Synod Council wishes to thank the congregations and congregational councils for taking time to welcome a Synod Council member to visit with them during November and December 2007, in order to listen and to share what we are able to accomplish together in the MNO Synod. The questions that each congregational council was asked to talk about prior to the visit were the following:

• What are two things you value most about your congregation?
• Synod Council is interested in learning what concerns you have for your congregation, and what steps are being taken to address the concerns?
• What do you believe God is calling your congregation to do at this point in its life to be more fully “in mission for others”?
• The Synod has embarked on an electronic communication strategy through our website (mnosynod.org) and a weekly newsletter, Crossword. Any comments/suggestions?
• The 66 congregations in this Synod do make a difference. In what ways does your congregation partner with the Synod family?
• Questions/concerns that you have for Synod staff/Synod Council?

Congregations clearly appreciated that the Synod made this effort to come and listen, and many councils said that they appreciated wrestling with the questions. Synod Council also took the opportunity to share some new initiatives happening in the Synod, such as Campus Peer Ministry on four university campuses in our Synod (two new – Brandon University and Lakehead University), Multiplying Ministry courses that are being accessed by many of our lay leaders, new mission initiatives in Waverly West and Sage Creek in Winnipeg with our Anglican brothers and sisters, and survey work that will be done in the Garson- Tyndal area during 2008-2009, just to name a few.  Synod Council took a significant amount of time at their January 2008 Council Meeting to examine the responses summarized in this report, and within the context of planning for the next biennium (a process that was begun with Dr. Kelly Fryer at the Council Meeting) were already using this information. 

Two immediate plans of action were also outlined:

• Synod Staff were entrusted to respond in writing in the next couple of months to the congregations who raised questions/concerns
• The summary report be placed on Crossword for all to read

Reports that have been received up to the present time – 61 of 66 possible.   

Some overall comments:

• There is a general appreciation of the local congregation in each local setting
• There is general anxiety in almost all of our congregations about declining numbers in membership, at worship, particularly of youth/young adults’ age group. This sometimes is also translates into a decline in financial support
• Electronic communication strategy – highly appreciated by those who use it, particularly that the information is new and current.  However, it is not yet part of the “weekly routine” for many of our folks (either because they are not very familiar with computers or they just forget to look, unless something reminds them to do so). Concern is that some events are “missed” if pastor or others don’t check Crossword (i.e; a mailing or personal e-mail reminds  them to look or to take action)
• About a third of the congregations had some specific questions/concerns

Comments by Conference:
Cambrian Conference

• General feeling of isolation from the Synod in this Conference. Those who have participated as delegates or are on a Synod Committee have a sense of what the Synod is about, but for most people in the pews, Synod is not on the radar screen. In a few cases, there is a genuine feeling of partnership and appreciation of Synod involvement. In Thunder Bay, partnership is felt with other congregations in the immediate area.
• To be more fully in mission – While most congregations struggled with this question, such initiatives as partnership in the Lutheran Community Care Centre, Thunder Bay, community involvement in Senior’s ministry, Meals on Wheels, a Moms and Tots group, and one congregation  talked about reaching out to youth and young people of their community, Lutheran, Christian or non-Christian, especially at the high school level.
• Communication Strategy – slowly getting on board with this. Could Synod provide materials from Winnipeg seminars / meetings on DVD (record with a digital camera for viewing later) or through webcasting? What about video conferencing synod events such as the recent workshop of Protection of Vulnerable People or Treasurer’s workshops?
• Other communication with Synod – Can Synod figure out ways to reinvigorate / inject enthusiasm into existing and new pastors?

Brokenhead Conference

• There is a general positive feeling about the Brokenhead area strategy that has resulted in pulpit exchanges, joint confirmation ministry, conference wide services ,   and now partnering to get a couple of interns in the rural setting.  There is an appreciation that the Synod is trying to support them in this area strategy process. Partnership also involves conversations with Anglicans and United Church.  
• Appreciation for the part-time pastors, because they cannot afford full-time pastoral leadership in a number of places.
• In terms of what they are doing with their concerns  around  declining population and membership, a number of creative strategies seem to be used including:  postcard ministry  sent  to people who visit, a mobile sign on the highway to give information about worship times (cottage country), hosting community events  such as  dinners, pie Sundays, invite a friend Sundays. One congregation has posted on its door “the other side of this door is your mission field”. One congregation said that they appreciated the question of mission because they have spent the last two years rebuilding their church to be a positive environment, and are now at a place in their congregational life where they feel more time can be spent being more fully "in mission for others”.
• In general, there seemed to be rather good awareness of the Synod Communication strategy, and an appreciation that the Synod was saving trees and postage by using this strategy. Some communities do not yet have high speed internet, and on dial-up, Crossword takes forever. One interesting reaction was – no real difference in their awareness of what is happening in the Synod because they did not really pay much attention to mailings from the Synod office before.
• Concerns/suggestions/questions for the Synod:
  • Need consultation about how you address people who have left the congregation- what kind of process could they use?
  • Everything in the Synod seems geared to larger churches.  It doesn't matter what is going on in the Synod if they cannot keep their church open
  • Can Synod  provide a database of sermons for lay services?
  • What about a database of music that is available on a conference level – The Conference musicians are trying to do some work on this
  • Has the Synod thought of putting in a float in the Santa Claus parade? Are we missing an opportunity?
  • Does the synod have any resources or people with experience in outreach in "cottage country"?  How can we minister to these summer visitors who may already have a home congregation in Winnipeg.

