Synod News

April 3, 2009: Assembly News
The 2009 Central Great Lakes Synod Assembly (April 1- 3) acted on two legislative issues:
The assembly approved a new membership category ("Associate Member"). The synod will soon begin taking membership applications from individuals and congregations outside the geographic boundaries of the Synod.
By a vote of 51-47, the assembly approved the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Central Great Lakes Synod Assembly memorialize the 2009 Churchwide Assembly to add the following provision to the rulesof procedure for the assembly:
Any resolution, memorial, motion, substitute motion, or amendment to come before this Churchwide Assembly regarding human sexuality or regarding changes in this church’s current policy and practice for the rostering of ordained ministers, diaconal ministers, associates in ministry, and deaconesses with respect to expectations of sexual behavior shall require a 99% vote by the assembly for adoption.

January 28, 2009: Run On Water Coming Up: Bishop Noe-Effingway will once again lead the synod's team in the annual Run On Water on February 28. The Run On Water covers a five mile round trip between Bayfield, WI and Madeline Island. Participants may walk, run, ski or snowshoe. Please let the synod office know if you would like to join the team.

December 19, 2008: The Blessing of the Last Saltie!
Despite light snow, freezing temperatures and poor visibility, Bishop Thorvald "Wally" Noe-Effingway joined by clergy from throughout the Central Great Lakes Synod solemnly blessed the Beluga Revolution (pictured earlier in the week), the last ocean-going vessel ("saltie") of the 2008 shipping season to leave the Duluth Port. Bound for Great Britain, the Beluga Revolution and its cargo of spring wheat received the Bishop's blessing as the 435 foot ship passed beneath the Lift Bridge shortly after 7PM on Friday December 19. Bishop Noe-Effingway stood at the stern of the tug boat North Carolina reciting Ezekiel 47:9 and flinging water at the hull of the passing ship with an evergreen branch."The Blessing of the Last Saltie" has become an Advent tradition in the synod.

August 14, 2007: Bishop Noe-Effingway has issued a Pastoral Letter to report on the Churchwide Assembly and to call synod clergy to live in celibacy until a social statement on sexuality can be adopted by the ELCA.

February 28, 2007: Fortresson verdict. Hearing Committee dismisses charges against transgender pastor.