The following is a link, I believe you will able to click that will take you to the ELCA Assembly site, with several videos that might help describe where we are right now:
http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Office-of-the-Secretary/ELCA-Governance/Churchwide-Assembly/Multimedia/Webcasts/Friday.aspx
If clicking on does not work, you can "copy" the address into your broswer address bar.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Bishop Hanson's Pastoral Response to Friday's Decision
The following is the Pastoral Response by Bishop Mark Hanson.... The whole Assembly, and I mean whole Assembly stood and embraced this response. It was emotional for him as he gave it, as it was emotional as he closed the Assembly on Saturday. I will update the other decisions over the next day or two.
Here is the Pastoral Response.... please take time to read it... I know it is long, but it really is an awesome response.
After the ministry policies vote on Friday evening, Presiding
Bishop Mark S. Hanson delivered the following message:
I want to share some words. As one you have called to serve
as pastor of this church, I have been standing here thinking about
my 23 years as a parish pastor and how differently I would go
into various contexts. Gathering with a family or a group of
people who had just experienced loss, or who perhaps were
wondering if they still belonged, or in fact felt deeply that ones
to whom they belong had been severed from them, I would
probably turn to words such as Romans 8:
Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes,
who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who
indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the
love of Christ? [. . .] For I am convinced that neither
death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present,
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate
us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord
(Romans 8:34–35, 38–39).
But then I thought, what if I were going into a family, a
group, or a community that had always wondered if they
belonged, and suddenly now had received a clear affirmation that
they belonged? All of the wondering about the dividing walls
and feelings of separation seem to have dropped away. That
would be a very different conversation. I would probably read
to them out of Ephesians:
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far off
have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he
is our peace; in his flesh, he has made both groups into
one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the
hostility between us. [. . .] In him, the whole structure
is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the
Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually
into a dwelling place for God (Ephesians 2:13–14,
21–22).
But then I thought, what if those two groups were together,
but also in their midst were those who had neither experienced
loss nor the feeling of the dividing wall of separation coming
down, but were worried whether all that had occurred might
sever the unity that is ours in Christ, and might be wondering if
their actions might have contributed to reconciliation or
separation? If all those people were together in a room, I would
read from Colossians:
As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if
anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each
other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also
must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love,
which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which
indeed you were called in the one body. And be
thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with
gratitude in your hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and
spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word
or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him
(Colossians 3:12–17).
That passage gives invitation and expectation that those
deeply disappointed today will have the expectation and the
freedom to continue to admonish and to teach in this church.
And so, too, those who have experienced reconciliation today are
called to humility. You are called to clothe yourselves with love.
But we are all called to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts,
remembering again and again that we are called in the one body.
I will invite you tomorrow afternoon into important, thoughtful,
prayerful conversations about what all of this means for our life
together. But what is absolutely important for me is that we have
the conversation together.
I ended my oral report with these words: “We finally meet
one another not in our agreements or our disagreements, but at
the foot of the cross, where God is faithful, where Christ is
present with us, and where, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we
are one in Christ.”
Let us pray. Oh, God, gracious and holy, mysterious and
merciful, we meet this day at the foot of the cross, and there we
kneel in gratitude and awe that you have loved us so much that
you would give the life of your son so that we might have life in
his name. Send your Spirit this night, the Spirit of the risen
Christ that has been breathed into us. May it calm us. May your
Spirit unite us. May it continue to gather us. In Jesus’ name,
AMEN.
Here is the Pastoral Response.... please take time to read it... I know it is long, but it really is an awesome response.
After the ministry policies vote on Friday evening, Presiding
Bishop Mark S. Hanson delivered the following message:
I want to share some words. As one you have called to serve
as pastor of this church, I have been standing here thinking about
my 23 years as a parish pastor and how differently I would go
into various contexts. Gathering with a family or a group of
people who had just experienced loss, or who perhaps were
wondering if they still belonged, or in fact felt deeply that ones
to whom they belong had been severed from them, I would
probably turn to words such as Romans 8:
Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes,
who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who
indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the
love of Christ? [. . .] For I am convinced that neither
death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present,
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate
us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord
(Romans 8:34–35, 38–39).
