Do We Love to Tell the Story?

by the Rev. Darrel Peterson, Assistant to the Bishop

ELCA-Southeastern Synod

Recently, a pastoral candidate reported to me that in his interview with a call committee, the committee members were totally unaware that our ELCA was about to have a Churchwide Assembly. Last Sunday where I worshipped, the prayers were well done, using our denominational resource. But there was no mention of the folks in the Northeastern states who were at that moment, being impacted by tropical storm, Irene. The worship “tagline”, “Go in peace, serve the Lord” was traditional. Some Sundays, it would be great to hear, “Go in peace, remember the poor”. We need to remember the poor! We need to be engaged with the issues of our Church and our world!

An important part of the ministry in our Church is to “weave in” the matters of the Lord’s work and the world’s realities into our worship and communications. We know or have access to the mission stories of our Church. We need to be aware of what is happening in our world and our church, and I believe we are. With a little intentionality, with another 15 minutes of preparation, we can enhance the messages of ministry. We can interpret the mission. We can tell the stories. We can connect the dots between life in the pew and Christ’s mission in the world.

I know we try to keep announcements in church to a minimum. But announcement time is an opportunity to briefly mention what is going on in the wider Church, or perhaps to reference an emphasis that people ought to know about. Sermons that are theologically astute, could with a bit of effort, be illustrated with a mission story of the Church. Bulletins and newsletters can be vehicles for teaching about what our church does, both locally and churchwide. Several churches have communications on screens, as well as on traditional bulletin boards. These avenues are opportunities to tell the stories.

Two years ago, I was scheduled to preach in one of our congregations the Sunday following the Churchwide Assembly, where we made controversial decisions on sexuality. Our Church’s actions had made the newspapers. I was a little apprehensive. After the service, I asked one of the members, “Are you or any of your folks upset over our ELCA actions related to the sexuality statement?” He replied, “Our pastor has been talking about the issues. We went through the recommended sessions. We don’t all agree with the actions, but we’ve already dealt with that. We’re ok”.

Congregation Councils always get an update on finances. Do they also hear about what is going on in our Synod and Churchwide? Do they get updates on our agencies and institutions? Do they know of the mission opportunities coming down the pike? Tell and “weave in” the stories. Enjoy the fullness of ministry.

Reflections from the Churchwide Assembly by Southeastern Synod Voting Members and Volunteers

Voting Members

Doris Underwood
Synod Vice President, Messiah, Montgomery, AL

I was energized by the Churchwide Assembly. My congregation is a small one and it is also the lone ELCA congregation in a city of about 250,000. It is easy to feel fatigue when you are isolated in a sea of fundamentalalism and there are but a few people who share your perspective as to what is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is also easy to feel fatigue when you are a slightly more than middle aged person who works very hard to attend to things at home before leaving for a week and traveling several hundred miles dealing with flight delays and long lines at airports. That is kind of where I was when I arrived in Orlando on August 13th. However, the energy and enthusiasm of 1,024 fellow voting members was contagious and it did not take me long to feel a surge of energy. It started on Sunday morning as my fellow synodical vice-presidents and I worshiped with the Conference of Bishops and the church council and it just got better as the week went along. I found the conversations to be holy, the worship inspiring and nourishing and the presentations informative. I was amazed at the stamina and grace of Presiding Bishop Hanson and I rejoiced at all the good things that are happening in the church. The energy was still flowing on Sunday morning when I reported to my congregation that the ELCA is alive and well. My challenge now is to do my part to make that statement be an everlasting truth.

Gary Pederson
Christ Our Shepherd, Peachtree City, GA

What a week! Thank you so much for the opportunity to attend the Churchwide Assembly in Orlando. I truly love every aspect of Churchwide Assembly. As a scientist and experienced member of various organizational boards, I enjoyed the detailed discussions of constitutional amendments and resolutions. I like hearing the different viewpoints that voting members from all over the country bring to the discussion. We have a great diversity of people and opinions. I am amazed at the number of sharp people who are not only in ELCA leadership but also in other roles throughout the Assembly. Bishop Hansen is extremely gifted in both his wonderful sermon and sincere faith, but also his knowledge of procedures to keep the Assembly running smoothly and his careful concern that we always knew exactly what we were voting on (often not an easy determination!) Throughout the Assembly, we were exposed to people who were very bright, imaginative, and positive in moving the ELCA forward. And believed very sincerely in their particular mission...be it Malaria elimination or Luther's Table. This was a very positive and uplifting Assembly. As a contemporary musician and songwriter, I thrived on the positive energy of the daily worship as well as the vast variety of music from traditional to multicultural to international to hip hop! I even wrote a new song on Sunday when I returned from the Assembly and have a couple of other ideas in progress from thoughts brought up by various scripture or points expressed during worship or bible study. I made new friends at Assembly from people, initially strangers, who were always willing to talk with you about their life, their faith, and their mission. We are all God's people and, in Orlando last week, we were certainly one in Christ.


Crystal Rowe
Resurrection, Marietta, GA

This was the third time I've been honored to attend a Churchwide Assembly as a voting member for the Southeastern Synod. I was amazed and proud at how different this assembly was from any others that I've been to or watched via live streaming. As Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA said in our closing plenary Friday morning, this may have been the 12th Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA, but it is the first where we have come together so clear about who we are and what we are about. There was no shortage of hot topics this year – from genetics to immigration reform, and lots of conversation regarding the structure of our churchwide organization - there were many intense conversations and challenging debates. But time and time again I was amazed at how willing we were to truly listen to one another and work together to build the kingdom of God.


