Congregation Resources

Resources for Congregations

Welcome to our resource page for congregations. Our synod consists of 138 congregations across south-central Wisconsin. This page includes various resources for congregation leaders, councils, and staff. Our resources for congregations include supply pastor lists, human resource resources, links for treasurers and more.

2021 Annual Meeting Resources & Recommendations

  • Considerations for Remote Council & Congregational Meetings
    October 22, 2020 Updated Memo with Information from the ELCA Office of the Secretary
    PDF
  • Emergency Congregational Bylaw for Remote Meetings (Updated 12/23/2020)
    Bylaw template for congregations that don’t have language in their constitutions for remote meetings.
    (Word DOC)
    (PDF)
  • 2021 Letter from Bishop Mortensen-Wiebe
    PDF
    A Microsoft® Publisher™ version of the letter is available from the synod office.
  • State Statutes Regarding Virtual Meetings
    Included here is the Wisconsin State Statute which the document from the ELCA indicates you should check as this does vary by the state of incorporation. We have one congregation in Illinois so that is provided below as well and we have SAWCs (Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities) that are incorporated in the state of Minnesota.
  • Wisconsin: http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/181/VIII/0820Church Councils can meet remotely, but you must make a provision for on-line voting outside of emailing responses. You need to take care that people can participate and have an ability to interact in real time. The chat area can be used to vote for example if using the Zoom platform. Congregational meetings would be permitted under the same stipulations of real time interaction and voting. Care should be given both to qualification of voting members and meeting quorum requirements.
  • Illinois: https://law.justia.com/codes/illinois/2019/chapter-805/act-805-ilcs-105/article-8/
  • Synodically Authorized Worshipping Communities are Incorporated in the State of Minnesota. Please check MN state laws here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/13D.015
  • 2021 Mission Support Materials
    Can be found below or by clicking HERE

Additional Pandemic Administrative Related Resources

  • Resuming Care-filled Worship & Sacramental Life During Pandemic
    July 23, 2020: The pandemic has challenged churches to continue being the church without gathering in person. We have met that challenge by meeting online, live streaming worship and providing instructions for worship at home. Now churches face another challenge. How will we resume worship gatherings in-person while the pandemic is still with us? This new resource of safe practices for worship during the pandemic has been created by an ecumenical consultation. In addition to representatives from several denominations in the U.S., the consultation team included scientists and medical professionals. Additional materials are found on the supporting website, including a Spanish edition of the core resource.
  • C.A.R.E.S. Act Summary
    This document briefly summarizes provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“the CARES Act”) that could possibly be of interest to church plans, ministries and plan members.
  • Families First Act Summary
    The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was signed into law by the President on March 18, 2020. It expands the provisions of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), including which employers are covered under the Act, which may bring smaller religious organizations like Local Churches and Synods under the new provisions.

Resource Documents & Links

Pastoral Supply List

Pastoral Supply List provides an updated listing of the names of pastors & rostered lay leaders available for supply preaching and worship leadership when a called rostered minister is absent.

Pastoral Supply List PDF

Stories of Faith in Action – 2020-2021

Stories are the foundation of our faith. They teach us how to serve God with humility. They remind us of our identity as God’s beloved children. They bring us together and give us hope for the future. Given the challenges of 2020, we need stories of hope and unity more than ever before. That’s where your 2020-2021 edition of “Stories of Faith in Action”comes in. This annual publication illustrates how God is at work across the ELCA through your generosity.

New “Stories of Faith in Action” PDF

2021 Mission Support Resources

In November 2020 all congregations received a mailing which included a letter from Bishop Mortensen-Wiebe along with information and a form for pledging congregational mission support for the next year. A downloadable copy of those materials is available below along with the synod’s 2021 Spending Plan.

2021 Mission Support Letter:  (PDF)
2021 Mission Support Statement of Intent:  (Fillable PDF)
2021 Synod Narrative Spending Plan: (PDF)

Congregational Financial Reporting Resources

Remittance Form for congregational treasurer – Each congregation is mailed a congregational ID number to include on this form. It is important to include the form with each remittance.

Remittance Form:  (PDF)  (Word)

Certification of Audit and Blanket Insurance Forms – Each year in late January, each congregation’s treasurer is asked to complete these forms to ensure we have accurate documentation on financial and insurance plans.

Audit Certificate:  (PDF)

Blanket Employee Dishonesty Coverage Form – Each year in late January, each congregation’s treasurer is asked to complete these forms to ensure we have accurate documentation on financial and insurance plans.

Employee Dishonesty Coverage:  (PDF)

Compensation Guidelines

The SCSW Compensation Guidelines and Recommendations are downloadable and available for your use as you do your budget planning for the coming year. These are suggested minimum guidelines.

2020 Guidelines: (PDF)
2021 Guidelines: (PDF)

Portico Benefits & Resources

For further information on Board of Pensions/Portico rates, calculators and details visit the Portico Benefits website.

ELCA Model Constitution for Congregations

Each of this church’s expressions—congregations, synods and the churchwide organization—has a constitution. This model is the minimum standard for congregations. Any congregation that wishes to update their constitution should consult the synod secretary for guidance and approval.

Model Constitution Word DOC
Guide to Using the Model Constitution PDF
Additional Resources: ELCA Constitution Resources

Synod & Parish Protection Handbook 

This handbook contains guidelines for screening staff and volunteers and recommendations of appropriate behaviors for adults who work with children and youth.

PPP Handbook (2017) PDF

Model Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Policy

This policy document may be used as a guide for congregations in drafting their own congregation specific Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Policy in consultation with the synod and other local resources. This model should be seen as the minimum standard for congregations.

Model Sexual Harassment & Misconduct Policy PDF

Synod Speaker’s Bureau
These leaders in our synod are available to come to your congregations and worshiping communities to share their experience and knowledge. Topics are listed with an informational pdf page for each speaker.