But then I thought, what if I were going into a family, a
group, or a community that had always wondered if they
belonged, and suddenly now had received a clear affirmation that
they belonged? All of the wondering about the dividing walls
and feelings of separation seem to have dropped away. That
would be a very different conversation. I would probably read
to them out of Ephesians:
But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far off
have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he
is our peace; in his flesh, he has made both groups into
one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the
hostility between us. [. . .] In him, the whole structure
is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the
Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually
into a dwelling place for God (Ephesians 2:13–14,
21–22).
But then I thought, what if those two groups were together,
but also in their midst were those who had neither experienced
loss nor the feeling of the dividing wall of separation coming
down, but were worried whether all that had occurred might
sever the unity that is ours in Christ, and might be wondering if
their actions might have contributed to reconciliation or
separation? If all those people were together in a room, I would
read from Colossians:
As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if
anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each
other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also
must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love,
which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which
indeed you were called in the one body. And be
thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with
gratitude in your hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and
spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word
or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him
(Colossians 3:12–17).
That passage gives invitation and expectation that those
deeply disappointed today will have the expectation and the
freedom to continue to admonish and to teach in this church.
And so, too, those who have experienced reconciliation today are
called to humility. You are called to clothe yourselves with love.
But we are all called to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts,
remembering again and again that we are called in the one body.
I will invite you tomorrow afternoon into important, thoughtful,
prayerful conversations about what all of this means for our life
together. But what is absolutely important for me is that we have
the conversation together.
I ended my oral report with these words: “We finally meet
one another not in our agreements or our disagreements, but at
the foot of the cross, where God is faithful, where Christ is
present with us, and where, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we
are one in Christ.”
Let us pray. Oh, God, gracious and holy, mysterious and
merciful, we meet this day at the foot of the cross, and there we
kneel in gratitude and awe that you have loved us so much that
you would give the life of your son so that we might have life in
his name. Send your Spirit this night, the Spirit of the risen
Christ that has been breathed into us. May it calm us. May your
Spirit unite us. May it continue to gather us. In Jesus’ name,
AMEN.
Grabbed by the Spirit - the Monumental Day of the Assembly
I have waited a few days to to consider what to say about the final few days of the Assembly, especially the events of Friday. I am home in St. Joseph as I write this and and still tired and honestly, I feel somewhat emotionally drained.
Friday was an extremely late day.... but a day topped off by a concert given by Peter Mayer, the guitarist with Jimmy Buffett. Peter was raised by Lutheran Missionaries to Asia and does an awesome concert! It was a time for gathering and community.
Bottom line... Friday's decision by the voters at the Assembly was to allow for the ordination and "rostering"of those individuals in committed, life-long, monogamous same-gender relationships. Remember that our previous position was that same-gender individuals could be ordained and "rostered", but they had to remain celibate. Our vote changed that policy and practice. Because it is a policy, it did not require a 2/3rd majority... but only a simple majority. The policy also allows for those congregations who choose so, to call "rostered" individual. Our vote was 55% in favor.
What I was struck by was the solemn atmosphere of the Assembly following the vote. The side advocating for this change had been urging this change for over a decade.... While there was obviously great joy, it was obvious that there was respect for those who where left with feelings of loss and perhaps a new feeling of separation. There were no protests before or after the decision on by either side.
I struggled greatly with my own personal vote... truly torn and conflicted between the traditional teachings of the church and traditional readings of the written Word... and where many firmly feel the Spirit was taking us. I was reminded through the process of hearing individuals on both sides (very convincing and scriptural arguments), that as Lutherans, we read and hear the written Word, through the lens of the Living Word, or in other words, through the lens of the Gospel.
Friday was an extremely late day.... but a day topped off by a concert given by Peter Mayer, the guitarist with Jimmy Buffett. Peter was raised by Lutheran Missionaries to Asia and does an awesome concert! It was a time for gathering and community.
Bottom line... Friday's decision by the voters at the Assembly was to allow for the ordination and "rostering"of those individuals in committed, life-long, monogamous same-gender relationships. Remember that our previous position was that same-gender individuals could be ordained and "rostered", but they had to remain celibate. Our vote changed that policy and practice. Because it is a policy, it did not require a 2/3rd majority... but only a simple majority. The policy also allows for those congregations who choose so, to call "rostered" individual. Our vote was 55% in favor.
What I was struck by was the solemn atmosphere of the Assembly following the vote. The side advocating for this change had been urging this change for over a decade.... While there was obviously great joy, it was obvious that there was respect for those who where left with feelings of loss and perhaps a new feeling of separation. There were no protests before or after the decision on by either side.