The Rev. Morgan Gordy
Christ, Nashville, TN

I have attended the prior two Churchwide Assemblies as an observer. This Assembly was different and not because of where I was sitting this time as a voting member. I was struck by the spirit of unity and a spirit of ease that permeated this Assembly. There was a felt clarity on our common life in mission and ministry-and much excitement!! The church was at work! The focus was centered on being God’s hands in the world. We kicked off the campaign to eradicate Malaria, passed a memorial speaking strongly about just and humane treatment for people without papers, we celebrated and heard about increased efforts through world hunger initiatives in the Horn of Africa as well as in our own country. I was struck at the depth of conversation that surrounded the Genetics social statement as well as the memorial concerning the impact on world hunger and the role of Ethanol. Thoughtful, well articulated comments were offered as the church wrestled with issues of faith in light of the complexities of our world. Important work was done to reshape the structure of the organization of ELCA and the Churchwide organization through LIFT [Living into the Future Together] lifting up the partnerships between Synod, Churchwide, and congregations supporting the church as a whole and congregations as they live into being centers of evangelical outreach. I was also very proud and most impressed by my colleagues from the Southeastern Synod who made articulate and important comments on many of the issues at hand throughout the course of the Assembly. Not to mention a very talented and gifted videographer! It was an honor to go as a voting member from the Southeastern Synod! I came home excited about the church, our life and work together and very proud to be a pastor in the ELCA!

Associate in Ministry Michelle Angalet
Good Shepherd, Woodstock, GA

Several days after returning from my first Churchwide Assembly, I am still processing the experience, still not quite certain where to start sharing what it was like. People have asked me “How was the Assembly?” I’ve used the word “amazing” in my response but often follow with, “Well, really it was more than that. I just have not yet found the words to best describe it.” To get a sense of the work that was done, I urge you to read Summary of Actions taken last week. I urge you to read and view the blogs posted last week by members of the Southeastern Synod in attendance. Know that those of us present from the Southeastern Synod were fully engaged in our work, grew in relationship with one another, and are so very thankful and humbled to be sent to serve as voting members. These things will help paint a picture of our week together in Assembly. I’ll also articulate a few things about last week that I know to be true. So here goes…

First, I will never hear the words “Freed in Christ to Serve.” again in the same way. These words inspired by Paul’s letter to the Galatians served as the theme of our week together. But they were truly more than words. Everything about the Assembly reinforced the truth of these words for our lives, especially our lives as Lutheran Christians. Our focus on new, ongoing and vital ministries across the ELCA and around the world helped us to appreciate the ways in which so many in our church are living out these words. Freed from having to do things that help us earn God’s love, so many of our brothers and sisters in the ELCA and in our ministry partners are living their lives like Lutherans are called to do – in humble service to our neighbor, whoever and wherever that may be. I also know that I am compelled to find more ways to speak publicly and often about the way this church is living out its identity around the country and the world as people freed in Christ to serve. Too many people in our congregations don’t know about the work that the ELCA is part of. Those of us who witnessed the Spirit’s presence in the Assembly last week are called to share what we heard and saw and experienced.

Here’s one more thing I know to be true. On Monday in our opening worship service of Holy Communion, Bishop Hanson asked us if we, like Mary, mother of Jesus, were prepared to be moved by the Spirit. He said we would all be able to answer that question by the end of the week. On Friday, the answer was a resounding “Yes!” Freed from issues that have divided us over the past years, freed in our baptisms from being bound by sin and death, this Assembly affirmed its commitment and its call to live our lives unbound, and to be sent into the world to serve. Brothers and sisters in Christ, we have been freed in Christ to serve. We have no greater gift and no greater calling than that. Thanks be to God!


Lee Smith
Incoming Synod Treasurer, Messiah, Madison, AL

First I’d like to thank the members of the SES for allowing me to attend the CWA in Orlando. It was an exceptional opportunity for me to observe the ELCA in exciting worship, legislative debate, and thankful praise of our grace filled God.

Although there were no heated or contentious issues before the assembly, I was impressed with the civility and loving concern displayed during debates and discussions on numerous subjects. It increased my understanding of the extensive efforts and accomplishments of the ELCA, while strengthening my love for His Church.

An assembly showcase of the fantastic positive actions that our mission support gifts provide through the ELCA was poignant as it highlighted support to Youth, fighting Malaria in Africa, Worldwide Disaster Relief efforts, reducing World Hunger and many other activities. There is an excellent summary by Bishop Hanson on the ELCA.org website of the actions and decisions at the CWA. It is worth your time to review the actions of the 1023 voting members while better understanding the tremendous effort required by the now smaller ELCA staff in preparation for this biennial event that will be triennial after 2013. Attending the CWA has also increased my appreciation for the services provided by our dedicated Southeastern Synod staff.

Attending this assembly was very meaningful; it influenced Janet and me to increase our giving to local and global missions. I’d hope that you too might consider increasing your mission support; the need is greater than ever.

The Rev. Jill Henning
Trinty, Lilburn, GA

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

After an amazing week in Orlando at the ELCA Church-wide Assembly I am proud to be an ELCA Lutheran. The Church-wide Assembly is the highest legislative office of the church and while there were many significant decisions that were made during the week, there were also significant insights into the ways that God’s work is being done through our hands. Almost every day there was a new story about ministries that literally are changing lives being done in our name. Now having said that, I realize that doing ministry here at Trinity literally changes lives as well but to be a part of something even larger then what we see and do is inspiring. God does amazing miracles through our church – whether that be fighting malaria in Africa through our ELCA Malaria Campaign that is kicking off to raise 15 million dollars to bring resources to areas in Africa where Lutheran’s already are doing this ministry to a ministry in Washington State that built low income housing for homeless Veterans that includes a café where volunteers serve and tend bar (yes – I said bar) and Vets can work to pay for food and groups can meet for bible study and conversation. There are so many other examples of how we change lives together including our efforts to help rebuild Haiti and work with those affected by natural disasters.

