Minutes of the Seventh Biennial Convention of the Eastern Synod, ELCIC First Session: Thursday, June 18, 1998 Bishop William Huras called the Seventh Convention of the Eastern Synod to order and asked Debbie Lou Ludolph to lead in an opening hymn. The Bishop led in the litany of the Opening of Convention. Bishop Huras introduced Mr. Ken Seiling, Chairperson of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo who brought greetings to the convention. The Secretary of the Synod was called upon to give orientation to the delegates. Report of Registration Committee was presented by the Convention Registrar, Pastor Roy Grosz. Registration as of June 17, 1998 6:00 p.m. Registered clergy delegates 166 Registered lay delegates 138 Total registered delegates 304 Registered for quorum 1/3 of eligible delegates 180 Visitors (registered) 34 Registered other personnel 35 Volunteers 15 Total attendees 338 The Bishop announced that a quorum was present. The Bishop highlighted the Procedural Guidelines for the convention as presented in the Bulletin of Reports. (See MS'98, Section 1, pages 25-29) The Convention Youth Assembly was introduced by Christie Morrow; a delegate from each conference was present and the Youth Assembly was given voice during the convention. The Secretary of Synod presented two corrected copies of the minutes of the Sixth Biennial Convention of the Eastern Synod, held June 5-9, 1996, for perusal and signature of the Bishop to be forwarded to the Synod Archivist, Pastor Erich Schultz. Bishop Huras introduced the members appointed to the Convention Committees which were approved as presented. (See MS'98, Section 2, pages 1 & 2) Secretary Ron Leonard presented the agenda as printed in the Bulletin of Reports and amended by the Synod Council. Further amendments were approved as follows: Fourth Business Session, Friday, June 19, 1998 10:45 a.m. Special Order - Clergy Misconduct/Sexual Abuse document. Third Business Session, Thursday, June 18, 1998 8:00 p.m. - Election of the Bishop - Open question period. - Hymn Sing and prayer. - Election of Bishop - Third Ballot (See MS'98, Section 1, Agenda) The Committee for Reference and Counsel was instructed to re-order the agenda giving consideration to the above, especially re-scheduling the Facilitated Review for the Work of Standing Committees - Part 1 - one hour. The proposed Electoral Procedure for the Election of Bishop was presented by Synod Councillor Denis St. Onge. An amendment was proposed to add to the procedure presented in BR'98, Section 5, Part D. Item 2: Following the announcement of the final four candidates for Election of Bishop, they will be sequestered for one hour during which they will prepare individual answers to the same three pre-determined questions. Adopted. Bishop Huras briefly introduced the Report of the Bishop before relinquishing the chair; the vice-chairperson introduced the following: SPECIAL ORDER: The Report of the Synodical Leadership Review was given by Glenndy Sculley, ELCA, who presented her report and acknowledged the host of witnesses involved in the process of the review. She gave highlights and recommendations from the report BR 98, Section 5, Addendum 4, pages 42-48. A hymn sing preceded the first ballot for the election of Bishop. The first ballot for Bishop was conducted and balloting closed. The Secretary of Synod, Pastor Ron Leonard, presented his report as recorded in Section 4 of BR. He continued with the Report of Synod Council BR 98, Section 5, by introducing the items from the report which would require convention action. SPECIAL ORDER: Report of the Treasurer: Keith Myra presented the biennial report of the auditors creatively in an audio-visual medium. (See MS'98, Section 7, pages 29-57) ES 98-1 M/S/C that the report of the auditors for 1996 and1997 be adopted as presented. The Treasurer previewed the Eastern Synod budget for 1998, 1999, and 2000, also using audio-visual graphics. (See MS'98, Section 7, pages 15-28) The Report of the Nominating Committee was given by the Chairperson, Tom Sperling, who presented a slate of two nominees for each position to be elected to Eastern Synod Council, and WLS Board of Governors. Nominations from the floor were received. (See MS'98, Section 2, pages 3 & 4) A request to include the occupation in the biographical data of lay persons nominated to synod positions was approved. Items requiring convention action from the Report of Synod Council which would not come before the convention during a special order were presented. ES 98-2 M/S/C that the 1994 and 1995 Special Project Fund be allocated to the Synod Office Fund. ES 98-3 M/S/C that the 1997 Special Project Fund be allocated as follows: (a) 50% to Lutheran Planned Giving; (b) 50% to assist in providing transitional funding for expenses associated with the election of a new Bishop (Some