Saskatchewan Synod Council
October 9 & 10, 2025
Saskatoon, SK

We gathered in the Fireside Lounge at Redeemer Lutheran church on October 9.  Pastor Greg Kiel led us in worship based on the text Luke 24:13 – 35 

Chair Cindy welcomed us to the meeting and Bishop Ali opened with prayer. Treaty Land Acknowledgement was read by Cindy and then we did a round table check in that included our guests, National Bishop Larry Kochendorfer, Ian Alexander and Jane Osler who are consultants for the National based task force Facing Today: Dreaming for the Future. 

We spent some time with Jane and Ian working on Facing Today: Dreaming for the Future.  The first part centred on the scripture passage from our earlier worship, the Road to Emmaus story. Ian and Jane also gave us an overview of the history of the committee, their work so far, and future plans.  The project was introduced at National Convention and the work of the consultants started there.  They have met with synod councils and plan to meet with grassroots from all synods over the course of the next months.  Plans for Saskatchewan Synod are Feb. 3 – PARLEZ engagement with lay and rostered leaders and April 17 – 18 In person engagements – Northern one day, Southern second day. Another part of the work with Ian and Jane centred on our Strategic plan.  We reflected on the plan we have in place and considered the process for planning forward.  The time spent with Ian and Jane was both intense and productive.

Bishop Ali's report was next on the agenda. Bishop Ali expressed appreciation for all the love and support  he has received in his new position as well as for financial gifts received by the synod.
Some highlights included the installation of Bishop Larry in September; LWF Retreat of Newly Elected Leaders in Wittenberg, Germany and Geneva, Switzerland. PARLEZ is helping us with emerging items of interest. Bishop Ali took part in the Argentina IELU trip where the focus of importance was Youth and Women and he will attend their convention in April. Bishop Ali has continued visits and engagement with congregations.  Bishop Ali also highlighted relationships with partners as well as a couple of new committees that have been established.  Luther Care – partner which can help us support and care for seniors in their communities. Luther College, L.C.B.I. and Kinasao are strong partners for Youth and Young adult ministry. There are three new task forces for Children, Youth, and Young Adult and an Indigenous Committee.

Finally, Bishop Ali presented a draft of the SK Synod Strategy for Children, Youth, and Young Adult ministry. The process started with a survey across the synod and we had table conversations at synod convention last year.  This all led to preparation of draft strategy.  Each section starts with a theological aspect to ground it in Lutheran understanding followed by key components of the ministry strategy, vision and mission statement, values, strategic priorities and objectives.  Council will receive copies of the draft strategy for comment, and we will need a council meeting by Zoom before the end of December to deal with this. 
At 6:10 we closed for the day.

Friday October 10 we re-convened in the Rosten room at Home Inn and Suites at 8:15. 
We began with morning prayer led by Chaplain Greg.
That was followed by a GSI -presentation by Gordon Jenson – President, and Barb Fortier – Executive Director.  Group Services Inc. manages pension and benefits plans for ELCIC and affiliates and friends.  The presentation focused on the importance of communicating employment changes in a timely manner as GSI manages contracts with insurers and provides consistency for people who move between calls.  They also administer the Continuing Education Plan, track continuing education hours and collect group statistical data.  CRA has rules about what is allowable so you can check with GSI about that.  The website is www.elcicgsi.ca  and you can check for information there.  Reach out to Gordon or Barb as official spokespersons.   If you have questions .... Call.  There will be a friendly voice on the line.

After the GSI presentation we returned to the business agenda. Most of the written reports were received without additional comment or questions. We passed motions for updates to the rosters of ministers and congregations.

	For the Global Mission report it was highlighted that there will be students from Argentina coming to visit Saskatchewan next year.  We will be working with National church to connect and establish non-colonial relationships.   Walking together with global companions.  We can continue to be missionaries without the colonial mindset.  

There will be a Special Zoom meeting on October 22 to report to Saskatchewan Synod on the National Convention.  Featured will be a report from the convention delegates to the Synod faith communities and leaders, and a chance for the delegates to share key take away thoughts. 

The Governance Committee will review the constitution and bylaws over the next 2 years.  The Compensation Guidelines Committee will meet within the next couple of weeks.

Bishop Larry presented a report from ELCIC National. He has had a busy time settling into his new role and fostering new relationships.  He expressed appreciation for prayers for him, his family, and our church.  He has found the role of advisory for CLWR board interesting. Their Friends of Creation project  has resources for congregations. LWF world services director was at the meeting as well.  LWF and CLWR will have a shared staff person for first time ever.  Dreaming for the Future engagement is a high priority for him and NCC. NCC had a great first meeting.  They had lots of time to discuss around convention, the discernment process, and a planned 40th anniversary celebration. NCC meetings will not always be in Winnipeg.  The next one in March will be in Calgary and will include worshipping in congregations to bring greetings and to listen.  Meetings will include time for biblical reflection and prayer.  Bishop Larry attended and represented ELCIC at the Installation Service of the ELCA’s Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry. We look forward to videos which will be produced from Bishop's office to be a communications piece.  Quarterly “town halls” will be held nationally with the first one being on Advent 1 November 30.  As National Bishop, he is in a place of listening. He is looking at four shifts – 1.  from fixing to listening, discerning together, experiment, sharing those learning events.  2. Shift from membership to discipleship, 3. one size/shape to mixed ecology (no longer one congregation one pastor).  4. shift from clergy led, lay supported to lay led, clergy supported ministry.  National Church Council highlights are available on website as are the Pastoral letters about Gaza   

Tentative dates for the next in-person meeting were set for March 17 -18.  Zoom meetings will be arranged in December for the Children, Youth and Young Adult Strategy and January for Budget considerations.

The meeting close with prayer just before noon.