But there were difficult decisions that were made as well. 38% cut in the budget to campus ministries was just one of the significant ones that came before the assembly. Being a product of campus ministry and being actively involved in Lutheran Campus Ministry in Atlanta (formerly Lutheran Campus Ministry at Georgia Tech) those cuts are painful to ministries where funding streams are hard to come by. We also voted on restructuring the ELCA’s church-wide offices and ministry departments which was directly related to budgeting issues but hopefully will allow our church to move forward with ministries in this ever changing society. These decisions were and will be difficult and affect how we together live out the Gospel.

I am consistently amazed at the miracles God does through and with our church. But the question that kept coming back to me is who isn’t being reached with the gospel? Whose lives aren’t being transformed? Who won’t be touched by the healing hands of those who bear Christ in our name because we “restructured” and “cut” funding? On average active (and by active ELCA Research and Evaluation determines active means weekly worship) Lutheran’s give 3% back from the blessings God gives to them, less active less than 2%. We, as a denomination are the lowest givers of mainline denominations. What more could God do with even 1% more? Do we even dare to dream? What if we all tithed – what lives could be saved, what lives could be changed, what amazing things could God do with that?

I am proud of the faithful stewardship of how our church (the ELCA) using the gifts we share but to be honest I’d rather be proud of how we who have experienced the grace of God in our lives have chosen to respond in faith. Do we dare to dream what through faith God can do through our hands?

Jerry Weyrauch
Resurrection, Marietta, GA

I was honored that my first participation in a churchwide assembly was as a lay voting member. My wife Elsie attended as a congregational observer from the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Marietta, GA, and our home congregation.

My duty was to vote my conscience on the issues that came before this highest legislative body of the ELCA – not to represent any particular constituency. The process of the assembly, most ably chaired by our Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, was both democratic and transparent. Bishop Gordy led the delegation from the Southeastern Synod by example as he and four others from our synod took to the floor microphones to speak on issues before the assembly.

The assembly was blessed to have an inspiring, creative daily worship and communion service to both nourish and help us in the process of discerning God’s will for the assembly. The great diversity of our church was on display in the wide array of worship leaders that represented many countries, languages and ages. Powerful preaching, enthusiastic singing and vibrant visual images combined to make real the truth that we are one in God and freed to serve Him! A daily bible study, shared with a prayer partner from a different synod, built both fellowship and better understanding of the gospel lesson for the worship service the following day.

The staff of the churchwide office is to be commended for their excellent planning for and execution of this 12^th churchwide assembly of the ELCA. The myriad details involved in gathering, supporting and leading almost 1,500 Lutherans in the functions and complex legislative details of this assembly were handled most efficiently and commendably. A mobility issue we faced because of Elsie’s use of a scooter was quickly and effectively resolved. Our sincere thanks and appreciation go to the churchwide staff!

Some of the moving and meaningful images I take away from this churchwide assembly include the:

number of dedicated, talented youth that participated vigorously in the legislative process, and the great contributions to the future leadership of the ELCA made by its colleges, universities, seminaries, church camps and campus ministries

breadth of issues considered, from the production of ethanol to the application of genetics

depth of talented, involved human resources in the ELCA

willingness to support new initiatives, including immigration reform and malaria eradication

renewal of the commitment to support world hunger relief and refugee resettlement

undertaking a review of the process for writing social statements

work on a social statement on disabilities and anticipation of a statement on mental illness

approving a motion to recognize the importance of and need for supporting suicide prevention

ELCA leadership in ecumenism evidenced by our vibrant partnerships with many faith groups

I commend to each congregation in the Southeastern Synod, the practice of gradually increasing annually, by a set percentage such one percent of congregational receipts, financial support of the synod and churchwide office. It is, in my opinion, the best investment we can make now in the future well being of our nation and our world. As a church, we can by example, be a catalyst for constructive national dialogue that leads to informed decisions to guide our nation to responsible action on the national and world scenes. We can make a difference in our nation/world. It begins with one person, one congregation and one synod – ours!

John Thomas
Redeemer, Atlanta, GA

Churchwide 2011 was a game changing event both for the ELCA and for me and I am very much in debt to the Southeastern Synod for allowing me to represent you all and humbled by your trust in me. A few observations that have become clear, post-Churchwide:

I went back to look at my video blog from Wednesday night to see if my adulation was run amuck on how powerful and significant CW 2011 was - and 5 days removed, I'd have to say the whole of the event - the deliberations, the actions taken, the worship, immersion in The Word through Bible study groups, and the bonding with old and new friends - grows daily in appreciation to the organizers of CW 2011 and the participants who reshaped the ELCA into a lean, penny conscious, rapidly responding and adapting organization situated to have the greatest impact on our world in ways even the most forward thinking corporations don't have. We are truly a church grounded in over 5000 years of Jewish heritage, 2000 years of Christian teachings, 500 years of reformist action and a new structure to be a strong, relevant voice as a true 21st Century church.

Second - it was a GREAT time to be a member of the Southeastern Synod! Honestly, I can't think of any other synod or group who was heard and seen more and influenced action more. Two memorials with ties to the Southeastern Synod were passed. The first on suicide prevention from our own Jerry Weyrauch was welcomed by the assembly and passed so quickly and overwhelmingly, Jerry barely had time to even speak in favor of his memorial. The anti-bullying memorial with its authoring in the Southeastern Synod also passed by a wide margin. Several of our voting members made critical speeches on the assembly floor influencing the final vote on the social statement on genetics, changes to the election of Churchwide delegates in the constitution and immigration reform. And then to just rub it in that the Southeastern Synod has arrived and is leading the pack, two of our congregations were finalists in the LivingLutheran.com video contest (one a 1st place winner) with both videos screening before the assembly and our Synod Vice President, Doris Underwood, literally had the final word of Churchwide as the assistant minister in our final worship with "go in peace, serve the Lord!" By the end of the week, we were no longer being asked "you’re the Southeastern of what synod?" but "hey, you're the folks that..." It's a great time to have Julian Gordy as our bishop and the guidance of the Southeastern Synod staff!

