Submitted by: John and Sheri Bruington 2011 Synod Delegates
The Synod of the Rocky Mountains convened at the Homestead Suites at the Denver International Airport at 9 AM at which time the synod elected the Reverend Lanny Rounds as the new Moderator . David Ezekiel was also introduced as the interim executive for the Synod of the Rocky Mountains.
A presentation was made regarding the future of Middle Governing Body Mission and noted several models presently being considered across the country. David Ezekiel noted that one of his roles as the new interim executive would be to get to know the synod and help it determine its vision for the future.
The Rev. Joyce Emery, Executive for the Synod of Alaska and the Northwest presented a proposal for sharing a grant from Heiserman Foundation, which would have provided $15,000 to the Synod of Alaska/NW and $50,000 to the Synod of the Rocky Mountains to create a Rural/Remote Mission Strategy Initiative. The intitative calls for a 4 year project in which the synods would: create an annual event for rural/remote clergy in which they could share their stories, ministry models, and research. It would also serve the purpose of helping new pastors to the rural/remote church that would help them make the adjustments and the basis for a stable ministry.
In the second year, the event is repeated and one presbytery in each synod selected to create a taskforce to provide future leadership in this initiative. By year three, new strategies and models designed by participants will begin to be implemented. It also planned to create a strategy to aid each presbytery in developing further a Commissioned Lay Pastor program and shared resources within the synod. This would include training programs and events to bring remote CLP and elders together.
In addition, the synods would implement the PCUSA initiated Pastoral Residency Program in which under served congregations would pair with recent seminary graduates in a two-year pastoral residency relationship. These congregations would become “teaching churches” and provide mentoring relationships with seasoned pastors, and an intentional program of spiritual-professional development. It would also identify and help prepare gifted mentors to help lead the program.
By year four, the annual event would hopefully become a regular part of the synod/presbyteries mission and would provide the leadership to continue to implement the plan.
The following morning at breakfast, those interested in discussing the Synod of Alaska/NW proposal gathered for breakfast to determine the next step. In addition to several elders and pastors the interim executive for the Synod of the Rocky Mountains, the co- executive presbyter for Yellowstone Presbytery, and the new chairman of the Synod Coordinating Council met with Rev. Emery. While there was interest from the pastors and elders present, the administrators spoke against it saying, “ it was too late”, “ we don’t have the staff”, or “ it might interfere with other programs like Macedonia Ministry in Glacier or Encore in Yellowstone.”
The Record review reports were received with Glacier Presbytery being reminded that Session record reviews must be done annually.
The Coordinating Council of the Synod reported the process for hiring the Rev. David Ezekiel of Chicago Presbytery as the interim executive, the completion of a revised Personnel Policy and the Synod Sexual Misconduct Policy. They also reported that the staff forum is coordinating the Western National Leadership Training Event and looking for input for the future. They also noted that a proposal had been received from the Geller Center [ Inter-denominational Center for CSU] in Fort Collins, Colorado to purchase the building they currently lease from the Synod. The Coordinating Council is reviewing the bid.
The Administrative budget was reviewed and no increase in per capita was approved for 2012. The report also detailed the amounts sent to the various presbyteries from the Synod with Glacier receiving the largest amount at $ 21, 250.
The Mission Budget was presented noting the income for 2012 projected to be $40,000 less than last year due to cut-backs in Shared Mission Giving and GA Mission Partnership Funds. The annual budget for 2012 is set at $332,348. All proposed cuts with the exception of the proposed cut to the Colorado Council of Churches were accepted, but more may yet be necessary as the projected outgo is $4,818 over the projected income.
The next synod meeting is set for June 8& 9 , 2012.