examples of potential one-time expenses include relocation, termination payments/gifts, funding for a brief overlap period - in addition to the Bishop, these expenses may also apply to some/all of the Assistants to the Bishop positions); and that the 1996 Special Project Fund be allocated to Lutheran Planned Giving General reporting of Synod Council items not requiring action of convention continued as time permitted. The Report of the Committee on Elections was given by its chairperson, Rev. Jeffrey Laustsen, who presented the results of the first ballot for Bishop. There was no election. (See MS'98, Section 2, page 5) Chaplain Val Hennig closed the First Business Session with a prayer of thanksgiving. Minutes of Seventh Biennial Convention of the Eastern Synod, ELCIC Second Session: Thursday, June 18, 1998 The Convention re-assembled following lunch, the Bishop called upon the convention song leader, Debbie Lou Ludolph, to lead in two hymns. Chaplain Val Hennig offered prayer. The second ballot for Bishop was received and the balloting closed. The Report of Synod Council continued; Dorothy Frook presented the following motion: ES 98-4 M/S/C that the Eastern Synod provide $5,000 from the emergency fund in support of the 1998 Canadian Lutheran Youth Gathering for busing subsidy for participants; and authorize a free-will donation box to be made available during the convention; and that opportunity be given to delegates to suggest corporate donors. Synod Council Report BR'98, Section 5, Parts D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, and L were considered. (See MS'98, Section 5, pages 10-19) SPECIAL ORDER: The Bishop called upon the Rev. Douglas Schweyer to introduce special ecumenical guest, Bishop Ralph Spence of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara. The President of the Synodical Unit of Evangelical Lutheran Women, Sharon Morrice, presented the report of the Auxiliary highlighting its mission and ministry. (See MS'98, Section 8) SPECIAL ORDER: Bishop Huras introduced special guest, Bishop Telmor Sartison, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, who presented the report of the National Church, highlighting the Evangelical Declaration, and the ELCIC relationship with the Anglican Church in Canada. He introduced the Treasurer of the Church, William Risto, who spoke of the response of the church to the Manitoba Flood Appeal, and gave an up-date on the financial picture of the ELCIC. Song leader, Debbie Lou Ludolph, led in a hymn sing. The Report of the Committee on Elections for the second ballot for Bishop was presented by Pastor Jeff Laustsen. There was no election. The four candidates receiving the most votes were Pastors Jon Fogleman, Susan Johnson, Michael Pryse, and Bob Shantz. (See MS'98, Section 2, page 5) Synod Councillor, James Armitage, gave procedural aspects leading up to the candidates' presentations to the convention, the question and answer period, and the election process for the Third Ballot for Bishop. (See MS'98, Section 5, Part D.2., page 11) The Chairperson of the Committee for Reference and Counsel, Alannah Hegedus, presented the committee's first report: (See MS'98, Section 2, pages 12-13) The first item re-ordering the agenda of the convention was approved. The second item related to a motion on welfare burial in Ontario which the committee recommended for adoption: ES 98-5 M/S/C that the Synod Convention requests the Office of Public Policy to communicate to the government of Ontario, the Synod's concern regarding the government's decision, effective May 1, 1998, not to allocate any more funds for the burial costs of persons who have not left any estate behind them, or when there are no other means for recovering the cost of the burial of such persons. The third item re Campus Ministry Chaplaincies was referred to be considered at the time on the agenda when the budget was being considered. SPECIAL ORDER: Report of the Task Force on the Evangelical Declaration was presented by Synod Councillor, Dorothy Frook, who referred to Section 5, page 30, MS 98, Addendum 2. ESC 98-6 M/S/C that the Eastern Synod in Convention encourage its congregations to present the "Evangelical Declaration"/"Mission Affirmation" in their worship services on Reformation Sunday, October 25, 1998, and that a special offering be received in synod congregations to celebrate our partnership in ministry, the proceeds from which to be shared equally between the Eastern Synod and the ELCIC. A virtually unanimous response was given to the report. (See MS'98, Section 5, pages 30-33) Vice-chairperson, Delores Martin, accepted the Chair as a delegation from Montreal cluster presented a gift from the cluster to the retiring bishop. SPECIAL ORDER: Pastor Beth Conroy, Chairperson of the Examining Committee, introduced the candidates for ordination, who were