I struggled greatly with my own personal vote... truly torn and conflicted between the traditional teachings of the church and traditional readings of the written Word... and where many firmly feel the Spirit was taking us. I was reminded through the process of hearing individuals on both sides (very convincing and scriptural arguments), that as Lutherans, we read and hear the written Word, through the lens of the Living Word, or in other words, through the lens of the Gospel.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Jacob is cool! Grandpa is proud!
I have loved spending time seeing Jacob this week... although not enough! Kris is getting lots of good pictures and they will be posted as soon as I get time....
My days here are truly long.... I leave around 6:45 and get back to Andy's house usually around 8:00pm.... and I am tired and drained. Next time, maybe Kris can be the delegate, and I can babysit.
Not nearly enough time with Jacob...but when he sees me boy does he smile. WOW! Makes a grandpa proud.
My days here are truly long.... I leave around 6:45 and get back to Andy's house usually around 8:00pm.... and I am tired and drained. Next time, maybe Kris can be the delegate, and I can babysit.
Not nearly enough time with Jacob...but when he sees me boy does he smile. WOW! Makes a grandpa proud.
Prayer Request
I sent out on Facebook earlier this week a prayer request for my work partner and friend Lance Hughes.
Lance was told Monday that he as a tumor on his brain stem... told Tuesday it was inoperable and it can not be biopsied. He had surgery this week to have a shut put in, draining fluid off his brain. Currently, there is no treatment plan. He will be discharged Saturday and then sometime over the next 2 weeks he will go to the Mayo Clinic for a treatment plan.
Please keep Lance and his wife Summer in your prayers! I love this guy!!
Lance was told Monday that he as a tumor on his brain stem... told Tuesday it was inoperable and it can not be biopsied. He had surgery this week to have a shut put in, draining fluid off his brain. Currently, there is no treatment plan. He will be discharged Saturday and then sometime over the next 2 weeks he will go to the Mayo Clinic for a treatment plan.
Please keep Lance and his wife Summer in your prayers! I love this guy!!
Fed by the Spirit - Day 4 of the Assembly
Legislative action- the kind of stuff that can be very tedious filled the day. Hearing reports... listening to amendments begin debated back and forth.... often with people saying the same thing, but in their own way.... but, bottom line, this is why we are here.... so on we went.
There is really a lot to do, so the Assembly had to buy us dinner, to keep us going. The days continue to filled with prayer, music and work!
Today we passed a resolution - 95% voted yes to have "full communion" with the United Methodist Church (UMC)... sharing ministries, resources and pastors. After 30 years of discussion, we found no substantive differences that are church dividing.
95% voted in favor of a resolution regarding the need for improved access to healthcare by all... noting this is a justice issue
The implementing resolutions regarding the social statement on human sexuality was passed by a 67% vote.
A block of bylaw changes were made by a 95% vote.
Support for Lutheran Disaster Response and the need for a strategic plan was passed by 92%, noting the increased dependence on LDR in disasters... a vital ministry between the ELCA and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod... but noting that financial support from both bodies has made it difficult for LDR to be adequately funded.
One of the side notes of interest was the receiving of the report of 3 pastors who set out on a mission 100 days ago -- to end hunger and poverty in the world by raising $5 million for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal... we were the final stop of the Tour de Revs. The tour was not about records, but about revelation, revolution and revenue. The revelation is that there are over 2,100 verses in Scripture where God says that there shall be no poor or hungry; feed my people and eliminate injustice."
They rode more than 10,000 miles and made 66 stops, including a stop in each of the 65 Synods of the ELCA. Their journey ended Aug. 20 at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
The trio does not have a final number on how much money they raised, but have been told that it could be more than $300,000 and..."The funds are coming in faster than ELCA World Hunger can count it". We were told of a donation they had received from a homeless woman in San Diego who collected 551 pennies discarded in the streets to give to their cause.
Even though the trio wasn't didn't reach their fundraising goal as of today they said the tour was a success. What they really wanted people to do was raise awareness.
We were reminded that we have the resources to fight poverty and end hunger. The question is do we have the desire....because after all, it is God's work.... and if is God's work, we are God's hands!
Lets spend more time on work like this!