Third, Bishop Hanson and the ELCA staff are everything they are advertised to be - and much more! I've met many well known and respected leaders from the political world over the years and none of them holds a candle to the deft leadership and grace our ELCA staff and leaders posses. Watching them in action is like watching a group of athletes on a dream team. Parsing their opinions and suggestions on the ELCA is an insight into a highly educated, dedicated, forward thinking group of exceptional leaders who love the ELCA, have sacrifice much for her and have made tough decisions during this economic downturn that have kept the ELCA in strong fiscal standing. As I said in my video blog, I wish the legislative members of congress and other nations would be of the same commitment to humbly serve as our ELCA staff is.

I also want to mention the most amazing group of people who attended Churchwide 2011. They are the hundreds of volunteers who made the entire event possible from manning registration to guiding us from one meeting room to another to serving as ushers at worship and door keepers on the assembly floor. These volunteers are the true embodiment of service as they paid their own way to Orlando, paid for their hotels and meals (if they had time to eat), worked long hours and did all of this with smiles and great attitudes. They really were the backbone of Churchwide, and my guess is they also represent the same for the ELCA.

Fourth, we have moved from a church of legislation to a church of action as we are "freed in Christ to serve." As previously stated, our ELCA staff has done a tremendous job guiding us through the rough waters of the recession while continuing to make sure the dollars we each give the ELCA are spent extremely wisely and thriftily. We continue to "go where the people are" in need in Africa, Asia the United States and around the world. The ELCA has become known as the help that stays long after a crisis has been dropped from the news cycle. Now, with the ELCA campaign to rid the world of malaria, we stand a very good chance of making malaria the second disease to be removed from the population, preventing the current sad drumbeat of related deaths that occur several times a minute. And our Mission Outreach fund built on investments from ELCA members continues its unprecedented 96th year of growth as they grant low interest loans to congregations and the bragging right that since its inception in 1915, no investor has ever lost a dime in this financial body.

Finally, it's a very, VERY good time to be a member of the ELCA - but with that blessing comes many responsibilities. As Bishop Hanson said in his opening remarks, we are a smaller church, squeezed by the financial crisis - but a much stronger church with a newfound clarity of who we are and where we're headed. Who are we? Beloved children of God, freed in Christ to serve. Where are we headed? To do God's work with our hands - and that's where the participation of all is so critical. Our congregations, our synod, our ELCA stand ready to bless the world in unprecedented and profound ways, but they all need our support of time and money to bring about a better world. There's no "free to stay on the sidelines" in "Freed in Christ to Serve." Christ has redeemed us in his unparalleled, eternal sacrifice. "Service" is not an offer or option. "Service" is a mandate of the grateful Christian seeking to bless the world as God has blessed us. When stewardship season comes around and it's time to give, give until it hurts with a spirit of thankfulness to your church, synod and the ELCA. The economy is not good and won't be getting better anytime soon - and when it does get better, it will never look the same as it did in the technology and real estate booms. We've smartly kept our money on the sidelines for three years as we weathered the storm. It's time to get back into the game, and if you want a sure fire huge return on investment, the ELCA is it. If you are unemployed or underemployed and have to pinch every dollar to stay alive, find time to volunteer in ELCA programs and events. Pray for discernment in your giving and for the leaders of the ELCA. Times ain't good, but as I said, I feel there's never been a better time to be a member of the ELCA.

So strap on the helmets, huddle up and lets go get `em. ELCA "blessing the world" on three!

Volunteers from the Southeastern Synod

The Rev Robert Loshuertos
Madison, AL

I went to Florida to celebrate the 2^nd birthday of my twin grandchildren (just let me know and I will send you a few pictures) and also to volunteer for two days at the Churchwide Assembly. I did it 6 years ago when it was in Orlando and really got a lot of satisfaction and inspiration out of it. I was not disappointed this time either. My main task was monitoring the entrance to the section for Members of the Assembly. (One person referred to me as the “bouncer.”) We had to check that only the persons with the proper credentials enter that area, as well as checking to make sure the Assembly Members left with their credentials so they could get back in to that area again.

I got a great deal of satisfaction out of this for a number of reasons--it was an opportunity to: see many longtime friends; see our Southeastern Synod Voting Members; meet other people (especially other volunteers, most of whom come at their own expense to do this); see the Church at its highest man made authority function; and feel like I made a little contribution to it.

So many of the Assembly Members thanked us for being there and for volunteering. That was very rewarding. I also had the added plus of being there for the Reception given by Lenoir Rhyne-Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (where I am one of the Southeastern Synod representatives on the Board of Trustees.) I also had the good fortune of being invited to dinner with the Assembly Members from our Southeastern Synod. It gave me a chance to realize how well we selected our Voting Members. They served well and were very diligent in their tasks.

Sharon Bost
Canton, GA

What a week! Volunteering at Churchwide Assembly is fun and quite interesting. I had to get up early to distribute handouts as well as a trinket or two. Going from Morning to night is tiring but it is a good tired. The worship EVERY day was just so inspiring. I would come for that if for nothing else. You don't have to be signed up to attend worship, ALL ARE WELCOME! Everyone should experience a Churchwide Assembly once in their life. Next year is Pittsburg! See you there!!

Last Day in Orlando

Gary Pederson

Christ Our Shepherd, Peachtree City, GA

We finished up our week at the Churchwide Assembly on Friday morning. The most popular place in the morning was the ballroom used to store our suitcases as checkout time was 11:00am. Even this process was well planned as different sections were identified with initials of your last name so you placed your suitcase by the appropriate initial. Simple process that worked pretty well when you are dealing with suitcases of 1,000+ voting members. I should note that we had 1,023 of 1,025 voting members in attendance. Pretty good turnout! Of course, we all wondered what those other two people were doing this week. Actually, it is probably surprising that only two people were unable to attend considering the multitude of logical reasons that could prevent someone from traveling.

