Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

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Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

• Report of the Synodical Council June 2008

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The Role of the Synodical Council
The SC is to carry out the decisions of the synod
in convention and, when necessary, take action
between conventions
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The Role of the Synodical Council

• To oversee, evaluate, and coordinate all areas
  of ministry as they carry out their mission

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The Role of the Synodical Council
To prepare and propose the synods budget based
on adopted ministry direction and priorities and
a realistic support forecast
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The Role of the Synodical Council

• To maintain fiscal soundness (balanced budget)

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The Role of the Synodical Council

• To oversee the management of all synodical
  property, assets, and investments

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The Role of the Synodical Council

• To oversee the process of long- range strategic
  planning

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Synodical Council actions since the synod
convention

• Authorized an independent study of the synods
  health care system

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Synodical Council actions since the synod
convention

• Approved the consolidation of the synods capital
  debt
• Adopted a 10-year amortization plan

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Synodical Council actions since the synod
convention

• Approved the release of funds that had been set
  aside for the MLC chapel project

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Synodical Council actions since the synod
convention

• Established a standing Compensation Review
  Committee

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Synodical Council actions since the synod
convention

• Adopted the new
• Program Budget process

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Synodical Council actions since the synod
convention

• Received reports of the work being done by the
  areas of ministry

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Budget and Finances

• FY 2007-08
• Support Forecast 36,958,000
• Expense Budget 34,772,000
• Surplus(1) 2,186,000
• (1) Underspending of the budget will increase
  the surplus

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Budget and Finances

• FY 2008-09
• Balanced budget proposed
• Convention increased expenses 2.6 million
• Gap has shrunk to 900,000
• Buffer fund will be used to close the gap if
  Gods people do not

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Budget and Finances
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An opportunity

• Potential benefits of Year of Jubilee

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Supporting the Mission

• Congregational Mission Offering the foundation
  source of support

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Current Issues and Challenges

• Monitor financial blessings and recommend most
  faithful use of those blessings

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Current Issues and Challenges

• SAB relocation update

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Current Issues and Challenges

• Continue to work closely with the Conference of
  Presidents in carrying out respective leadership
  responsibilities.

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Current Issues and Challenges

• Provide input and reaction to the report of the
  Ad Hoc Commission submitted to the districts

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Current Issues and Challenges

• Continue to carry out convention direction,
  priorities, and resolutions

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Current Issues and Challenges

• Propose continuing improvements in budgeting,
  financial reporting, and fiscal policies

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Current Issues and Challenges

• Provide encouragement to the members of the
  synod to seize the many opportunities that God is
  placing before us

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Thank you!