The 12th Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be remembered as an assembly where we acted as the church we believe God is calling us to be. We are a church that is in transition. This means that much of what we will look like institutionally is changing. That does not mean that our mission is changing. We will continue to work through congregations to reach out into our communities with the saving grace of God. We will work together with others members of the Body of Christ through our ecumenical agreements. We will wrestle together about what to say to the world about the social issues that confront our world. We will share our resources of money, time and talents to fight the threat of malaria around the world. We will gain strength to do all of this as we gather to hear the word and share the supper of our God.
We are also doing things differently. The Conference of Bishops has been tasked to look at the responsibilities of synods and the office of synodical bishop and report back to the 2013 assembly. This means that the leadership of this synod will be engaged in a study of what God is calling us to be and to do together in the future. This may result in the redrawing of synodical boundaries. The point is that this is about the mission of synods, not the geography of synods.
It is clear that the responsibility for the work done through Campus Minsitry is shifting from the churchwide organization to the synod and local boards. This has been coming for some time, but now we know that this work will belong to us. Expect to hear more about our ministries at Western Washington University and at the University of Washington.
Finally this was the assembly where the young leaders of this church took up the mantel of leadership in a responsible and exciting way. 12% of the members of this assembly were under 30 years of age. These current leaders were at the microphones making significant contributions to the work of the church. I have been impressed this year and in past years by the quality of the younger members of our synod who have represented us at these assemblies. This year the whole church got to see the quality and commitment of these young leaders. The church will be in good hands for years to come. God continues to raise up the gifts of leadership we need. In our young people we have been richey blessed.
Wm Chris Boerger
Bishop
Christ the King, Snohomish
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday - August 18
Here at the church-wide assembly it is apparent just how much of a reforming church we are. Like an organism with the one constant of change. As the saying goes “we are the church”. At the heart of our work here at the assembly is a desire to intentionally develop policies, procedures, ministry, and social statements that embody the true nature of Christ and our capacity to serve contextually in a world that has great need and is struggling in moral and ethical ambiguity.
We have been given a great deal of responsibility and authority through the church body, gospel, and the Holy Spirit. Our historical heritage found in Martin Luther calls out to us reminding us of our reforming blood that flows through our veins. With power comes great responsibility; communal discernment is an important part of the process. Debates and conversations took place this week as we considered the ramifications of our decisions about budget, social justice, and the way we work as a church. One delegate put it “Social statements are messy and we live in a messy world.” Without a healthy process we cannot be effective. Our work here does not seem to be as controversial as the last assembly however it is responsive to the impact of our social statements.
The genetics statement did produce some lively conversation and debate. There is great concern for the impact of genetic manipulation and its impact on species. There are many benefits for this research and the church’s respect of this work indicates a watchful and caring eye over this topic. One voting member pointed out that the church does not need to adopt scientific paradigms such as evolution to be supportive of advancements in genetics. The debate included concern for the understanding of life and sentient life. In the end we adopted the statement.
Adopting the L.I.F.T. agenda resulted in several changes to the way we function as an organization: the size of church council may change and we voted to go from biennial to triennial meetings; we also passed the proposed budget.
The social statement discussion as well as the malaria program rise to the top of our work as highlights. The financial report did not portray as dismal of a picture as we might have thought. We were in a potential downward spiral but have made some difficult but important decisions to restructure that will allow us to continue our work and it looks promising for future growth.
There are many cuts to the budget and two that hit close to home for me are outdoor ministry and campus ministry. The big picture of these two will hopefully be looked at closely to determine future vitality and accountability. Evaluation and involvement in these and other important ministries at a region and synod level will perhaps make it possible to develop better communication and sustainability of these ministries.
Other highlights of today and this week included reports of growing ecumenical as well as interfaith partnerships. The Holy Spirit has blessed us with some great opportunities to collaborate in love with others around the world making our community even more diverse and open.
John Grebe
Zion Lutheran, Custer
We have been given a great deal of responsibility and authority through the church body, gospel, and the Holy Spirit. Our historical heritage found in Martin Luther calls out to us reminding us of our reforming blood that flows through our veins. With power comes great responsibility; communal discernment is an important part of the process. Debates and conversations took place this week as we considered the ramifications of our decisions about budget, social justice, and the way we work as a church. One delegate put it “Social statements are messy and we live in a messy world.” Without a healthy process we cannot be effective. Our work here does not seem to be as controversial as the last assembly however it is responsive to the impact of our social statements.