After waiting all week for their items to be covered, both Michelle Angalet and Gerald Weyrauch of the Southeastern Synod got up to speak about two different items. Michelle discussed the synod memorial relating to the role of rostered lay leaders in determining the 60:40 ration of lay to clergy voting members. The Assembly decided that rostered lay leaders should remain as part of the lay voting members. Gerry spoke on a resolution on suicide prevention which was passed by the Assembly.

Following completion of our business, we met one last time for our final worship service. The worship events at Churchwide were all simply wonderful. I found it interesting that the loudest hymn in the entire week was "Blessed Assurance". We rocked the hotel with that one! After worship, it was time to head for home. We said "Goodbye" to all our new and old friends and all of our fellow SSVM (SE Synod Voting Members). The 12th ELCA Churchwide Assembly now lives in history. For those of us who attended, it will continue to give rise to pleasant memories of a productive, worshipful week. Thank you again for the privilege of attending!

New friends

Gary Pederson
Christ Our Shepherd, Peachtree City, GA

Thursday in Orlando

Today was a very busy day at Churchwide. We had so much to cover and it seemed like we were running out of time. Some things that we had to do (like the Genetics social statment) were important, but other things just seemed to take up a lot of time for most people (constitution amendments). It seemed like the discussions were a little more strained today. People were getting tired of covering some of these items and discussing minimal word changes. Overall the atmosphere is still good, just a little tired.

I'm not going to go into a lot of detail on all the items we approved or disapproved today. There were too many to list. The big one was that the Genetics social statement passed. I even got up and spoke... the first one from Southeastern Synod to speak at this assembly (Jill Henning and Bishop Gordy spoke on items later in the day). I got up because there was an effort to change a section in the Genetic social statement to make it seem like scientists should not just be questioned if they are doing research that may harm any other species, but the ELCA should tell them they should never do research that knowingly harms ANY other species. So I tried to make the point that we shouldn't legislate that...and I used something like research on eradicating kudzu as an example of something that most people would think was a good idea! Now I am forever known as the guy who brought kudzu to the Churchwide assembly floor.

I want to talk about a different aspect of Churchwide assembly tonight. I go to a lot of different conventions in my job. I go to sessions and talk with the people I know. And everyone else talks with their friends and other people they know. It is rare for total strangers to ever talk for more than a minute or two at these professional meetings. Churchwide Assembly is such a different meeting. Everyone talks with everyone...about everything!

Let me give you an example of what happened last night. I was merrily typing my blog enrty and a pastor was sitting nearby answering her email. We exchanged small talk, but nothing much. She left for a while ("Don't bother saving my seat"). Pretty soon she wanders back and starts talking to me about an email she got. We get into a discussion of how to handle a difficult situation she was facing...that goes into another discussion of our life histories...that goes into another discussion of pretty much everything we have ever done in our life. Stories flow!

All of a sudden over the course of an hour, I have a new friend in Pastor Beth Halvorsen from Texas. I gave her a couple of GraceFlock CDs. Actually I gave her one, then I told her my story about writing "The Eyes of Hope" in Mississippi after Katrina and gave her the CD with that song. She promised me a signed copy of the book she is going to write on her doctorial thesis project...something about surrender and tenacity...and boldness and humility. (Sorry, Beth, you explained it much better than that!) I need to read the book when she gets it done, so I can understand what it is all about.

Anyway, the point of this story is that a wonderful part of Churchwide Assembly is the interesting people that you meet. The room is full of people with such great stories. That is what makes a Churchwide Assembly such a special meeting. It is not all about the legislative actions, the worship, the bible studies, the music, and all that. It is about the people of God...and God's people are pretty neat!

Video blog

John Thomas

Redeemer, Atlanta

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On5bz4B3rsw

Called to action

Crystal Rowe
Resurrection, Marietta, GA

People, get ready. You've been called to action by 2011 Churchwide Assembly.

Yesterday, the Assembly requested all ELCA congregations begin, develop, review, or redefine their mission plans by the end of 2012.

Let's face it – the world around us is changing. Our communities are changing. For many of the congregations throughout our synod, the surrounding community looks very different today than it did when we were founded. Our new members often look and think very differently than our charter members did. We are now being called to reach out to those communities and proclaim God's grace in a way that is real and relevant to their lives.

This is an exciting time in the life of our church! This is what the Great Commission is all about! We have been invited to really look at the neighborhoods closest to us and figure out how we can best serve them. How can we share the wonderful news of God's grace and love to the people who need to hear it most?

These will be difficult conversations. We may discover there are things we have to change in order to reach those around us. We may be scared of the unknown. What works for one congregation might not work for another. We may end up with more questions than answers.

No matter how difficult it might be, our faith calls us to look outside of our walls. The good news of Jesus is so good we can't contain it! God never promises that doing his work will be easy, but he does promise to be faithful to us to the end. Because of God's faithful promise, we are free to act boldly in reaching those around us.

So I repeat … people – get ready. It's time to act on our faith. It's time to be missional. It's time to get busy in the name of Jesus.

Wednesday at Churchwide Assembly

Gary Pederson

Christ Our Shepherd, Peachtree City, Ga

Another busy day in Orlando.

We had lots of activities and actions today...never a dull moment...or any moment! I started out at the Mission Sponsorship breakfast at 6:30am. That is early for me! We learned a lot about EPES, a public health program in Chile that was started by our missionary program decades ago.

Karen Anderson (I think I have her name right) gave a wonderful presentation on the missionary program in Chile and especially about the response to the earthquake and tsunami in Chile. Did you remember that Chile was hit by an earthquake and tsunami, too? Not only Japan...though there was more press coverage from Japan. The most interesting point of her presentation was about a lady named Elizabeth from Chile. She said that the boxes of food are nice, but we will be hungrey again tomorrow. We need equipment. The women of coastal Chile collected seaweed to sell. That was how they could make a living. So through Karen and other's efforts, they provided them with wellbarrows, shovels, and boots so they could collect and haul the seaweed from the beach. It was great seeing all these ladies in a photo beaming with their new wheelbarrows.

