Synod Assembly 2024: June 1, Q Center, St. Charles

Revised Edition Book of Reports (June 28, 2023)

Rules of Organization and Procedure

Constitution

7-8 a.m. – Check-in/registration

8 a.m. – Worship

8:30 a.m. – General session A (Bishop’s report, elections, Etc.)

9 a.m. DEADLINE for “on the floor” nominations

10:30 a.m. – Learning session with ALLYSHIP

11:45 a.m. – Lunch

1 p.m. – Workshops

2 p.m. – General session C (Report of treasurer, resolutions, etc.)

3 p.m. – Transition (transport) to Bethlehem Lutheran Church

3:30 p.m. – Worship with Eucharist (Bethlehem Lutheran Church)

4:30 p.m. – Transition (transport) back to Q Center

5:30 – 8 p.m. – Cocktail hour & seated dinner (for additional purchase)

Budget (TBA)

Resolutions (TBA)

The air conditioned Q Center is ADA compliant. They have reserved parking, ramps to doorways, push-button door openers, elevators, ADA bathroom stalls. Language accessibility available upon request in the registration process.

You will need to choose a workshop when registering.

Tentative list:

Church governance

Basics of church leadership. What are the responsibilities of a congregation’s council member? How do we understand, create and follow church constitutions, policies and procedures? Leave with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an elected leader.

Stewardship of space

Our buildings are mission outposts for God’s work in our neighborhood, our city and our world. Balancing space with mission can be confusing and a struggle. Presenter will offer practical tips, theological insight and new resources to equip attendees with the knowledge they need to ask the next right questions and take the next right step in using their space for God’s work.

Climate justice

What are we already doing in the synod to address climate justice and what more can we do? The ELCA Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador Training equips you with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and resources to speak and act on climate change in your home, neighborhood, place of worship, community, and with policymakers.

AI in ministry

Explore the possibilities using AI to expand your bandwidth in ministry.

Lay leadership & equipping

Learn how to inspire and motivate your congregation’s volunteers and leadership.

Community work: trauma

Trauma-informed community work can impact congregational life and health.

Civics and faith

Civic Life and Faith is the newest ELCA Social Statement Draft. You are invited to discover or review what a social statement is, how it is used, and the process by which it is developed. Learn or reaffirm the importance of these statements to our ministries and advocacy within the church and our communities. We will look briefly at statement highlights, suggestions on leading workshops in your congregations, and the importance of individual feedback. Your input is critical in producing the final published statement. The draft statement can be found at //elca.org/civicsandfaith.

Three Pathways

Sometimes a congregation needs to determine if its ministry is at the end of its life cycle. Or, whether there is opportunity for new life and new ministry directions. Your synod staff can help!

Technology & social media at your congregation

What does your church’s technology say about you and how can it say more? How are you using it to welcome and communicate information/ministries? Learn how to use social media and technology to help communicate, inform and engage.

Social trends within congregations

What social trends do we notice within our congregations? Changes in attendance based on age groups? What do different age groups seek from your congregation? Discuss these and other questions in this intriguing workshop.

‘Do justice’ panel

Explore this year’s synod theme: Do justice. Featuring a panel discussion with those who appear in this year’s assembly videos. Discover together what justice means.

Only a limited number of vendor space is available this year and all tables have been spoken for.

Resolutions can be submitted from the floor if they meet criteria such as these:

• The content of the resolution pertains directly to a matter already on the business of the agenda of this assembly
• The content of the resolution pertains to a matter that could not have reasonably be submitted prior to April 1

There are no proposed amendments this year.

Coming soon…

Seeking Nominations!

The Metropolitan Chicago Synod’s Nominating Committee is currently looking for assistance as we seek to raise up leaders from across our synod.

CLICK HERE FOR NOMINATIONS FORM.
 

At this year’s Synod Assembly (June 1) we will elect individuals to help lead important committees for the life of this synod:

• Voting Members to the 2025 ELCA Chuchwide Assembly
• Synod Council

If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor David Walters (), chair of the Nominations Committee, or Pastor Sunitha Mortha (), staff liaison.

Revised Edition Book of Reports (June 28, 2023)

Rules of Organization and Procedure

The 36th annual assembly of the Metropolitan Chicago Assembly will consider the following amendments to the Metropolitan Chicago Synod’s bylaws. Both of these amendments are necessary for these bylaws to be consistent with current (and overruling) required provision †S6.04.01. 

Specifically, both of these bylaws currently have age ranges that are out of alignment with superseding required provision †S6.04.01:  “[…] For purposes of the constitution, bylaws, and continuing resolutions of this synod, the term “youth” means a voting member of a congregation who has not reached the age of 18 at the time of election or appointment for service.  The term “young adult” means a voting member of a congregation between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of election or appointment for service.” Thus, the Churchwide Office of the Secretary has asked us to amend both bylaws to bring the age limits into alignment.  

The bylaws will be amended as such:

S10.01.02. Youth member. The term of service of the youth shall be two years and shall begin on the first day of the third month following election. The youth shall be at least 16 years of age when the youth’s term begins and not more than 19 years of age when the term ends, and is not eligible to reelection.

S10.01.03. Young adult member. The term of service of the young adult member shall be two years and shall begin on the first day of the third month following election. The young adult shall be at least 18 years of age when the young adult’s term begins and not more than 31 years of age when the term ends, and is not eligible to reelection.

The current bylaws read:

* S10.01.02. Youth member. The term of service of the youth shall be two years and shall begin on the first day of the third month following election. The youth shall be at least 16 years of age when the youth’s term begins and not more than 21 years of age when the term ends, and is not eligible to reelection.

* S10.01.03. Young adult member.The term of service of the young adult member shall be two years and shall begin on the first day of the third month following election. The young adult shall be at least 21 years of age when the young adult’s term begins and not more than 30 years of age when the term ends, and is not eligible to reelection.”