Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many churches have started (or are thinking of starting) to broadcast their worship service to the congregation. Some are taking this opportunity to reach out to an even wider audience.

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The Eastern Synod Council met by video-conferencing software for its autumn meeting, occurring again during the COVID-19 pandemic time.

• Outcomes from the meeting included:
  • Authorization that the Eastern Synod apply to the CRA to be designated as a public foundation.
  • Upon receipt of a call, Jordan Smith and Rev. Ronald Shumba were approved for reception onto the roster of ordained ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
  • Ernst & Young LLP were appointed as the Synod auditors for 2020.
  • Revisions in the Synod’s Strategic Plan – Work Plan Priorities were affirmed for 2020-2021, as related to focusing our efforts and managing resources, as well as adapting to the pandemic environment.
  • Approval of constitutions and bylaws and amendments for: Peace Latvian, Ottawa; Good Shepherd, Barrhaven; Chinese Lutheran, Montreal; Rhenish, Toronto; Trinity, London; St. John’s, Augsburg; St. Peter’s Estonian, Toronto.
  • Synod Assembly 2021 will be convened next year as an online meeting; it is planned for June 2021. Registration fees have been set at $300 per rostered/lay delegate; there is no fee for visitors whose congregational rostered and lay delegates have already registered.

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Prologue

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has forced congregations to consider alternatives to in person meetings when holding annual and congregational meetings. Whether holding an in person meeting, an electronic meeting, or no meeting at all, this document outlines a number of guidelines and things to consider as congregations plan for those events. At the same time, it also does not pretend to be a “how-to”process of holding a congregational meeting; as each congregation has its own traditions and practices, there is no “one size fits all.”

An electronic meeting may also be referred to as an online, virtual, or e-meeting. A meeting that is held where members are present both in person and by electronic means is known as a hybrid meeting.

Our congregations exist in four provinces, and include those incorporated federally or provincially, and those not incorporated. In addition, each province has its own public health and governmental authorities related to pandemic and emergency situations. Each congregation needs to keep abreast of the pandemic regulations in its own region, so that, for example, it knows the limits for how many people may gather indoors/outdoors for a meeting, while at the same time keeping in mind the space needed for physical distancing (among a number of other factors to consider).

Compensation Schedule for Rostered Ministers, Pastoral Supply, and Interim Pastors 2020-2021

The terms of the employment relationships between rostered ministers and their employers shall be detailed using an ELCIC Employment Agreement. http://www.elcic.ca/Leadership/EmploymentAgreementsandLettersofCall.cfm

Compensation for rostered employees has several components which are described in this document. The following information outlines the expectations of the ELCIC for compensation in each of those areas and provides guidance for the committee or council.

PART 1 Salary and Housing Schedule for Rostered Ministers

Minimum base salary

When computing a rostered minister’s salary, the mutual ministry committee or congregational council begins by reviewing the minimum salary schedule as set by the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Note that time periods spent officially On Leave from Call will not count towards calculation of years after ordination/consecration. Rostered Ministers’ Minimum Base Salary is reviewed and determined annually by the Eastern Synod Council based on the recommendation of the Professional Leadership Committee.

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