Next we went to our sessions. Lots and lots of business happened at both the morning and afternoon sessions. We passed most of the LIFT recommendations. Probably the biggest and most discussed change is that we will be holding triennial Churchwide Assemblies rather than biennial assemblies. The next Churchwide will still be in 2013, but after that they will be 2016, 2019, and so on. I actually got up to move to refer this item back to Church Council, but we closed debate before I could make my motion (lots of people ahead of me in line). The proposal did not have any provision for handling terms of office for those on Church Council whose terms will expire in 2015 and 2017 (when there will not be an assembly) as well as other constitutional changes to make this work. Oh well, it was approved. So the 2013 assembly will have to deal with straightening this all out. A sidenote: I think I was the first SSVM (SE Synod Voting Member) who got in line at a microphone!! We're not a real vocal bunch, I guess!

Lots of good reports today. Very interesting. Our secretary, David Swartling, is very well respected by the assembly and Church Council. He is very sharp! His report had some of the information that we didn't want to hear....832 congregations took a first vote to leave the ELCA and 517 have taken a second vote and left with 318 joining LCMC and 160 NALC. However there are 10,397 congregations in the ELCA in 2010 and 95% of all congregations remained in the ELCA. He pointed out that we can do things better together than we can do separately....good point! Our treasurer, Christina Jackson-Skelton, noted that total revenue has gone from $76.5 million in 2009 to $66.8 million in 2010 with mission support dropping from $59.7 million to $52.6 million. However expenses during this period were maintained below revenue with expenses at $72.6 million in 2009 and $64.2 million in 2010. Obviously all of us have heard about the changes in Chicago that were needed due to this situation. But we remain solvent during this period and revenue has appeared to stabilize in 2011.

ELCA Lutherans continue to be so, so generous. We gave $18.6 million to ELCA Disaster Response. Even at this assembly, the offerings have been $9,762 for missions on Monday, $23,913 for malaria (with $103,785 more in leadership pledges at this assembly) on Tuesday, and $9,893 for missionary sponsorship on Wednesday. Wow!!

Other activities continued with our first ballet, bible study continued, wonderful worship service again this morning (sound warnings at Universal Studios due to loud Lutheran singing!), and so on. We have 1,023 of a possible 1,025 Churchwide Assembly members here today. Bishop Hansen said two had been spotted at Disney World....just kidding.

I had a nice conversation with my old high school friend, Larry Wohlrabe, now Bishop NW Minnesota for the past 4 years. We talked about the usual stuff...but I had to ask him how he was doing. He lost several congregations this past year. He noted that most were small rural congregations that had never been that happy with the ELCA. But even so, it is tough. The bishop in this situation is the closest voice of the national church. Pray for our synod bishops! They have gone through a very tough year and need all the prayers they can get. We need their strength, their energy, and their leadership. And Bishop Gordy didn't even tell me to say this!

Take care!

Gary

SSVM

Video Post

from John Thomas

ELCA Southeastern Synod Voting Member

Redeemer, Atlanta, GA

http://youtu.be/o7_0Lt6ld98

Hip-Hop at Churchwide Assembly

Later Tuesday evening:

Gary Pederson
Chirst Our Shepherd, Peachtree City, GA

Today was a very enjoyable day at Churchwide. This morning we started with discussion of the LIFT document. This is probably going to be the piece that will generate the most discussion at this assembly. We had 15 proposed amendments brought up just on the implementation part...and we haven't even started up with the associated constitutional changes. Most dealt with a section that states that the ELCA will not put out any further social statements (after this year's Genetics one) until a review of the process is complete. That discussion was postponed until Thursday during the Genetics statement discussion. We passed the part of the LIFT implimentation concerning the elimination of Churchwide Program committees. We no longer have Program committees. We ran out of time to deal with the rest of the LIFT items.

The highlight of the afternoon for me was not the Bible study (Jesus and the woman at the well) or the presentations by multi-cultural Lutherans in China, Argentina, Philadelphia or California. My high point was the presentations and music by the group from the NW Washington Synod. The Northwest was described as the "none zone"...surveys of the majority indicate that religion="none". So they are very imaginative, since getting people to attend a normal church structure is difficult. First was a great presentation by Pastor Gretchen who has a mission start at Luther's Table in Renton, WA. Luther's Table is a bar...OK, maybe a bar/coffehouse/kinda church. The pews are short and set by tables. They serve Martin Luther's favorite beers (including Katy's Ale) and other adult beverages. They have a wine and Bible study. They have lots of live music and I suspect that there is no pipe organ in the house. Their open door policy is a big garage door into the bar that is open when weather cooperates. It is a really fun, inviting place! Isn't that what we would all like our churches to be...fun and inviting?! And Pastor Gretchen can play guitar and sing, too. She did a really nice contemporary song! (Was that me who wrote I wouldn't hear any contemporary songs this week!!) I'm loving it...and the best was yet come.

The next group was a couple of guys also from the NW Washington synod (missed their names...sorry). But they played a couple of hip hop songs.....can you believe it?? Hip hop at a Churchwide Assembly! It was so fun! First one was "We've got nothing if we don't got love". Yes that was the wording! But my favorite was their hip hop version of "Shepherd Me, O God"!! I could not believe it. The last Churchwide that I attended was 1993 in Kansas City. I sang in the assembly choir and my favorite song that we sang was a beautiful, straight version of.......you guessed it......Shepherd Me, O God! And now I'm hearing and singing along with a hip hop version.....so cool!