....The day was long and I am tired..... torn between the desire to do that work that I was sent to do and to spend time with my family here in Minneapolis... especially my grandson Jacob. Tomorrow night is a time of rejoicing with a concert by Peter Mayer the long time lead guitarist with Jimmy Buffett... music does fill our time.- Jacob will be here at the concert- an early introduction to good music.
There is really a lot to do, so the Assembly had to buy us dinner, to keep us going. The days continue to filled with prayer, music and work!
Today we passed a resolution - 95% voted yes to have "full communion" with the United Methodist Church (UMC)... sharing ministries, resources and pastors. After 30 years of discussion, we found no substantive differences that are church dividing.
95% voted in favor of a resolution regarding the need for improved access to healthcare by all... noting this is a justice issue
The implementing resolutions regarding the social statement on human sexuality was passed by a 67% vote.
A block of bylaw changes were made by a 95% vote.
Support for Lutheran Disaster Response and the need for a strategic plan was passed by 92%, noting the increased dependence on LDR in disasters... a vital ministry between the ELCA and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod... but noting that financial support from both bodies has made it difficult for LDR to be adequately funded.
One of the side notes of interest was the receiving of the report of 3 pastors who set out on a mission 100 days ago -- to end hunger and poverty in the world by raising $5 million for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal... we were the final stop of the Tour de Revs. The tour was not about records, but about revelation, revolution and revenue. The revelation is that there are over 2,100 verses in Scripture where God says that there shall be no poor or hungry; feed my people and eliminate injustice."
They rode more than 10,000 miles and made 66 stops, including a stop in each of the 65 Synods of the ELCA. Their journey ended Aug. 20 at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
The trio does not have a final number on how much money they raised, but have been told that it could be more than $300,000 and..."The funds are coming in faster than ELCA World Hunger can count it". We were told of a donation they had received from a homeless woman in San Diego who collected 551 pennies discarded in the streets to give to their cause.
Even though the trio wasn't didn't reach their fundraising goal as of today they said the tour was a success. What they really wanted people to do was raise awareness.
We were reminded that we have the resources to fight poverty and end hunger. The question is do we have the desire....because after all, it is God's work.... and if is God's work, we are God's hands!
Lets spend more time on work like this!
....The day was long and I am tired..... torn between the desire to do that work that I was sent to do and to spend time with my family here in Minneapolis... especially my grandson Jacob. Tomorrow night is a time of rejoicing with a concert by Peter Mayer the long time lead guitarist with Jimmy Buffett... music does fill our time.- Jacob will be here at the concert- an early introduction to good music.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Gulping in the Spirit - Day Three of the Assembly
As I left the parking garage and walked to the convention center, I walked through and around several choirs- both organized and some spontaneous, singing great hymns of faith. It was an inspiring way to begin the day. Each day we begin with worship and song, followed by a full communion service at 11:30am... then periodically throughout the day we sing and pray... song and prayer really do help one's focus. In between, we do the legislative work of the church.
I began my personal day today, reading Romans chapters 9 and 10... I just opened my bible, and these were the texts that God gave to me this morning.... "So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy".... These chapters and this verse set me firm in the day. Then, our Central States Synod Bishop gathered us... we from Kansas and Missouri for a strengthening word of prayer and intercession...
Today was a big day. We passed for our HIV/AIDs strategy- with a 10 million dollar goal. This is a big deal, as it relates to poverty and the marginalization of those individuals within our society. This initiative will address funding for prevention, treatment and care. This passed with a 96% majority.
We voted with a 92% majority to have our church advocate for changes in immigration policies and processes and to urge suspension of immigration raids... after hearing the devastation these raids bring to families and communities.
It was a 99% majority that passed a directive to have the church increase the amount of worship and education materials available in Braille, large print and other forms of technology for the visually impaired.
Our Bible Study this afternoon re-rooted our Lutheran way to approach the Bible... where we experience the Word as Law, the Word as Gospel and the Word that delivers Christ to us.
Finally, after much discussion on amendments and changes, this Assembly of the ELCA passed the Social Statement on Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. It was evident that there is no consensus, but the Assembly spoke. It required a 2/3rd majority to pass, and the vote was a 66.67% majority.... probably passed by 1 or 2 individual votes.
I note that I have had tears in my eyes numerous times over the past 3 days... tears of joy and sorrow... listening to the opinions voiced by others who obviously have strong passions... listening to the Word, and being consoled by the Holy Spirit.... The Spirit really does console!!!
