June.
Thank you again for your generous support of the “Listen God Is Calling Appeal” .
To God Be The Glory,
Pastor Bob Hansen, Appeal Director
rdhansen1517@gmail.com
605-553-7677
Seminary Debt Restructuring Program
The South Dakota Synod is pleased to announce a new program for rostered ministers under a congregational call to refinance their seminary debt into a new loan. The Synod Council approved of the program in October and the Synod has been working with Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota to process applications.
Rostered Ministers in a congregational call who are interested in setting up appointments for the Seminary Debt Restructuring Program can contact Jessie Hall or Sara Ramirez at LSS. For more details, click here. LSS looks forward to working with pastors in the South Dakota Synod.
Looking Ahead
Region 3 Hunger and Climate Retreat
Please join the Region 3 Hunger Retreat on Care of Creation and Climate Change on Feb 3-4 at the Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria, MN. The event begins with lunch at noon on Friday, Feb. 3 and concludes after lunch on Saturday. Cost is $50. Click here for more details and contact information.
Music and Worship Classes in Aberdeen
The Center for Worship and Music is holding two classes in February at Zion Lutheran in Aberdeen. These classes are great opportunities for those that lead or participate in music during worship. Register for a class today:
Chrism Mass Services in February
The South Dakota Synod would like to extend an invitation to all rostered ministers and congregational leaders to attend one of the following Chrism Mass services in February:
- February 26 – Atonement Lutheran, Rapid City – 5 PM
- February 27 – Zion Lutheran, Aberdeen – 6:30 PM
- February 28 – St. John American Lutheran, Sioux Falls – 6:30 PM
A Chrism Mass is for the blessing of Baptismal Oils and for the renewal of our commissioning, consecration, and ordination vows.
We will also be offering a blessing to newly elected council presidents as they serve this church. Please be sure to extend this invitation to them as well.
Conference Assemblies
The following conferences have scheduled their Conference Assemblies in March:
- Southeastern: March 5, 2 PM at Scandia Lutheran in Centerville
- Prairie Coteau: March 5, 3 PM at NeSoDak
- Bear Butte: March 12, 3 PM at Piedmont Valley Lutheran Church
- Northern Plains: March 19, 4 PM at St Paul Lutheran in Bowdle
- Prairie Rivers: March 19, 2 PM at First Lutheran, Mitchell
- Crossroads: March 26, 2 PM at Our Savior’s, Sioux Falls
Questions or changes can be sent to Crystal McCormick at cmccormick@sdsynod.org.
Spring Theological Conference – April 18-20
Please join us on April 18 – April 20, 2017 for our Spring Theological Conference to be held in downtown Sioux Falls. All Worship and Academic Sessions held at First Lutheran Church. Click here for more details.
Crossroads Men in Mission Prayer Breakfast
This year’s Men in Mission Prayer Breakfast will be on Saturday, April 22 at Brandon Lutheran.
Registration begins at 8:30 AM with breakfast starting at 9 AM.
Program this year is Rebel Hurd, Mission Developer of Church on the Street in Sioux Falls.
RSVP by April 18 to Brandon Lutheran by calling 605-582-3401 or email blc@alliancecom.net.
Synod Assembly
Save the date for Synod Assembly, June 2-3, at Gloria Dei Lutheran in Sioux Falls.
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