invited to address the Convention. Pastors who have joined the Synod since the last Convention were also invited to address the Convention briefly. (See MS'98, Section 4, Part II, page 9) ES 98-7 M/S/C that the Mission Affirmation of the Evangelical Declaration be embraced according to the seven recommendations given in the report, BR 98, Section 5, Addendum 2, pages 30-33. Note: Each item was approved individually. "Voices", a presentation of the Convention Youth Assembly was given. Chairperson of the Local Arrangements Committee, David Roth, announced to the delegates that a book of tribute to retiring Bishop William Huras entitled "A Ministry of Integrity" and written by Pastor Roy Grosz had been published and that a copy was available for each congregation. Chaplain Val Hennig closed the session with prayer. Minutes of Seventh Biennial Convention of the Eastern Synod, Elcic Third Session: Thursday, June 18, 1998 Chaplain Val Hennig opened the session with prayer. Vice-Chairperson Delores Martin assumed the chair for the evening session and called upon Synod Councillor Virve Sandstrom to lead in the process of the Election of Bishop. She introduced, one-at-a-time, the candidates: Rev. Jon Fogleman, Rev. Susan Johnson, Rev. Michael Pryse, and Rev. Robert Shantz. Each of the four candidates were individually asked the same three questions and were given five minutes to answer each. Synod Councillor James Armitage was called upon to field questions from the floor of convention. Each candidate was given opportunity to answer all questions from the floor. Appreciation via a standing ovation was extended to Pastors Jon Fogleman, Susan Johnson, Michael Pryse, and Robert Shantz for their participation in this process. A request that a fifteen minute recess be observed before the distribution of the third ballot for Bishop to allow individual prayer and meditation to reflect upon the responses from the four candidates was approved. Following the third ballot for bishop, a hymn sing was conducted by song leader Debbie Lou Ludolph. The Report of the Committee on Elections was reported by Rev. Jeff Laustsen. There was no election on the third ballot for Bishop. (See MS'98, Section 2, page 6) Chaplain Val Hennig closed the session with prayer. Minutes of the Seventh Biennial Convention of the Eastern Synod, Elcic Fourth Session: Friday, June 19, 1998 Lay Leader, Debbie Lou Ludolph was asked to open the day with a hymn. The Convention Chaplain offered an opening prayer. The fourth ballot for Bishop was conducted and closed. The first ballot for Secretary was conducted and closed. The first ballots for Synod Council and the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary Board of Governors were conducted and closed. Greetings were extended from Lutheran Life by James Widdecomb, Secretary of the company. The Bishop called upon Jeff Pym to conduct the Facilitated Review of the Work of the Standing Committees of the Eastern Synod. Each committee was represented on a panel and commented upon highlights from the report of that Committee as recorded in BR 98, Section 6. In appreciation for the work of the committees during the past biennium, a standing ovation was given. Bishop Huras resumed the chair and called upon the Chairperson of the Committee for Reference and Counsel, Alannah Hegedus. (See MS'98, Section 2, pages 13-14) Reference and Counsel Report, Item 4, re synod representatives visiting congregations, it was announced that the motion which had been presented was in the process of re-wording. Reference and Counsel, Item 5: ES 98-8 M/S/C that the Eastern Synod in Convention, June 1998, direct Synod Council to recommend to the next Convention a name other than, or in addition to, Benevolence' that better conveys to ELCIC members the varied ministries and mission to which those members offer their gifts. Reference and Counsel, Item 6: ES 98-9 M/S/C that the following motion be referred to the forthcoming National Convention for consideration: "That the Eastern Synod in Convention support and encourage the ELCIC Bishops and the ELCIC as a whole, in prayerfully pursuing dialogue that will lead to reconciliation with those who have been excluded because of their sexual orientation; and that the Bishops seek to lead the ELCIC in stating a renewed vision of God's people that includes all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. M/S/LOST to amend by adding to the original motion: "assisting the congregations of the ELCIC in putting it into practice". LOST The Chairperson of the Report of the Committee on elections reported the fourth ballot for Bishop. There was no election. (See MS'98, Section 2, page 6) Song Leader - Debbie Lou Ludolph, was asked to lead in a hymn. The fifth ballot for Bishop was conducted and closed. SPECIAL ORDER: The Report on the Sexual Abuse/Clergy Misconduct