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
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