One last point for tonight...this Assembly has energy! It is evident in everything that we do. The presentations are fun and imaginative. The sermons are strong, moving, and powerful. The music is loud and lively. The discussions are deep and thoughtful and courteous. The leadership by Bishop Hansen is definate. I believe that we are seeing strong evidence here that as the ELCA Church Body, we have moved on from 2009. I see no loss of energy and passion. We've gone through a valley, but as a church...we are moving forward! Yes, we have lost some congregations and some members, but it is not going to stop our mission. That is very rewarding to see as I really did not know what to expect in terms of the atmosphere of this assembly.

Gary Pederson
SSVM

Musings from a first time voting member

Associate in Ministry Michelle Anaglet

Good Shepherd, Woodstock, GA

Tuesday evening:

Where to begin?

For this first-time Churchwide Assembly voting member, that’s a hard thing to figure out. It is hard because there is so much to tell! Whether it has been worship with faithful proclamation and faith-inspired sights and sounds, or meeting ELCA members from all over the country, or experiencing the Spirit's presence in a room full of 1000 Lutherans participating in Bible study together, there is a palpable energy on this our holy ground for the week. All this and three plenary sessions so far!

As Crystal has already shared, yesterday the voting members overwhelmingly approved the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Earlier today voting members voted overwhelmingly to approve changes to the ELCA constitution as recommended by the LIFT Task Force and submitted by the Church Council. Additional recommendations of the LIFT Task Force will be considered on Wednesday. The recommendations of the LIFT Task Force before the Assembly are intended to position the ELCA for the future and allow it to explore new possibilities for participating in God's mission.

This afternoon Assembly members participated in a Mission Encounter Event. Here we heard about, saw, and experienced many of the unique missions and ministries ELCA congregations, Synods and the Churchwide organization make possible. From Luther's Table, a cafe and place for community that serves the unique needs of Renton, WA, to the work that the ELCA supports in China, to the soon-to-be African congregation in Philadelphia, PA led, by a former Liberian refugee camp resident, that got its start when a small, declining Lutheran congregation gave them their building rather than closing its doors. The stories are full of God's work being done with our hands.

What I have loved the most about these first two days is the joy-filled, welcoming nature of the Assembly. Our conversations have been rich and fruitful. This is a church focusing on what we have in common with one another. As we view the videos submitted in the Living Lutheran video contest, it is exciting to see what is going on around our church! It is exciting to talk to others and hear about their ministries and their faith stories. It is indeed an exciting time to be the ELCA!

I am humbled by this opportunity to serve the church as a voting member of the Churchwide Assembly. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me and in the voting members of the Southeastern Synod. Please continue to keep the Assembly in your prayers as the work of the church continues throughout the week.

The ELCA Malaria Campaign

by Ms Crystal Oxner Rowe

Southeastern Synod Churchwide Voting Member

Member, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Marietta, GA

Every 45 seconds, a child dies from malaria. That's 80 children every hour. 1,920 children every day. 800,000 people every year. Most of them are under the age of 5. Would you believe me if I said it's possible to end all malaria deaths by the year 2015?

It's true.

Last night, the Assembly completed its first major work of the week: adopting the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Over the next four years, the ELCA will join other organizations and denominations in raising money to eradicate malaria. The adopted resolution invites all congregations, synods, and individual members of the ELCA to make a contribution to the goal of $15 million by the end of 2015.

The ELCA Malaria Campaign has already raised $1.5 million towards its goal through gifts raised in pilot synods and gifts from the leadership of this church. Can you imagine what the world might look like if we truly conquer malaria?

As I listened to the conversation on the assembly floor about the campaign, I felt as though this was really a no-brainer. Jesus calls us to help the least of these. Modern medicine and technology has given us the ability to stamp out malaria worldwide. We should be ashamed to sit back and do nothing.

The resolution launching the campaign passed with 98% support and received a standing ovation. At that moment, I was so proud to be a member of the ELCA. A church that cares for others. A church that goes beyond itself to answer the call of the gospel. A church that will change the world. A church that already is.

For more about the ELCA Malaria Campaign, go to http://elca.org/malaria.

You can read the official news release about the resolution that was adopted here.

Monday at Churchwide Assembly

by Gary Pederson

Monday evening:
Monday was a really full day at Churchwide. We started off the morning with two hearings. First, I went to the one on the Genetics social statement. I think the group putting this together tried their best to have a good solid document discussing the issue and biblical relationship...but purposely stayed away from hot button topics such as evolution.

The second hearing was on the LIFT document and constitution changes associated. There is some real concern with this restructuring of the ELCA. Concerns with the size and composition of Church Council, reducing number of advisory members of Church Council, and eliminating program committees. I'm sure this one will have some changes before everything is done. Following lunch, we had our first plenary session. Just bookkeeping stuff on testing the voting machines and passing the rules. Each person talking at Churchwide from the floor only gets two minutes. There was a motion to change it to five minutes, but it was defeated.

The highlight of the day so far was the Worship Service at 4:00pm. I love the sound of all the wonderful voices raised in song. I think they heard us at DisneyWorld! And Bishop Hansen gave a great sermon....even interrupted once with "You go, Bishop!" Here is my short synopsis--- "Are we ready to be moved by the Holy Spirit as Mary was moved by the Spirit? It is OK to be in awe and wonder like Mary. It is tempting to be content or suspicious. But we are moved to sing Mary's song through the power of the Holy Spirit; nothing is impossible with God!". The service closed with the song "Canticle of the Turning" led by guitar (also pipe organ and cello...). For just a minute, I felt the joy of contemporary worship at Churchwide!

Well, it is almost 7:15pm and we have another plenary session tonight! What dedication! All for now!

Gary
SSVM

Arrival at Churchwide Assembly

by Gary Pederson
SSVM (Southeastern Synod Voting Member)
Christ Our Shepherd, Peachtree City, Ga

Sunday evening:

First of all, let me thank the Southeastern Synod for giving me this great opportunity to be a voting member at the 2011 Churchwide Assembly at Orlando! I was lucky enough to attend the 1993 Assembly in Kansas City and still have very pleasant memories of that one.