document was presented by Synod Councillor, Dr. Bart Beglo, who called attention to the document in Addendum 3 - Section 5 of the Bulletin of Reports BR 98, pages 33-41. The document was reviewed section by section. ES 98-10 M/S/AMENDED/C that the document "Procedure for Responding to Complaints of Clergy Misconduct - Sexual Abuse in the Eastern Synod, ELCIC" be approved as printed and amended. M/S/C to amend by changing the wording at the end of the definition of "Clergy- Misconduct-Sexual Abuse" (first page) to read, "including such activity or contact that is not consensual within a marriage". M/S/C to amend by clarifying the wording: In Section III. A. 2.g. and Section IV. A. 2.g. that the word "indefinitely" be replaced by the word "permanently"; In Section III. B.1.a. and Section IV.A.2.c. that the words "where applicable" be replaced by the words "as the case may be". M/S/LOST to amend Section III.A. 2 that the items (b) and (f) be reversed. LOST. M/S/C to amend Part IV, Section C to add item 4. To instruct the Bishop to initiate processes to bring healing to both the abuser and the victim as whole people in the body of Christ. The Report of the Committee of Elections, fifth ballot for Bishop, was given by the Chairperson, Pastor Jeff Laustsen. The Rev. Michael Pryse was proclaimed elected as Bishop of the Eastern Synod for a four year term beginning September 1, 1998. The bishop-elect accompanied by his wife, Lois, received a standing ovation, and accepted this call via election. Pastor Laustsen continued the report with the results of the first ballot for Secretary. There was no election. (See MS'98, Section 2, page 6) The second ballot for Secretary was conducted and closed. Announcements were given by the chairperson of the Convention Local Committee, David Roth. "Voices", a presentation by the Convention Youth Assembly was given. Chaplain Val Hennig closed the session with prayer. Minutes of the Seventh Biennial Convention of the Eastern Synod, elcic Fifth Session: saturday, june 20, 1998 Bishop William Huras called the session to order. Song leader, Debbie Lou Ludolph, led in an opening hymn. Chaplain Val Hennig opened the meeting with prayer. The Report of the Committee on Elections was presented by its Chairperson, the Rev. Jeff Laustsen. He announced the results of the second ballot for Secretary. Bishop Huras proclaimed the Rev. Ronald Leonard, elected to the Office of Secretary of Synod for a four-year term, 1998-2002. He responded positively to the election, accompanied by a standing ovation. Prior to the ballot for Vice-Chairperson, the Bishop called upon the retiring Vice-Chairperson to address the convention. Following her remarks, Delores Martin received a standing ovation. The Report of the Committee on Elections continued: First ballot, Synod Council clergy: the Rev. Shirley Ruller (N) was elected to the term 1998-2002. First ballot, Synod Council lay persons: Denis St. Onge (O-St.L), and James Armitage (GB) were elected to the term 1998-2002. First ballot, Board of Governors, WLS, clergy - Dr. William Huras was elected to the term 1998-2001; the Rev. Annette Smith was elected to the term 1999-2002. First ballot, Board of Governors, WLS, lay persons - there was no election First ballot, Board of Governors, WLS, laypersons - Eric Bergbusch was elected to the term 1999-2002. First ballot, Board of Governors, WLS, ELCIC nominees - the Rev. Allen Jorgenson, term 1999-2002, and Dr. Janet Storch, term 1998-2001, were elected First ballot, Board of Governors, WLS, Treasurer - William Lomax was elected to the term 1999-2002. (See MS'98, Section 2, pages 6, 8 & 9) The first ballot for Vice-Chairperson and the second ballot for Synod Council and WLS Board of Governors was conducted and closed. As a point of privilege, Pastor Vern Cronmiller requested that synod pray for the family of Bishop-elect Michael Pryse and that Synod Council give consideration for the Bishop's wife to accompany him in his travels at least once a month at synod expense SPECIAL ORDER: Synod Councillors Rev. Robert Zimmerman and Rev. Douglas Schweyer introduced the Salary Guidelines for Pastors' Compensations, 1999 and 2000. ES 98-11 M/S/C that the Pastors' Compensation Guidelines for 1999 and 2000 be adopted as presented in BR 98, Section 6, pages 26-31. M/S LOST to amend by changing the word "Guideline" to the word "Schedule" in the title and throughout the document. LOST SPECIAL ORDER: Synod Councillor, Rev. Douglas Schweyer presented the amended draft (January 23, 1998) of the synod's Policy and Guidelines Relating to Harassment of Clergy, Employees and Volunteer Leaders and Congregational Members. ES 98-12 M/S/C that the amended Policy and Guidelines Relating to Harassment of Clergy, Employees and Volunteer Leaders and Congregational Members be adopted as printed in BR'98, Section 6, pages 