The genetics statement did produce some lively conversation and debate. There is great concern for the impact of genetic manipulation and its impact on species. There are many benefits for this research and the church’s respect of this work indicates a watchful and caring eye over this topic. One voting member pointed out that the church does not need to adopt scientific paradigms such as evolution to be supportive of advancements in genetics. The debate included concern for the understanding of life and sentient life. In the end we adopted the statement.
Adopting the L.I.F.T. agenda resulted in several changes to the way we function as an organization: the size of church council may change and we voted to go from biennial to triennial meetings; we also passed the proposed budget.
The social statement discussion as well as the malaria program rise to the top of our work as highlights. The financial report did not portray as dismal of a picture as we might have thought. We were in a potential downward spiral but have made some difficult but important decisions to restructure that will allow us to continue our work and it looks promising for future growth.
There are many cuts to the budget and two that hit close to home for me are outdoor ministry and campus ministry. The big picture of these two will hopefully be looked at closely to determine future vitality and accountability. Evaluation and involvement in these and other important ministries at a region and synod level will perhaps make it possible to develop better communication and sustainability of these ministries.
Other highlights of today and this week included reports of growing ecumenical as well as interfaith partnerships. The Holy Spirit has blessed us with some great opportunities to collaborate in love with others around the world making our community even more diverse and open.
John Grebe
Zion Lutheran, Custer
Thursday - August 18
Imagine a bright, sunny day spent communing with God’s creation while lounging on the white sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean. That is exactly what the voting members of the Churchwide Assembly were not doing in Orlando today (Thu., Aug. 18). Instead, we gathered inside a convention hall during a fairly mild (but occasionally loud) tropical storm. However, our conversation and prayers in the convention hall were mindful of people who may be lounging on beaches - or working in offices - or struggling against severe drought, famine, and malaria - or battling cancer and other illnesses - and we were certainly mindful of God’s creation of which we are called to be stewards and upon which our very lives depend. Such priorities in mission and ministry were the context out of which the Social Statement on Genetics, Faith, and Responsibility was prepared; the hope and commitment to be a church engaged in the world in meaningful, relevant, and prophetic ways is what led this year‘s assembly to approve and adopt the statement with overwhelming support.
This is also the day we approved and adopted the budget for 2012 which includes severe cuts to such vital ministries as Campus Ministry and Lutheran Outdoor Ministry which, combined with the discussion surrounding the statement on Genetics as well as the LIFT (Living into the Future Together) task force recommendations, contributed to a day of lively, healthy, and engaging debate.
Our band of triumphant, yet slightly weary Pacific Northwesterners finished the day dining in style with our companion synod: Southwestern Texas. By the time dinner rolled around -- after two particularly long plenary sessions -- we probably could have collapsed into bed in an instant, but instead our spirits were revived by the time spent in collegial celebration.
This assembly, for me, has largely been about getting to know my neighbor (especially in synods and regions other than my own) and discovering the truly AMAZING things God is doing in and through this Church body. I am continually astounded by the testimony (faith-story) that my sisters and brothers have shared with me.
This includes my neighbors not only from the ELCA, but also our ecumenical and interfaith partners. Today, Dr. Sayyid Sayeed, National Director of the Islamic Society of North America, greeted our assembly. This is the first time that a representative from the Islamic community has officially been part of the program. He said that establishing the committee on Isalmic-Lutheran relations (which is something the ELCA has done) is a way of conveying “I love you!”
I feel myself encouraged, lifted, and even resurrected by the Holy Wind that is blowing in this place. Freedom is ringing in Orlando; I hope you can hear it and feel it right where you are as well. And if that happens to be while lounging in sunshine on the beach, more power to you!
Lydia Wittman Grebe
Zion Lutheran, Custer
This is also the day we approved and adopted the budget for 2012 which includes severe cuts to such vital ministries as Campus Ministry and Lutheran Outdoor Ministry which, combined with the discussion surrounding the statement on Genetics as well as the LIFT (Living into the Future Together) task force recommendations, contributed to a day of lively, healthy, and engaging debate.
Our band of triumphant, yet slightly weary Pacific Northwesterners finished the day dining in style with our companion synod: Southwestern Texas. By the time dinner rolled around -- after two particularly long plenary sessions -- we probably could have collapsed into bed in an instant, but instead our spirits were revived by the time spent in collegial celebration.
This assembly, for me, has largely been about getting to know my neighbor (especially in synods and regions other than my own) and discovering the truly AMAZING things God is doing in and through this Church body. I am continually astounded by the testimony (faith-story) that my sisters and brothers have shared with me.
