Dear Members and Friends of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod,
Greetings in the name of Christ who calls His pastors to continue to study and learn from the Holy Scriptures and thereby benefit His holy people!
In reading a unique book on evangelism, I came upon this encouragement for congregations I thought worth sharing here.
“Let congregations ensure that they give their pastors plenty of time to study the Scriptures. St. Paul charges Timothy, ‘Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching … Attend to these things, be in these things, in order that your progress may be manifest to all. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Remain in them, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers’ (1 Tim. 4:13, 15-16).
“And how does a congregation help a pastor study Scriptures? Seek to relieve him of administrative tasks or excessive meetings that would distract him from the duties God has given him. Let the elders ask the pastor regularly what he’s reading, and what he’s learning. Make sure the pastor has the means to acquire good books and attend continuing education classes.”
In Jesus’ name,
Glenn Obenberger
LYA Convention
Nearly two hundred youth from around the country met at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota for the annual LYA (Lutheran Youth Association) convention on July 27–30. The youth participated in Bible studies, chapel services, and sample college classes with BLC professors. Kayaking, zip lining and attending a Mankato Moondogs minor league baseball game were also on the schedule! The conference ended with a communion service at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Mankato.
National Teachers Conference
The National ELS Teacher Convention was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 17–20. It gave our teachers the opportunity to grow academically and spiritually with three keynote speakers (President Gene Pfeifer, Rev. Ed Bryant, and Professor Lainie Harkins), daily breakout sessions featuring the best of our ELS schools, and time to explore the historic sites of the Philadelphia area. We also joined together in a wonderful communion service where we welcomed WELS District President Seifert as our preacher. We would like to thank Peace Lutheran Church (WELS) in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, for hosting our convention.
2023 ELS Catechism
The ELS Explanation Review Committee has produced four publications that are, or very shortly will be available for purchase at the ELS storefront on LULU (an online self-publishing site.)
• 2023 ELS Catechism EHV – available now: www.lulu.com/spotlight/elsbooks/
• 2023 ELS Catechism ESV – available July 24 www.lulu.com/spotlight/elsbooks/
• 2023 ELS Catechism NKJV – available August 1 www.lulu.com/spotlight/elsbooks/
• Catechism Workbook – available August 1 www.lulu.com/spotlight/elsbooks/
We encourage you to use the Catechism Workbook with the Catechism. The Catechism Workbook is the 2023 revised version of the 2001 Catechism Workbook that our synod has used for the past couple of decades.
If you’re interested in an additional supplemental workbook, Rev. Kurtis Freimuth has produced one that is available on LULU at: https://www.lulu.com/shop/kurtis-freimuth/evangelical-lutheran-synod-catechism-putting-it-in-context/paperback/product-emq5vy.html?page=1&pageSize=4
May God bless our Evangelical Lutheran Synod in our use of Dr. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism as we use it to carefully hand down the Great Heritage of the Christian faith as a body of doctrine to the next generation. We pray that by the power of the Holy Spirit, they pick up that Great Heritage and make it their own by faith!
Bethany Lutheran College Auxiliary Day
As we begin our 96th year at Bethany Lutheran College we look forward to hosting the National Auxiliary Day on Monday, September 25, 2023. During the event, attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Bethany faculty and students about the 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 ELS Synod and Seminary Presidents Glenn Obenberger and Timothy Hartwig.
Upcoming Events
August 14–15 – ELS Board of Regents
August 16 – Board of Trustees
August 17–18 – Doctrine Committee
September 14–15 – Circuit Visitors Conference
View current vacancies and calls in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
Download this newsletter as a bulletin insert.
