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August 2022 President’s Newsletter

Dear Members and Friends of the ELS:

Having been elected as the ELS president on June 28, Lisa and I have been in the midst of weighing a host of options as we seek to move from our home of 34 years back to where we began this journey together 46 years ago, Mankato, Minnesota. Leaving the area where two of our children, spouses, and five grandboys live is a challenge to say the least. We are willing to serve where God through His people has called me to serve, but as you can imagine our heartstrings are being tugged as we seek to move 1,600+ miles away. It is an honor to be entrusted with this office and I fervently pray that I may have the strength and wisdom faithfully to fulfill all that it requires.

Seeking to comfort Lisa as we face this move, I mentioned Sarai (65) and Abram (75) having been called out of their home country, leaving family, and going to a place that has mostly been unknown to us for many years, though we have the added benefit of having many friends and acquaintances there. I assured her that the Lord has not promised that she would give birth to a son in her senior years; however, I did point out that they lived in a tent the rest of their lives.

By God’s grace we also share this with that ancient couple: they acknowledged that they were but strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They desired a better country, that is, a heavenly one (cf. Heb. 11:13–16). Even though we are planning and anticipating to return to the Tacoma, Washington area in four years, we trust by Christ’s redemption that God has prepared a place for us which greatly surpasses any place that can be called home here on earth. We ask for your prayers as we make these transitions in the next few months.

In Jesus’ name,

Glenn R. Obenberger

Ordinations

Colin Anderson was ordained and installed as pastor of First Lutheran Church in Suttons Bay, Michigan, on July 3.

Nicholas Lilienthal was ordained and installed as pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, Sutherlin, Oregon, and Resurrection Lutheran Church, North Bend, Oregon, on Saturday, July 9, in Sutherlin. Ten pastors were present (back): Gene Lilienthal (Lector), Steve Sparley (Circuit Visitor), Candidate Nicholas Lilienthal, Michael Lilienthal (Preacher), Homer Mosley (Lector); (front): Roger Emmons, Glenn Smith, Steve Brockdorf, Samuel Gullixson, Joseph Burkhardt, Rob Lawson (Organist). Seventy-three people attended the service, which was followed by a dinner prepared by members of the two congregations.

Abraham Faugstad was ordained and installed as pastor of King of Grace Lutheran Church, Waukon, and Trinity, Lutheran Church, Calmar, Iowa, on July 3.

Peter Bockoven was ordained and installed as pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Mount Vernon, Washington, on Friday, July 15, during a Vespers service. Eight pastors were present (back): Edward Bryant (lector – Alt. Circuit Visitor), James Wilcox (WELS), Steve Sparley (Circuit Visitor), Samuel Gullixson (preacher); (front): Steve Brockdorf, Joseph Burkhardt, Candidate Peter Bockoven, Roger Emmons, Tony Pittenger. Karla Hammond was the organist. After the service a check was presented to St. Luke congregation president Jason Bruss from Parkland Lutheran School, whose chapel offerings this past academic year were designated for St. Luke after the loss of their pastor of 38 years, the Rev. Jerrold Dalke. Seventy-five people attended the service, which was followed by a dinner prepared by members of the congregations.

Bethany Lutheran College Auxiliary Day

Bethany Lutheran College looks forward to hosting Bethany National Auxiliary Day on Monday, September 26, 2022. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Bethany faculty and students about the new and exciting things happening at BLC. The group will also take part in the annual business meeting where auxiliary members vote on projects to support. Lunch will include updates from the synod and seminary presidents, Glenn Obenberger and Timothy Hartwig.

Reformation Lectures

The 2022 Bjarne Wollan Teigen Reformation Lectures are being planned for October 27–28, 2022. The theme will be “Lutheran Care of Souls”: 1. Care of Souls in the Lutheran Reformation—Dr. Mark Mattes, Grand View University, Des Moines, IA; 2. Care of Souls in Lutheran Orthodoxy—Dr. Benjamin Mayes, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN; 3. Care of Souls in Modern Lutheranism—Dr. John Pless, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN.

Upcoming Events

August 11 – Board of Trustees

August 15 – Board of Regents

August 15–16 – Doctrine Committee

August 23 – Commission on Critical Mass

August 26 – Synod Review Committee

September 15–16 – Circuit Visitors Conference

September 22 – Committee for Archives and History

September 26 – BLC Auxiliary Day

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