Congregation Resources
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.
2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
- Summary of Actions
The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly convened in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 8-12. Gathering under the theme “Embody the Word,” voting members acted on key legislative business on behalf of the church. Imran Siddiqui was elected to a six-year term as vice president. The assembly received a presentation on “A Declaration of the ELCA to American Indian and Alaska Native People.” Voting members acted on memorials related to the restructuring of church governance, called for reconsideration of the 2009 social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust, and encouraged deeper engagement with Indigenous partners through the Land Back movement. You can find all the actions of the 2022 Churchwide Assembly in the legislative update. Learn more in this summary from ELCA News.
Annual Meeting Resources & Recommendations
- 2021 Annual Report Covers (For use in 2022 Annual Meetings)
PDF – Full Spread Version
PDF – Individual Pages Version
- 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)
- 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
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 (November 7, 2022)
Stories of Faith in Action – 2021-2022
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 continued challenges of 2021, we need stories of hope and unity more than ever before. That’s where your 2021-2022 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
Congregational Financial Reporting Resources
Remittance Form & Mission Support Letter of Intent for congregational treasurers – Each congregation has a congregational ID number to include on this form. It is important to include the remittance form with each remittance to the synod office.
Remittance Form: (PDF) (Word)
2022 Mission Support Statement of Intent: (Fillable PDF)
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)
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.
2022 Guidelines: (PDF)
2023 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 (2022) Word DOC
Amendments to the Constitutions for Congregations (2022) Word DOC
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.