I have eaten, spoken and worshiped with people on both extremes... I have spoken with theologians, current synodical Bishops and with a former Bishop of the ECLA... I have communed with a gay pastor with a church in downtown San Francisco...The tears I have shed have been for people on all sides of this issue... and what I am sad about, is that this statement has so much to say about our stance as a church on issues of sexual exploitation, the explosion of sexuality in advertising and the film industry, cohabitation, marriage and trust in relationships, yet our focus was on the issues of homosexuality. A link to the statement can be found at ELCA.org.- then to "What We Believe", then to "Social Issues". I would encourage you to read it for yourself, especially the first several pages that lay the foundation for our "uniquely Lutheran approach to this issue".
The statement has passed and we as a church will move on. What I am encouraged by is that the leaders of Lutheran CORE, the primary organizing group against this statement have stated, and have told me personally that this should not divide the church.... In spite of all of our differences, these men and women love the church....
I guess, bottom line is that I am so proud of who we are as a church. We are not perfect, but in spite of our differences, we are truly trying to live out our faith... focused on the One who first loved us... Jesus Christ.
We in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are doing good things... In our churches you will hear the Gospel preached... and you are sent to reflect God's love in the world. We really can and do make an impact on the world...
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America... God's Work, Our Hands.
I began my personal day today, reading Romans chapters 9 and 10... I just opened my bible, and these were the texts that God gave to me this morning.... "So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy".... These chapters and this verse set me firm in the day. Then, our Central States Synod Bishop gathered us... we from Kansas and Missouri for a strengthening word of prayer and intercession...
Today was a big day. We passed for our HIV/AIDs strategy- with a 10 million dollar goal. This is a big deal, as it relates to poverty and the marginalization of those individuals within our society. This initiative will address funding for prevention, treatment and care. This passed with a 96% majority.
We voted with a 92% majority to have our church advocate for changes in immigration policies and processes and to urge suspension of immigration raids... after hearing the devastation these raids bring to families and communities.
It was a 99% majority that passed a directive to have the church increase the amount of worship and education materials available in Braille, large print and other forms of technology for the visually impaired.
Our Bible Study this afternoon re-rooted our Lutheran way to approach the Bible... where we experience the Word as Law, the Word as Gospel and the Word that delivers Christ to us.
Finally, after much discussion on amendments and changes, this Assembly of the ELCA passed the Social Statement on Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. It was evident that there is no consensus, but the Assembly spoke. It required a 2/3rd majority to pass, and the vote was a 66.67% majority.... probably passed by 1 or 2 individual votes.
I note that I have had tears in my eyes numerous times over the past 3 days... tears of joy and sorrow... listening to the opinions voiced by others who obviously have strong passions... listening to the Word, and being consoled by the Holy Spirit.... The Spirit really does console!!!
I have eaten, spoken and worshiped with people on both extremes... I have spoken with theologians, current synodical Bishops and with a former Bishop of the ECLA... I have communed with a gay pastor with a church in downtown San Francisco...The tears I have shed have been for people on all sides of this issue... and what I am sad about, is that this statement has so much to say about our stance as a church on issues of sexual exploitation, the explosion of sexuality in advertising and the film industry, cohabitation, marriage and trust in relationships, yet our focus was on the issues of homosexuality. A link to the statement can be found at ELCA.org.- then to "What We Believe", then to "Social Issues". I would encourage you to read it for yourself, especially the first several pages that lay the foundation for our "uniquely Lutheran approach to this issue".
The statement has passed and we as a church will move on. What I am encouraged by is that the leaders of Lutheran CORE, the primary organizing group against this statement have stated, and have told me personally that this should not divide the church.... In spite of all of our differences, these men and women love the church....
I guess, bottom line is that I am so proud of who we are as a church. We are not perfect, but in spite of our differences, we are truly trying to live out our faith... focused on the One who first loved us... Jesus Christ.
We in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are doing good things... In our churches you will hear the Gospel preached... and you are sent to reflect God's love in the world. We really can and do make an impact on the world...
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America... God's Work, Our Hands.
Breath in the Spirit- Day 2 of the Assembly
Again, I am awestruck with the presence of the Spirit... and the amount of time people are actually taking in preparing statements to make and the time we are spending in prayer... by my count we had 8 times of prayer yesterday, and there was a motion made yesterday afternoon to include a time for silent prayer every 20 minutes... which we will do.