Interlake Conference

• There are a number of vacancies in this Conference – so there were a number of questions/comments around this issue:  
  • “we feel isolated,”
  • “we need a pastor “,
  • “we’re looking at our options” ,
  • “are there new ways of providing pastoral services 
  • eg. Clusters, house churches?”
• Many concerns about decline, but a number of creative things are being done, such as:
  • congregational  brochure; ministry to the cottagers
  • keeping the church viable & alive… Consecration Sunday Stewardship materials
  • introducing new things in worship to make it more varied and contemporary.
  • continuing community outreach and service
  • mentoring program for confirmands
• In mission for others. What is being done?
  • Volunteer in community, soup kitchen, Meals on Wheels
  • justice issues… being aware of what is going on in the world
  • making our church and hall available at affordable rates, and equipped to meet          community needs
  • “I have no idea what we are being called to do”
  • visitation in our community
• Communication
  • Crossword  -  all Wpg.  (visitor reminded them to send stuff in)
  • not all have internet (most of the congregation), but even though this is our situation – don’t stop  this strategy.
  • need print as well   
• Partnering within the Synod
  • pulpit exchange (parish & conference)
  • Prayers of the church (synod included)
  • Luther Village
  • Confirmation retreat (interlake)
  • hosted Synod  and Conference Conventions
    • people on MNO synod committees
    • Cameroon Companion Synod
    • attend Synod workshops and other events when possible
• Concerns/questions for the Synod
  • appreciate the Bishop’s input and assistance when needed
  • appreciated Synod assistance in facilitating attendance of their youth for Sr. Retreat
  • all training is in Wpg. -  could there be online training workshops or  video conferencing?
  • need information on what items Lutheran Urban Ministry will/can receive from churches like theirs
  • struggle with Rasmus – need info on how much time to spend  -  is there something new coming?

Metro Conference

• A number of inner city congregations face the issue that most of their members live outside the area where their church building is located  Buildings take up a lot of the budget. Some congregations are really struggling with this, but others are trying new initiatives to engage the community.  “We’re being called to come together to evolve into something different than in the past.”  Inner city community initiatives included a free Thanksgiving Supper, a Clothing Extravaganza Giveaway, and providing a facility that has become home to a number of different denominational ministries (Trinity Place).
• Suburban congregations are also trying to work at mission in their area. Studying “Reclaiming the C word” at council level to get members thinking beyond the walls,  an annual Visioning Congregational Event, an open house and a fall carnival to be in contact with the community, youth ministry outside congregation (hired Youth Ministry Director-30 hrs./wk),  starting an afternoon service for seniors – with free transportation, running the High Stepper’s Senior’s program,  a personal care home project and supporting a half time spiritual director in that facility are just some of the initiatives.
• Partnership initiatives include the youth coming together at least monthly for services, but also individual youth groups doing some planning together, since the youth leaders often know one another, in stewardship around the New Consecration Sunday materials, in LUM, NEST, Trinity Pantry, Sage Creek and Waverly West mission planning, Food bank distribution and working at Winnipeg Harvest,  in the Cameroon Project, contributing toward an internship project, through contemporary worship teams doing workshops in other congregations, and so on.
• Communication  - a high appreciation for Crossword and the web site.  It was also commented that Youth Loops is great and the web site is easy to navigate. A few suggestions were made:
  • e-mailing Crossword in a PDF file which would be easy to print for those who don’t have access to the internet (black and white; not colour)
  • A forum where people could post information and ask questions would be great, www.christianforumsite.com for example
  • Can CrossWord have a link in it to the Web Site “MNO Congregations” page?   
• Concerns/Questions  (there was a lot here)
  • Same sex blessing – Feeling of being “bullied” to agree; also that there should be a period of years before again discussing a defeated motion.   
  • New mission congregations in Waverly West and Sage Creek – is this necessary?
  • Is there a recommended church management system for financial matters?
  • How can Synod support a goal of sharing youth leadership between congregations
  • What feedback will come to councils from these visits?
  • How is the ratio of new pastoral students to vacancies currently?
  • Can the Synod  be more directive to leverage human resources and money from various congregations for mission projects that the Synod identifies?  The discussion centred on the fact that there are a lot of gifted people in the congregations, and some have financial reserves that they would like to prudently employ. 
  • Interested in knowing more about the goals and vision of the Synod for the next 5 years and what their congregation should be doing in light of that
  • Can we get the media to pay more attention to us Lutherans?
  • We sense good energy from Bishop Elaine’s leadership.
  • Would be good for congregational representatives to meet together and share common concerns and ideas        
  • Would be nice to see the Synod support candidates for ministry with more money.
  • Is there a way of tracking members when they move out of congregations?
  • Can Synod suggest to congregations that they partner together to do youth/young adult ministry?
  • Can the Synod communicate better which models of ministry are working?
  • We have a concern about the National Church sexuality study: not a good use of resources.
  • We want you to encourage the National Church to fund the pension liability.
  • Are any of the seminary students bilingual (i.e. English-German).
  • Concerned that, with elimination of CYMF position, there are fewer events and youth are losing touch with youth of other congregations in Synod, and Asst. Bishop not as available due to added responsibilities.  Need pre-events for Whitehorse conference so youth get comfortable and know others who will be traveling.
  • Spiritual Events – Would be good to have more spiritual events for lay members.
  • Stewardship Workshop was viewed as excellent event.  (Council member offered an open invitation for all to attend the day long renewal event to be led by Kelly Fryer in April 2006)
  • Policy for Vulnerable People -would like some opportunity for development and support of consistent application policy for staff and volunteers among congregations of similar sizes.   Perhaps develop a CD to offer awareness sessions.

