August 23, 2011
Dear Partners in Ministry,
I write a few days following the close of the 2011 Churchwide Assembly, held this year in Orlando, Florida, under the theme "Freed in Christ to Serve." I do so with gratitude for our life together in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the mission to which God has called us. In surprising ways I sensed the Spirit at work throughout the assembly and found myself giving thanks for God's mercy and love in Jesus Christ. Indeed one of my colleague bishops said this was the most Spirit-filled and hopeful assembly he has been to in 25 years!
I've attached a brief summary prepared by ELCA Secretary David Swartling of the official actions taken by the Churchwide Assembly. I know some of you followed the assembly online, others have already read the news releases. I will offer a few reflections:
+ I was impressed with the number of young people serving as voting members, including those from the Central States Synod. I think the Secretary reported this was the highest percentage of young adult (persons under 30) voting members in the history of the ELCA. Not only were they present at the voting member tables, they were at the microphones and offering their own insights and perspectives, as well as sharing inspirational stories of faith.
+ Two of those young adults were in the Bible Study group in which I participated and helped facilitate conversation. As we gathered under the Word for an hour of study and sharing on three of the assembly days, I was moved by the stories shared and insights offered, each person coming from a different part of the Church.
+ One of the highlights for me was the greeting brought by Dr. Sayyid M. Sayeed, the National Director of the Islamic Society of North America. This was the first time an ELCA Churchwide Assembly has welcomed an Islamic leader, and warmly welcomed he was. Dr. Sayeed expressed his appreciation for Bishop Hanson and the ELCA's leadership in inter-faith dialog and in speaking out against anti-Muslim bigotry in America.
+ Another highlight was the greeting from Presiding Bishop George Walker of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AMEZ). He made reference to the jointly crafted mission statement, adopted by the ELCA Church Council in March of this year, which calls upon both churches to a ministry of reconciliation.
+ I was pleased the Assembly passed a resolution in support of the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform. For a quick quiz on immigration reform, go to: http://www.lirsblog.org/2011/08/11/quiz-comprehensive-immigration-reform/
+ The Assembly concluded around noon on Friday of last week with a powerful sermon preached by Pastor Renee Spilcher Larson whose husband Ben died in the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
I am grateful for the Voting Members from this synod who put in long hours in service to the whole Church. They are also available for presentations in your congregation and local Area Ministry Gatherings:
Pastor Kendra Nolde, Gethsemane, St. Louis
Janis Hutchinson, Immanuel, St. Louis
Pastor Paul Moessner, St. Andrew, Columbia
Melba Bangert, Kent Memorial, Sunrise Beach
Rachel Kibler-Melby, Holy Cross, Overland Park
Melaku Tizazu, Oromo Worshipping Community, Kansas City
Pastor Kris Dietzen, St. Mark, Olathe
Pastor Juel Pierce, First, St. Joseph
Larry Ehrlich, Reformation, Wichita
Sarah Olson, First, Manhattan
Jamison Carmichael, First, Manhattan (now student at KU)
Allan Lindfors, Elim, Marquette
Pastor Roger Dennis, St. John, Russell
Sharon Knox, Our Savior, Brewster
Pastor Susan Langhauser (ELCA Church Council, advisory member to assembly)
While these are challenging days for a host of reasons, I am thankful for a Church grounded in the life-giving Gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Christ's peace,
Bishop Gerald Mansholt
Central States Synod, ELCA
21 North 12 St., Suite 210
Kansas City, KS 66102
913-948-9701 (office)
6325 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
314.721.6974 (w)
314.581.6365 (cell)
www.stmarkselca.com