This includes my neighbors not only from the ELCA, but also our ecumenical and interfaith partners. Today, Dr. Sayyid Sayeed, National Director of the Islamic Society of North America, greeted our assembly. This is the first time that a representative from the Islamic community has officially been part of the program. He said that establishing the committee on Isalmic-Lutheran relations (which is something the ELCA has done) is a way of conveying “I love you!”
I feel myself encouraged, lifted, and even resurrected by the Holy Wind that is blowing in this place. Freedom is ringing in Orlando; I hope you can hear it and feel it right where you are as well. And if that happens to be while lounging in sunshine on the beach, more power to you!
Lydia Wittman Grebe
Zion Lutheran, Custer
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Tuesday - August 16
Hope! Unity! Grace! Love! are the four words that best describe what I have felt so far here at the Churchwide Assembly. Coming to an assembly has been a dream (yes a dream!) of mine since the day I learned that they existed. I have always loved the legislative process and absolutely love to share thoughts and feelings around important issues through conversation. This is why I originally dreamt of coming to an assembly and yes I have had the chance to do plenty of that, but I have also been able to do so much more while here.
When I arrived on Sunday morning after taking a red eye out of Seattle I had the amazing opportunity of meeting with fellow young adult voting members over dinner. It is always amazing to me to hear the stories and passions of other young adults from across the church. At my table I was one of two seminary students, there was a elementary school math teacher, two young pastors, and a college student. This was great but what really took the cake was getting to converse with Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and hearing his hopes for the focus of the assembly. Hey talked a lot about his hope that this assembly would focus on building hope for the future, building unity throughout the church, and that we all would be living examples of living out grace. This was a great way to kick things off and all of those things have become true!
We have as an assembly spent many hours in debate about different issues facing the church. In these hours of debate I have witnessed time and time again that we as ELCA Lutherans take our shared Christian calling to love our neighbors and share God's amazing grace very seriously. This has given me so much energy and hope for the future of the church!
Peace and Blessings!
Tony Rhodes
Advent Lutheran Church, Mill Creek
When I arrived on Sunday morning after taking a red eye out of Seattle I had the amazing opportunity of meeting with fellow young adult voting members over dinner. It is always amazing to me to hear the stories and passions of other young adults from across the church. At my table I was one of two seminary students, there was a elementary school math teacher, two young pastors, and a college student. This was great but what really took the cake was getting to converse with Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and hearing his hopes for the focus of the assembly. Hey talked a lot about his hope that this assembly would focus on building hope for the future, building unity throughout the church, and that we all would be living examples of living out grace. This was a great way to kick things off and all of those things have become true!
We have as an assembly spent many hours in debate about different issues facing the church. In these hours of debate I have witnessed time and time again that we as ELCA Lutherans take our shared Christian calling to love our neighbors and share God's amazing grace very seriously. This has given me so much energy and hope for the future of the church!
Peace and Blessings!
Tony Rhodes
Advent Lutheran Church, Mill Creek
Wednesday - August 17
Our day began with one of our home boys, David Swartling - our ELCA secretary gave his report to the Assembly reminding us that the very documents that formed the ELCA are in fact missional documents only to be out done by scripture itself. David was utterly eloquent in reminding all of us of the great capacity that we have as Lutheran in the midst of a severe economic downturn to do great things as a church. We are asset rich and once again trending upward in our giving.
We wish every member of our Synod could be in attendance at the CWA Assembly to experience the power and joy of what it means to be a member of the ELCA. Our identity as a people who get our hands dirty in caring for our neighbors and friends around the world has been evident before our eyes. The ELCA was on the ground in Joplin Missouri where a tornado wiped out not only a Lutheran congregation but the better portion of the town to Minot North Dakota where the ELCA has been a force in restoring a town devastated by floods. Going global it has been Lutherans who were the first to provide support to the Haitian community following the devastating earthquake only to have the response duplicated when Japan suffered her massive earthquake. Most recently we see Lutherans at work in Kenya as 1000 Somalian refugees each day arrive at camps managed by the Lutheran World Federation. Lutherans care and we demonstrated this when CWA voting members gave $20,000 during the worship offering for the Malaria Campaign while pledging $160,000 to this effort.
A church once divided is today is a church that is united and excited about our future.