The Lutheran Malaria initiative passed yesterday with I remember was a 98 or 99% majority.... this is a initiative we are joining with the LCMS and Lutheran World Federation to purposefully eliminate Malaria... the source of which is rooted in poverty. We are linking with our work in Aids and TB. The work begins with fundraising and then grants to projects in basically sub-sahara Africa... then will spread to other areas of the world. I underestimated the expanse of this work. It will literally take some 5 to 7 years for this initiative to play itself out.
Much of the day was spent hearing thoughts from delegates on the Social Statement on Human Sexuality... the feelings are polarized. The rules call for opinions being offered both pro and con in an alternating fashion. We hear from pastors and lay, theologians and farmers... opinions and thoughts well thought out, read and spoken from the heart. The delegates truly represent the full expression of the church.
I heard a term that I loved... "we are grabbed by Grace"... think about it. Several persons talked about the story of Philip and the eunuch, with several different twists on the story.
I attended a hearing on the Book of Faith initiative... more on that when I return to St. Joseph... but I am excited to hear stories of others churches as we move towards being a Book of Faith church. This is an exciting initiative that we started 2 years ago, and frankly I did not know much about. We as the church have some great and awesome resources developed for use in the local church... talking about increased use of podcasts and iphone applications for access to the bible and devotionals...some great new DVD's etc...
The days have been long... I leave at 7:00am and return at 11:00 pm... but it is really is worth it.
I have been renewed by the stories of others... convinced that God's Spirit is at work.. moved by the Spirit's presence in our midst.... and very proud of the whole church. Are we the perfect church... by no means... Do we have some tough issues... you bet we do. But you can not be here and not be proud of who we are.
God's Work... Our Hands
The Lutheran Malaria initiative passed yesterday with I remember was a 98 or 99% majority.... this is a initiative we are joining with the LCMS and Lutheran World Federation to purposefully eliminate Malaria... the source of which is rooted in poverty. We are linking with our work in Aids and TB. The work begins with fundraising and then grants to projects in basically sub-sahara Africa... then will spread to other areas of the world. I underestimated the expanse of this work. It will literally take some 5 to 7 years for this initiative to play itself out.
Much of the day was spent hearing thoughts from delegates on the Social Statement on Human Sexuality... the feelings are polarized. The rules call for opinions being offered both pro and con in an alternating fashion. We hear from pastors and lay, theologians and farmers... opinions and thoughts well thought out, read and spoken from the heart. The delegates truly represent the full expression of the church.
I heard a term that I loved... "we are grabbed by Grace"... think about it. Several persons talked about the story of Philip and the eunuch, with several different twists on the story.
I attended a hearing on the Book of Faith initiative... more on that when I return to St. Joseph... but I am excited to hear stories of others churches as we move towards being a Book of Faith church. This is an exciting initiative that we started 2 years ago, and frankly I did not know much about. We as the church have some great and awesome resources developed for use in the local church... talking about increased use of podcasts and iphone applications for access to the bible and devotionals...some great new DVD's etc...
The days have been long... I leave at 7:00am and return at 11:00 pm... but it is really is worth it.
I have been renewed by the stories of others... convinced that God's Spirit is at work.. moved by the Spirit's presence in our midst.... and very proud of the whole church. Are we the perfect church... by no means... Do we have some tough issues... you bet we do. But you can not be here and not be proud of who we are.
God's Work... Our Hands
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Breath in the Spirit- the first day of the Assembly
As the 11th Assembly of the ELCA began, we worshiped. It was an awesome worship, the music was great and the Spirit was present! The Bishop encouraged us to "breathe deep" God's Spirit and reminded us that we are sent to bear witness of the crucified and risen Christ- reminded us that it is "God's Work, Our Hands"... and so the assembly began.
The Bishop is engaging, professional and humorous. He shows great warmth and compassion... he is a very good leader... just my observations.
Did you know that 20 years ago at the 1st ELCA Assembly, the Today Show broadcast from it's midst?
The first evening's order of business was that adoption of the rules of the assembly. Two major topics dominated the evening:
The Bishop is engaging, professional and humorous. He shows great warmth and compassion... he is a very good leader... just my observations.
Did you know that 20 years ago at the 1st ELCA Assembly, the Today Show broadcast from it's midst?
