As Resurrection’s representatives at the Synod Assembly in Lindsborg, Kansas, Bob and I experienced an amazing, uplifting weekend with over 400 other Lutheran’s! We want to thank the congregation for this opportunity to participate in the assembly and connect with many other Lutherans – all deeply concerned with our future.
We were reminded that “we remain the wealthiest church in the history of the world”! and that one of the problems Lot had was a problem of abundance.
We are to be in the business of forming community – yet we tend to put people on committees (that’s not necessarily community)!
The theme for the Assembly was “Changed by Love, Sent by love, to serve” and Bible study built on this theme and the four Missional directions of the synod:
- Igniting spiritual renewal
Coming in 2010 Synod Wide Sabbath Movement – a time to pause and be mindful of how God’s spirit is present and revealed
- Raising up leaders of all ages for the church
We are all leaders – leadership is what we do in all circumstances by fulfilling our promises to God. Partnerships will be formed with a college or university communications department (CAPSTONE program) to utilize their skills to develop methods to spread the word.
- Building bridges across the differences that divide our society
Conducted a workshop teaching basic tools for dialogue and deliberation at Assembly and there will be more in depth workshops coming to several locations around the Synod.
- Inspiring and equipping people to be a part of what God is up to in their everyday lives
Helping congregations recognize and connect to all those places where God is loose in the world. Creating and gathering resources that will be available on the synod’s website; bulletin announcements, hymn suggestions, and sermon notes, etc.
Partnership for Missional Church: The first cluster is now at the halfway point (that’s our cluster!); a second cluster has been formed in the St. Louis area and a third is expected to launch this fall in central Kansas. We were reminded by Melba Bangert, Synod vice president to mind our P’s and Q’s: ask Purposeful questions; Participate in the Process; stay Playful, be Productive and reProductive; see Possibilities; ignite Passion wrapped in Prayer – and – always ask two Questions: What is God up to? How can I help?
The Bishop’s report built on the four missional directions and focused on the two supporting legs of our missional journey: P.M.C. (Partnership for Missional Church) and A.R.E. (A Renewal Enterprise). Asking the question “Are we there yet?’ the Bishop answered “Not yet. But we’re on the way.”
Synod Budget: Giving was up in 2008, however because of decreases in endowment returns 2008 ended with a $49,491 deficit. In spite of major changes to the budget to keep it realistic, the proposed budget contained major changes to support mission; increase campus ministry support and secure funding for PMC - the $2,4445,872.00 budget passed without amendments. FYI the
Synod sends 53% of the support received from congregation to the ELCA Churchwide organization.
Resolutions: There were about 14 different resolutions presented at the assembly, most notable were:
Resolution SA 90.07 Memorial Concerning Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust (adopted 259 to 129)
Resolutions SA09.09-SA09.12 Memorial Concerning Recommendation on Ministry Policies (all adopted)
Resolutions SA 09.22 Resolution seeking Congregations and Synod to Engage in Dialogue on National Health Care reform (adopted 299 to 76)
The Assembly met twice as a committee of the whole for one hour to discuss the memorials concerning recommendations on “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” and “Ministry Policies”. All speakers and members exhibited caring, compassion, civility, and respect throughout.
Next year’s Synod Assembly will be June 3-6 at the Wichita Hilton in Wichita, Kansas. We encourage everyone to consider volunteering to be a representative at the assembly. We also encourage the youth in the congregation to consider sending a representative, there were several young folks at this year’s assembly and they made wonderful contributions to the discussions
For detailed information on the Assembly meeting, resolutions, budget, etc. go to : http://www.css-elca.org/assembly2009.html
Respectfully submitted:
Sharon Johnson
Bob Dona |
