Dear Members and Friends of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod,
Jesus loves me, this I know,
for my pastor tells me so.
You were probably expecting to read “for the Bible tells me so.” But the truth is we expect our ELS pastors to speak to us what is in the Bible, God’s Word, which itself is truth. We expect them predominately to proclaim the Gospel to us making personal application, so that we can each then say: “Jesus loves me.” We tend to hear the Gospel, whether spoken this way or not, in the plural we/us/our; you/your; or even they/them/their. While it is true that the Gospel is for all nations, we also need to hear it in the singular as well. So you might wish to take some of those familiar passages or statements used by your pastor and switch them to this, because the Gospel is not just a general statement, but it applies to you personally:
- [Jesus] was delivered up because of [my] offenses, and was raised because of [my] justification. Therefore, having been justified by faith, [I] have peace with God through [my] Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 4:25-5:1
- [God] made [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for [me], that [I] might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Cor. 5:21
- [Your name,] [T]he blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses [you] from all [your] sin. 1 Jn. 1:7
Glenn Obenberger
Never Confounded Pastoral Retreat
The Pastoral Support Committee hosted the “Never Confounded” Pastoral Retreat in Houston, Texas, on February 17–21. Twenty-five pastors from all experience levels and across the country took part in the retreat with the help of three additional laymen. It was an ambitious schedule of presentations designed to inform and encourage the pastors. From the reviews, the preaching and worship services were the highlights of the week. The retreat center provided hot meals and the committee provided plenty of snacks and refreshments for the various breaks and evening gatherings.
The committee is now beginning plans for another retreat to include pastors and their wives. Please stay tuned for coming announcements.
“Everyone Outreach” Grants Available
Many people find it intimidating to speak to others about their Savior. If there are many in a congregation who struggle with this, it can hinder the blessing and joy of spreading the Gospel in that community. “Everyone Outreach” is a program put on by a WELS group to help congregations develop a culture that is mindful and eager to reach out to the community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To encourage our ELS congregations, the Board for Home Outreach has received a grant to cover the cost for ELS congregations. Please reach out to our EMC (Evangelism and Missions Coordinator), Rev. Brad Kerkow.
Lutheran Youth Honor Choir ’25
June 14–18, 2025 at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN
For high school aged youth (completed 8th grade)
Registration open from February 1–June 1, Cost: $250
Information and registration available at www.els.org.
LYA National Youth Convention ’25
July 24–27, 2025 at Eastern Washington University in Spokane, WA
For high school aged youth (completed 8th grade)
Early Registration, Up to June 1, Cost: $300
Late Registration, June 2–July 1, Cost: $350
For more information, go to www.els.org.
Our Bethany Lutheran College
Bethany Lutheran College is pleased to announce the Class of 2025 is the biggest ever to graduate from the institution. This comprises both one of the largest baccalaureate undergraduate groups as well as the highest number of master’s degree candidates ever. What a blessing this is after years of extraordinary enrollment growth!
However, the prospect of a large graduating class has posed some logistical complications for our Spring Commencement Ceremony. While the consensus is that an on campus graduation ceremony is preferable, the size of this year’s class would have caused the number of attendees to be greater than our seating capacity on campus. With students and families from all over the world taking part, the administration needed to find an event space that would accommodate everyone wanting to attend this very important and special event. As a result, the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be moved to the Grand Hall at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in downtown Mankato.
The ceremony will take place on Friday, May 9, beginning at 10:30 a.m. With the venue change, the ceremony will be a ticketed event, but we’re confident we’ll be able to accommodate everyone who would like to attend. Watch for ticket information to be shared soon.
Lutheran Military Support Group
Lutheran Military Support Group (LMSG) will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, May 3, at 10:00 am at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota. A brief service at Trinity Chapel by ELS President Rev. Glenn Obenberger and WELS Civilian Chaplain to the Military Rev. Paul Horn will be followed by a ceremony at the ELS Military Monument. This ceremony will include presentations by past and present LMSG Directors and ELS Military Monument designer Jason Jaspersen and will highlight the past and future work of LMSG in its mission to provide Christ-centered support to military service members, veterans, and their families. All are welcome. For more information and to RSVP for lunch, visit www.lutheranmilitary.org.
BLC Chapelcast Update
Bethany’s online chapel services have a new home at chapel.blc.edu. The new site now includes the full eighteen-year catalog of recordings going back to 2006. For quick access, you can install the new chapel site as an app on your device, or you can get audio recordings delivered automatically by subscribing to a podcast of sermons or full services.
Historical Society
The ELS Historical Society will meet on Synod Sunday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran College. The program “The First Decade of ELS Growth” will be presented by Rev. Paul Webber. A hymn will be sung by the Norseland singers. Everyone interested is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Upcoming Events
April 7 – Assignment Committee
April 20 – Easter Sunday
May 5–6 – Board of Regents
May 8 – Board of Trustees
View current vacancies and calls in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
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