31-34. SPECIAL ORDER: Pastor Douglas Schweyer introduced the Report of the Task Force on the Call Process; Suzanne McClennan commented on the report printed in BR'98, Section 5, page 28. ES 98-13 M/S/AMENDED/C that the Report of the Task Force in the Call Process and its recommendations to the Synod in Convention be approved. M/S/LOST to add a provision numbered 4. that for those graduating seminarians still awaiting a first call, the bishop or his designate undertake to provide pastoral care during the waiting period. This would include periodic phone calls, at least one per month, to the graduating seminarian and possibly a visit, if the bishop or designate is in the seminarian's area of residence. LOST M/S/LOST to amend recommendation #2 regarding the Call Process to read as follows: "Upon agreement, in advance of the interview, by both the congregation and the candidate to be interviewed, travelling expenses shall be covered by the interviewing congregation." LOST M/S/C to call the question on the amendment M/S/LOST to amend by adding an Item 4 which reads: that a national roster of pastors who are willing to be called be established and up-dated regularly. LOST. M/S/C to amend by changing the word "pastor" to "pastoral candidate" in Item 2. ADOPTED. M/S/LOST to amend by adding a point 4 to read: that the process of assigning Resident-Inservice Pastors Call Process to congregations be reviewed with the aim of including this assignment under the call system provision. LOST M/S/C to amend Item 1 by replacing the word "mobility" to "personnel." ADOPTED M/S/C to call the question on approving the report as amended. ADOPTED (See MS'98, Section 5, Addendum 1, pages 28-29) Point of Personal Privilege: Bishop-elect Michael Pryse presented the following motion: ES 98-14 M/S/C that retiring Bishop William Huras be granted the title "Bishop (retired)", for life. A standing ovation was given. Song Leader Debbie Lou Ludolph led delegates in a song of tribute to the "Bishop (retired)", Dr. William Huras. SPECIAL ORDER: Report of Clergy Misconduct-Sexual Abuse was returned to the floor of convention. ES98-10 M/S/C to call the previous question - Yes 123 No 94 The document was adopted as amended, (See ES98-10, Section 1, page 18 and MS'98, Section 5, Addendum 3, pages 33-41) The Committee on Elections chair, Rev. Jeff Laustsen, reported these results. First ballot -Vice-chairperson. There was no election. Second Ballot- Synod Council, Clergy - Pastors Jack Dressler (London) and James Brown, (Kitchener-Waterloo) were elected to the term 1998-2002. Second ballot-Synod Council, Laypersons - Clement Mehlmen (Atlantic) was elected to the term 1998-2002. Second ballot-WLS Board of Governors, Clergy - Rev. Dianne Raddatz was elected to the term 1998-2001. Second ballot, WLS Board of Governors, Lay Persons -Joyce Brown and Kimberley Dow were elected to the term 1998-2001. Second ballot, WLS Board of Governors, Lay Persons - Ivan Nyborg was elected to the term 1999-2002. (See MS'98, Section 2, pages 8 and 10) The first ballot for Treasurer was conducted and closed. It was requested that the election procedure for treasurer be clarified by Synod Council by the time of the 2000 convention. SPECIAL ORDER: Report of the Board of Governors, Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, was presented by its chairperson, Pastor Douglas Reble, its dean, Dr. Richard Crossman and its treasurer, Kenneth Diebel. BR'98, Section 9 contained the written report of the Seminary. Dean Crossman announced the appointment of the Rev. Timothy M.J. Hegedus to the position of lecturer in New Testament Theology, and he was introduced to the synod. Dean Crossman reported that the search for the professor for Old Testament Theology was continuing. Treasurer Kenneth Diebel reported a balanced budget over the past three years for Waterloo Lutheran Seminary; the Development Office was re-affirmed. The seminary was commended for all its programmes. The synod was thanked for its support. The Report of the Committee on Elections was presented by its chairperson, Pastor Jeff Laustsen. First ballot for Treasurer - Keith Myra was elected as Treasurer of the Eastern Synod for the term 1998-2002. Following a standing ovation, he accepted the position giving thanks for synod's support during his previous two terms. (See MS'98, Section 2, page 8) The second ballot for vice-chairperson was conducted and closed. Announcements were given by the chairperson of the Local Arrangements Committee, David Roth. Chaplain Val Hennig closed the session with prayer. Minutes of the Seventh Biennial Convention of the Eastern Synod, Elcic Sixth Session, Saturday, June 20, 1998 Pastor Susan Johnson opened the session with song, after which Bishop-elect Michael Pryse was asked to introduce his wife Lois, children Jessica, Katie, Heather, and Emily. Chaplain