Kim & Kirby Unti
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Renton
We wish every member of our Synod could be in attendance at the CWA Assembly to experience the power and joy of what it means to be a member of the ELCA. Our identity as a people who get our hands dirty in caring for our neighbors and friends around the world has been evident before our eyes. The ELCA was on the ground in Joplin Missouri where a tornado wiped out not only a Lutheran congregation but the better portion of the town to Minot North Dakota where the ELCA has been a force in restoring a town devastated by floods. Going global it has been Lutherans who were the first to provide support to the Haitian community following the devastating earthquake only to have the response duplicated when Japan suffered her massive earthquake. Most recently we see Lutherans at work in Kenya as 1000 Somalian refugees each day arrive at camps managed by the Lutheran World Federation. Lutherans care and we demonstrated this when CWA voting members gave $20,000 during the worship offering for the Malaria Campaign while pledging $160,000 to this effort.
A church once divided is today is a church that is united and excited about our future.
Kim & Kirby Unti
St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Renton
Tuesday August 16
People of God
Open your eyes and see.
God is here.
Open your ears and listen
God is here.
Open your mouths and proclaim
God is here.
Open your hands to give and receive
God is here.
So began our mid-day worship on Tuesday. God is here in the continuous prayers undergirding our work. God is here in the daily Bible conversations as small groups gather at the table to listen to the Word, to open our ears to the reflections of our neighbors and to proclaim our call to evangelical mission. God is here in the story of Luther's Table shared with the assembly during a Mission Encounter afternoon. The stories of four synodical ministries and to global were shared with the assembly as we celebrated God's presence in the world, around the corner and in our church.
Our presiding bishop, Mark Hanson, is so very helpful as he calls us to see the ELCA as a church whose unity is in Jesus who calls us to the table and gathers us around word and water, wine and bread. May the world see us as a church called to do God's work in the world, restoring and reconciling communitgy. May we know that we are a church that belongs to Christ, and believe that God calls each of us by name.
Our day of prayer, worship and table talk, from scripture to song, was a good day! God is here.
Georganne Roberson
Queen Anne Lutheran, Seattle
Synod Vice President
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Monday August 15
Applause.
This was the response to the words "Welcome to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly". I was not certain what to expect when I arrived. I have wanted to come and bring my voice to the ELCA song for some time. Now that I am here - I am surprised about how have been inspired by the work happening through this church.
The inspiriation I have experienced has not been perpetually high - it ebbs and flows like the tides we know. But like the music that swells and falls only to swell again - and again- that is how it has been for me.
In worship, we were encouraged to wonder - and act like Mary - How can this be? The music and the singing would swell and recede and swell again.
At the presentation of the Genetics Study we heard about a scientist on the task force who presented the Proposed Social Statement to a convention of her colleagues - only to have them respond with awe about a church willing to step out on such issues - and a chruch that impressed them with the thoughtful process to make this happen. Our church entered into science circles - and they were impressed.
$15 million dollars. That is not a budget number. This is the amount of money we have committed to give away - over 4 years - to reduce the effects of Malaria across the world - Something good is afoot here, Love. I knew I wanted to attend. I did not anticipate being so inspired. I am glad to be a part of the ELCA with you.
Pastor Kevin Bates
Advent Lutheran Church
Mill Creek, WA
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday August 15
We gathered today to lay the ground work for all we will do this week. We learned how to use our voting "machines"; adopted our Rules of Organization and Order of Business and worshipped, joining our voices in songs of praise.
I am happy to know the worship services are available to all via the website. Please join us and hold us in prayer as we hold you and the whole church in prayer. It is so good to be among companions across the country as we, Freed in Christ to Serve, do God's work with our hands.
This evening as the budget was being presented we viewed a video of God's work across the country. Grace Chinese, Seattle was a featured ministry with a message from Pastor Jimmy Hao, telling of the progression from Hope to Grace.
Eliane Harrison
Faith Lutheran, Seattle
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Freed in Christ to Serve
The Twelfth Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA will convene on Monday, August 15, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. This is the third time that the assembly will gather in Orlando. This time we gather to hear reports from the churchwide organization, act on memorials from synods, elect members to the Church Council, act on the proposed Genetics Social Statement and gather in worship and in Bible Study. It will be a full week of activities for the ten members of the Assembly from Northwest Washington. It is my intent to post a daily blog from the Assembly. I will be asking the other members from the synod to add their comments to this blog.
As we move toward this assembly I ask that you hold the 1025 members of this assembly in your prayers. I pray that the Holy Spirit will move among those gathered so that we might be truly "Freed in Christ to Serve."
Chris Boerger
Bishop
As we move toward this assembly I ask that you hold the 1025 members of this assembly in your prayers. I pray that the Holy Spirit will move among those gathered so that we might be truly "Freed in Christ to Serve."
Chris Boerger
Bishop
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