The first evening's order of business was that adoption of the rules of the assembly. Two major topics dominated the evening:
- The limiting of speaking from 3 min to 2 min... passed, noting it was prejudicial to pastors
- The effort to require a 2/3rd vote on the Ministerial Practice policy... it failed
I am struck by the presence of the Holy Spirit and the very purposeful effort to include the Spirit in our discussions.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Is Your Savings Huring the Economy?
Is the economy improving... I certainly hope so, and it looks like it. But there might be another way to look at it... and will your own increase in savings hurt the recovery?
Stock prices are up, monthly job loss numbers are down, unemployment is leveling out... things look good. My own retirement funds are in a lot better shape than they were 6 months ago. I am saving more... spending less, just like millions of others have started doing over the past year. Are we out of the woods? I do not know.... but I do wonder...
As I have been thinking about it, what we may be seeing right now is just a natural re-stocking of the "inventory pipeline". Remember last fall, when the economy tanked... companies stopped making things, because they could not get financing, and inventory levels were at all time highs. Companies laid people off because they could not pay them and they did not need them. But, even though we stopped making things, we kept on buying things already in the inventory pipeline. By about May, that pipeline started to empty out, and companies started to go back to work... starting to produce things that people wanted to buy. Demand slightly improved.
So, what we may have is a natural recovery going on in the economy, but at the same times the stimulus money started to flow... may just a coincidence.
If that is true, and the move towards economic stabilization we see is the result of the handling of the inventory levels, and the beginning to rebuild that inventory, the question is, are people going to start spending again at the levels that they have spent over the past 20 years... before late 2008?
The answer is important because if they don't, yes, we may start manufacturing to meet some immediate pent-up consumption demand.... but if consumption in the future is only going to be 50% to 60% of the economy rather then the 70% that it was before the current recession, it will be a very long time before you are going to see the kind of employment figures we have had in the past.
The current move towards decreased spending and increased savings on the personal level may be good for the individual, but it really could wreck havoc for the economy at large.
Just my thoughts.
Stock prices are up, monthly job loss numbers are down, unemployment is leveling out... things look good. My own retirement funds are in a lot better shape than they were 6 months ago. I am saving more... spending less, just like millions of others have started doing over the past year. Are we out of the woods? I do not know.... but I do wonder...
As I have been thinking about it, what we may be seeing right now is just a natural re-stocking of the "inventory pipeline". Remember last fall, when the economy tanked... companies stopped making things, because they could not get financing, and inventory levels were at all time highs. Companies laid people off because they could not pay them and they did not need them. But, even though we stopped making things, we kept on buying things already in the inventory pipeline. By about May, that pipeline started to empty out, and companies started to go back to work... starting to produce things that people wanted to buy. Demand slightly improved.
So, what we may have is a natural recovery going on in the economy, but at the same times the stimulus money started to flow... may just a coincidence.
If that is true, and the move towards economic stabilization we see is the result of the handling of the inventory levels, and the beginning to rebuild that inventory, the question is, are people going to start spending again at the levels that they have spent over the past 20 years... before late 2008?
The answer is important because if they don't, yes, we may start manufacturing to meet some immediate pent-up consumption demand.... but if consumption in the future is only going to be 50% to 60% of the economy rather then the 70% that it was before the current recession, it will be a very long time before you are going to see the kind of employment figures we have had in the past.
The current move towards decreased spending and increased savings on the personal level may be good for the individual, but it really could wreck havoc for the economy at large.
Just my thoughts.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Financial Tip- Grocery Shopping
Did you know that most grocery stores have about a 12 week cycle for things to go on sale. While it is not a hard and fast rule, if you are like me and you have your favorite and routine purchases you like to make, and getting them on sale makes you tingle with shear joy....
Well, buy a 3 month supply, and then watch for the sales again in about 3 months. Just ask Kris how many weeks of Diet Rite we have stashed away in the garage. I hate having to pay more than about $2.50 per 12 pack. Most items don't go on sale more than once every 3 months.
Don't over do it. Stick to those things important to you, and if the savings at the sale price are substantial. But above all, do not let things spoil. I once bought about 6 months worth and ended up learning alot about the shelf life of "splenda" in the cola... it was nasty.
Well, buy a 3 month supply, and then watch for the sales again in about 3 months. Just ask Kris how many weeks of Diet Rite we have stashed away in the garage. I hate having to pay more than about $2.50 per 12 pack. Most items don't go on sale more than once every 3 months.