Val Hennig opened the session with prayer. The chair of the Committee on Elections gave the results of the second ballot for Vice-Chairperson. There was no election. The four candidates whose names were to appear on the third ballot were asked to introduce themselves to the convention by giving biographical data: Dorothy Frook, Alannah Hegedus and Virve Sandstrom were present; Pastor Kevin Baglole shared biographical information on Marge Knebel. The third ballot for vice-chairperson was conducted and balloting closed. SPECIAL ORDER: The treasurer, Keith Myra presented the report of the Investment Committee through the use of audio-visual medium, as well as the written report, BR'98, Section 5, Addendum 7, pages 53-56. The revised Investment Policy was presented. ES 98-15 M/S/C that the Investment Policy be adopted as revised. The treasurer presented the recommended budgets for 1998, 1999 and 2000 as printed in BR'98, Section 7, pages 15-25. He alluded to recommendations relating to the budget in BR '98, Section 5, Part N, Item 9, page 24. ES 98-16 M/S/AMENDED/C that the budgets for 1998, 1999, and 2000 be adopted. The Report of the Committee on Elections of the third ballot for Vice-Chairperson was given. There was no election. The fourth ballot for Vice-Chairperson was conducted and closed. (See MS'98, Section 2, page 7) In the continuation on the presentation of the budgets for 1998, 1999 and 2000, the item from Reference and Council, Item 3, was placed on the floor: M/S/C to amend the budget as follows: that the Eastern Synod assembled in convention June 1998 direct Synod Council: (1) to examine its benevolence allocations to Synod's various ministries and its stewardship efforts so as, in partnership with local campus ministry councils, to move toward reinstating full funding of Lutheran Campus Ministry at the four university centres funded by the Synod; and (2) to report back to the next convention of Synod. M/S/C/ RESCINDED to amend the amendment as follows: strike all the words from "to move forward " and insert in their place the following: to reinstate the funding level for CCUS at $162,000 within two years time. Subsequently RESCINDED M/S/C as a substitute motion , that the original motion be revisited. The original wording of the amendment to the budget was brought forward and adopted, thereby rescinding the later amendment to the amendment. The Committee on Elections chairperson reported on the fourth ballot for vice-chairperson. There was no election. The fifth ballot for vice-chairperson was conducted and closed. (See MS'98, Section 2, page 7) The Report of the Treasurer re the budgets continued by introducing Synod Council's motion in MS'98, Section 5, Part N, Item 9, page 24. ESC 98-17 M/S/C that allocations to each beneficiary be determined at the end of the year, in proportion to the level II budget amount; and that the allocation to the ELCIC and "Agencies and Institutions" be made directly to these organizations; and that the allocation to synodical programme committees and administration budget lines be transferred to holding accounts for use by these beneficiaries in a subsequent year. The Report of Reference and Council was presented by its chairperson, Alannah Hegedus, recommending a time line on completion of the convention by 3:50 p.m. and listing appreciations to those who helped plan, organize and host the 1998 convention of the Eastern Synod. ES 98-18 M/S/C that any items not dealt with during this convention be referred to Synod Council for consideration. (See MS'98, Section 2, pages 18 & 19) The Report of the Committee on the Report of the Bishop was presented by the chairperson, Rev. James Garey. As a tribute to the retiring bishop it was adopted unanimously. Bishop Huras thanked all who served with him during his twenty years in office. (See MS'98, Section 2, page 20) The Report on Lutheran Planned Giving was presented by the Director Jeff Pym who reported that at present, slightly over one million dollars in bequests would be received through the Planned Giving Programme. (See MS'98, Section 3, pages 14-16) The final report of the Committee on Elections - fifth ballot for Vice-chairperson was presented, Dorothy Frook was proclaimed elected to a four year term as Vice-Chairperson of the Eastern Synod, 1998-2002. Following the standing ovation, she responded, graciously accepting the office. (See MS'98, Section 2, page 7) "Voices" the final presentation of the convention Youth Assembly was given in the form of a prayer petition offered by each participant.. The motion to adjourn was received and adopted. In his concluding remarks Local Arrangements chairperson, David Roth, announced that $1,505 had been received for travel subsidy to the 1998 Canadian Lutheran Youth Gathering. A closing service was held in the Wilfrid Laurier Theatre Auditorium.