Our Synod Council met December 13. As in previous meetings the Bishop’s report included a summary of calls and a recognition of synod staff member Pr. Kathleen Koran as her retirement was announced. Bishop Rimbo reviewed with the council the purpose and work of an advisory panel and reported on those in progress.
Vice President Maria Del Toro gave an update on the refresh of our strategic plan. Strategy area committees who met on December 3 to discuss priorities and how the Holy Spirit is guiding our work considering our current society. Treasurer Frank Suttell presented the current finances and shared how his own congregation looked at their current mission support levels and developed a plan to increase their giving to the synod over the next three years. After accepting the resignation of Ms. Muriel Davis, the council appointed Ms. Karen Woolley to fill the term until the May Synod Assembly when elections for unexpired terms can be held. Ms. Woolley had been on the same ballot at the previous assembly.
The Synod Council approved seven Leadership Development Grants and Bishop Rimbo reported on two Sower’s Project Grants that were awarded. Secretary Robert Schoepflin reported on the formation of the Constitutional Review Committee. The Synod Council also adopted an events policy that helps to underscore our interdependence as a church while providing a method for how events are categorized. They also heard an update of the planning process for the 2017 Synod Assembly and approved the rate schedule. Minutes of this meeting will be posted after they are approved at the next meeting.