Don't over do it. Stick to those things important to you, and if the savings at the sale price are substantial. But above all, do not let things spoil. I once bought about 6 months worth and ended up learning alot about the shelf life of "splenda" in the cola... it was nasty.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Daughter Jenni Moving to Town
After two years of trying to sell their house, Jenni and James are moving to St. Joseph from Cameron. After a whirlwind of looking at houses they picked one on the next street over from us.
It will be handy to have them close to help dog sit on our various trips. I doubt if we will see them any more often, but they are obviously fulfilling their appointed obligations from Chad and Andy to be the token ones to take care of us as we get on in age.
We are glad their daily 90 mile round trip is soon to be over.
It will be handy to have them close to help dog sit on our various trips. I doubt if we will see them any more often, but they are obviously fulfilling their appointed obligations from Chad and Andy to be the token ones to take care of us as we get on in age.
We are glad their daily 90 mile round trip is soon to be over.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Earning, Saving and Giving
There is an article in the Summer 2009 issue of Creighton University Magazine by Ken Washer, Associate Professor of Finance. Dr. Washer starts with theologian John Wesley's preaching: "Earn all you can , Save all you can, Give all you can".
Dr. Washer questions whether or not we have become a nation of "Borrow all you can, Spend all you can, Receive all you can"? These traits seem to be becoming prevalent in our society and I believe can challenge a person of faith in their attitudes towards debt, savings and charity.
I see people with debt that is un-real, who at the same time spend virtually every penny they have on needless "stuff", while at the same time try to scheme on how to qualify for disability or some other hand out program. I know of people who simply are not willing to work hard or to work long hours. They can claim they can't find jobs, yet this past week I entered 6 different establishments with help wanted signs in the window.
It is all too easy to become very jaded. It appears that we really are a nation headed just opposite to Wesley's call... but that need not be the case for people of faith... people who seek to the the hands of Christ in our society.
Dr. Wash sums up his article with the following thoughts:
- A society that works... produces good and services that improve the quality for virtually everyone's life
- A society that saves.... provides funds for others to purchase a house, fund an education or expand a business
- A society that gives.... understands that some people are not able to provide for themselves and need a helping hand
Dr. Washer has summed up my basic thoughts about the whole subject of money and the role of the economy. It is what I have tried to teach my kids.... it really is as simple as that. This approach to your money and work is a "faith response" to all that God has provided for you.
"John Wesley was indeed correct when he preached to earn all you can through honest labor, save all you can through disciplined spending and give all you can to worthy causes. When we live these things, we not only benefit ourselves, but we benefit the world". - Ken Washer, DBA, CFA
Makes me think that I should spend a little more time understanding other things Wesley wrote about. I might have to move him right up there with old Marty.
Dr. Washer questions whether or not we have become a nation of "Borrow all you can, Spend all you can, Receive all you can"? These traits seem to be becoming prevalent in our society and I believe can challenge a person of faith in their attitudes towards debt, savings and charity.
I see people with debt that is un-real, who at the same time spend virtually every penny they have on needless "stuff", while at the same time try to scheme on how to qualify for disability or some other hand out program. I know of people who simply are not willing to work hard or to work long hours. They can claim they can't find jobs, yet this past week I entered 6 different establishments with help wanted signs in the window.
It is all too easy to become very jaded. It appears that we really are a nation headed just opposite to Wesley's call... but that need not be the case for people of faith... people who seek to the the hands of Christ in our society.
Dr. Wash sums up his article with the following thoughts:
- A society that works... produces good and services that improve the quality for virtually everyone's life
- A society that saves.... provides funds for others to purchase a house, fund an education or expand a business
- A society that gives.... understands that some people are not able to provide for themselves and need a helping hand
Dr. Washer has summed up my basic thoughts about the whole subject of money and the role of the economy. It is what I have tried to teach my kids.... it really is as simple as that. This approach to your money and work is a "faith response" to all that God has provided for you.
"John Wesley was indeed correct when he preached to earn all you can through honest labor, save all you can through disciplined spending and give all you can to worthy causes. When we live these things, we not only benefit ourselves, but we benefit the world". - Ken Washer, DBA, CFA
Makes me think that I should spend a little more time understanding other things Wesley wrote about. I might have to move him right up there with old Marty.
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