This time I didn't get off to a real good start. I registered this morning and talked with a couple of nice volunteers. They were singing in the choir this year. Hard music, they said. I told them that as a member of our praise band, GraceFlock, I was waiting to sing/play in the Churchwide Assembly contemporary worship band.....hmmm, probably won't be one. Maybe some year we will see contemporary bands at Churchwide like the one we had at our SE Synod Assembly this year.

Anyway, back to my poor start. At registration I received a great big notebook, bag, program, order of business, etc. I thought it was a really big notebook for so few pages. Turns out that I never received the Pre-Assembly mailing of a couple hundred pages. You know, the ones we were supposed to read before we arrived!?! Whoops... So, after a quick visit to the "Canary" room, I received my pages. And spent the next several hours reading lots of fun and interesting items...LIFT (Living Into the Future Together) report, constitutional changes, updated Genetics social statement, election information, officer reports, and various other reports.

I'm one of those people who love the business as well as the worship parts of Synod and Churchwide Assembly...as opposed to some of my pastor friends (sorry for letting the cat out of the bag on that one). Tonight, I'm trying to get ahead a bit by reading all the bios of people up for election to Churchwide Council and other boards. Wow! There are a lot of really sharp people in so many different areas within our church. We'll have some hard choices to make....especially lay male on Program Committe for Mission Advancement unit where it is between Bjorn Peterson and Eric Peterson! (Since I'm a Pederson, those two caught my attention)

Oh, if you are watching for us live on the ELCA Assembly web (Google ELCA Assembly and you'll find it), your Southeastern Synod group will be in the front row!! OK, front row but extreme stage right...probably out of the picture!

Hope Rising

by the Rev. Nancy Christensen
Director for Evangelical Mission/Assistant to the Bishop

In thinking about what I might share in this, my last opportunity to blog as a member of our synod staff, I have found myself recollecting other times of transition in my life – times of endings, and of new beginnings – times that have shaped my faith, and my understanding of relationship.

I remember the fear I felt when I moved away from home after high school, and the deep sorrow I experienced after the death of my first marriage, and then my best friend. I hold dear the joys I have known in seeing my children move through so many phases of their lives – phases that have taken them away from me, and have held them close at the same time – phases that have formed them into amazing examples of God’s handiwork.

I think about what it was like to leave my last call – to step away from the heart of my heart at Epiphany Lutheran in Suwanee – to say good-bye, and to let go. And I remember the story I shared with them that still rings true for me today.

It comes from a book called, When the Heart Waits, by Sue Monk Kidd, and it references that sense of hopefulness that comes, even in the midst of change, and transition.

“It was the year that I discovered a nest of baby birds in the branch of a pine tree near my house. I visited the nest almost daily throughout the summer. One day as I watched, a young bird hopped to the edge of the nest and perched there. I seemed to understand even then that I’d happened upon a moment of utter rarity; the small bird was about to take what perhaps was its maiden flight. I braced, feeling my heart thudding in my chest. Come on, little bird. Come on. But the bird didn’t move. It seemed afraid, petrified. Suddenly the mother bird appeared. She gave her youngling a gentle push, and off it flew. The bird soared over the treetops."

"As I watched it fly, I walked on, hope rising in me. Hope for you and me and the journeys we undertake. Hope that we would trust our waiting hearts enough to risk entering them, that we would listen for the Voice that bids us come to the edge, and that we would welcome the gentle push of God, who is both our wings and the wind that bears them up.”

People of the Southeastern Synod, there is hope rising in me, too. We have all been changed in this journey of faith that we have shared, and I can never adequately thank you for the joy you have given me. In the new days ahead, we will all be nudged from our nests, and challenged to fly. Let us continue to pray for one another, and let us never forget the power and the presence of our loving God, who moves with us, and who guides us forever forward.

"Ear Pictures"

by the Rev. Dr. Delmer Chilton
Assistant to the Bishop, Southeastern Synod

I'm getting ready, "fixin' to," as we say in North Carolina, go to the beach for a few days of vacation. Well, actually, I'm fixin' to go to the shore; I leave actual sitting on the beach to those who are younger and better looking in swimwear. I stay inside looking out the big picture window at the waves while sitting in a big soft chair reading classic detective novels. (Miss Marple, Nero Wolfe, Lord Peter Wimsey, etc.)

Every time I go to the beach I think of a very memorable trip to the Outer Banks with my family when I was a teenager. For years Mama had taken pictures with an old Brownie which one held waist high while looking down into the viewfinder on top. Her new camera was a small Kodak that you held to the eye and then clicked away.

When we got back from the beach, Mama mailed off the rolls of film and we waited to see our great vacation pictures. When the photos came a few weeks later, we were all totally mystified. There were shots with sea and sand and people in the distance, but we were nowhere to be seen. And on one side of each shot was an out-of-focus, flesh-toned blob and wisps of blackness floating across the landscape.

Suddenly the truth dawned on us and we all burst out laughing. Well, all but Mama. She had turned the camera backwards, looking the wrong way through the view-finder, and had taken an entire roll of film of her ear. She is still not amused and forty years later her children are still teasing her about it.

I've done a good deal of thinking about those "ear pictures" over the years. I've often wondered how often I've thought I had things in focus, had "reality" captured and frozen in place; when in actuality I was looking at things through the wrong end of the lens.

In particular, I've used those ear pictures and the backwards camera to remind myself to look at things through the lens of the Gospel, through the viewfinder of God's Word. If I use only my own eyes, my own experience, my own understanding to frame and make sense of the world, I will miss the bigger and truer picture that comes from looking at things from God's point of view, through the eyes of Christ.

". . .so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened . . ." Ephesians 1:18