Westman Conference

• There is general depopulation in this area of the province, although the larger centers  like Brandon, Neepawa, and Dauphin have had some growth.  Brandon has seen a number of immigrant workers who work in the hog, fertilizer and agricultural processing industry.  This is a potential mission area for Brandon, although there are some language barriers. There is a concern about making the services more youth friendly, but not sure how to make that happen.
• Mission - Amidst declining numbers, all the congregations have a high regard for their “church”, and want to find ways to stay afloat and carry on.  They saw themselves serving in their communities, particularly in terms of working together to raise monies for various community projects, partnering with other faith communities (Lutheran –United), and even looking into  providing a place for worship for those who are new to the country. There is also some excitement about hosting the Synod in convention this spring
• Communication – While many of the members are not using the internet much, most understood that with distance and cost of travel, this is indeed the way we need to go.  Nevertheless, there is a concern that the internet not totally replace gatherings and face to face meetings.  They also recognized that young people may be willing to scan the communication from the Synod for their congregation, providing a very vital service.
• Partnership with Synod congregations– While there is appreciation for all that the Synod does there are some feelings of isolation, particularly with the programming around youth ministry, which congregations feel they need. There is great distance from Winnipeg and from Luther Village which is a bit of the hub for youth ministry, so do the resources need to be put into partnering with youth ministry in other denominations that are closer to home? Perhaps there will be a feeling of greater partnership with the Synod Convention happening in Dauphin. They want  to feel that they are a part of the Synod.
• Questions/Concerns /Comments for the Synod
  • Appreciated that someone from the Synod came to listen to them
  • How can more contact between the Synod office and congregations happen?
  • Bishop’s visits help a lot with the isolation
  • Realization that the Synod needs benevolence dollars, but the struggles in balancing local budgets are huge.

Agassiz Conference

• Issue of declining attendance was mentioned by all in this conference.   Some wondered how to compete with the “Entertainment” type churches, with some attempts being made to try to become more vibrant for the youth, without offending the older members.
• In Mission  - The many different initiatives include:
  • Sense of accomplishment in the joining Anglican/Lutheran congregations
  • Prayer Shawl ministry to those hospitalized and newly baptized
  • Food hampers for local area
  • ELW visits seniors
  • World mission projects for Confirmation , eg for fishpond in Ethiopia
  • Support the “Friendship Group” for those who are mentally challenged
  • Provide service once per month at the Lodge (senior group)
  • Supporting mission initiatives like LUM, Siloam Mission, Trinity Food Panty
• Communication
  • Amazing job
  • The website is being accessed not only for Crossword but for information to help them do ministry.( ie Mutual Ministry Manual.)
  • It was noted that there is another group (Game and Fish???) using a similar format
  • Could a poster for the congregational bulletin board be developed with tear-off tags that have the web address on them, which might remind people to check it out?
• Partnership
  • How will we need to partner to afford ministry in the future?
  • Some partnering ecumenically
  • They somewhat have a feeling of being an outpost, but say that it is often their fault, since they miss attending synod events. 
  • Many of the congregations have connected with the Cameroon Companions initiative.
• Concerns/Comments/Questions of the Synod
  • Any help the Synod could provide related to attracting youth would be appreciated
    
  • There is a positive change with our new Bishop and they appreciated all that is being done.
  • “Congrats on your outreach to rural congregations.”
  • Appreciated the response when they did not have a pastor
  • Want to have another workshop on POVP policy

Aurora Conference

• No reports at this time.

BENEVOLENCE COMMITMENTS

• 39 commitment forms have been received (still awaiting 27, some of which will come in with the congregational parochial reports). Commitments of 24 congregations are the same as in 2007, 7 are down and 8 are up. At this point, the increases outweigh the reduction by $4585.00.