Dear Fellow Workers in Christ’s Kingdom:
Referencing Acts 2, this year’s synod convention essayist drew our attention to a “call for action.” In light of our synod-wide anniversary offering, Pastor Timothy Hartwig posed a thought-provoking question: “When Peter and the apostles proclaimed the truth that Jesus is the Messiah at Pentecost, those who heard were cut to the heart. They were convinced that they had crucified the very one for whom they were waiting. They believed and their faith caused them to ask, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ It is a good question for us to ask. What should we do? We have considered two threads: Home missions and Christian giving. What action is our belief calling us to take?” … May God bless us in our efforts to use our resources to share the message of salvation in Christ with many more souls throughout our land!
Blessings in Christ,
John A. Moldstad
A Brief Review of the 2016 Synod Convention
- The theme chosen for the week was “Proclaim the Wonders God Has Done: Give Thanks to His Name!”
- The essay focused on how the special thankoffering will be used by the Board for Home Outreach: to start new mission congregations and to fund the Vicar-in Mission project.
- A new pictorial directory of synod congregations and pastors is being compiled.
- A joint statement on “termination of fellowship” was approved as correct and biblical, enabling a further step forward in our formal discussions with members of the Church of the Lutheran Confession.
- The synod resolved to continue informal meetings with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
- Concerning a memorial on “closed Communion,” the synod reaffirmed its scriptural stand on this practice and asked the Circuit Visitors to discuss practical issues.
- The Board of Regents were commended for the improvements in curriculum and methods of education (such as online learning) and asked to continue to prioritize the calling of ELS pastors as full-time religion professors.
- The Board for World Outreach was encouraged to equip ELS members with a knowledge of Christian apologetics (how to defend the faith).
- ELS congregations were urged to provide names of military personnel to www.lutheranmilitary.org.
- The synod budget for congregational contributions was set at $760,000 for the year of 2017, with gifts over $735,000 to be allocated to the Board for Home Outreach.
- Divine Mercy Lutheran of Hudson Oaks, Texas, and Peace Lutheran of Deshler, Ohio, were received into ELS membership. Pastor Michael Lilienthal, Pastor Christian Eisenbeis, and Dr. Gene Pfeifer (BLC) also were received as permanent members of the synod.
- The Rev. Craig Ferkenstad was re-elected as the secretary of the synod.
Anniversary Thankoffering
A kick-off presentation was made during the 2016 Synod Convention for the Anniversary Thankoffering. As the committee reminds us, “In thankfulness and in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and the 100th anniversary of our synod we seek to Proclaim the Wonders God Has Done!” Every congregation has or will soon receive packets of information for members. You can watch the video and learn more online: http://www.els.org/offering/
The total contributed by the close of the convention or indicated as an intention to give was $182,865! In addition, we have $37,500 in deferred gifts for the offering in hand. In the future, deferred gifts will only be reported annually. The offering continues until December, 2018.
Leroy Meyer HonoredThe convention took time to recognize Mr. Leroy Meyer for 50 years of service on the Board of Trustees. As a token of appreciation, President Moldstad presented Leroy with a stained glass Chi Rho, the logo of the ELS. The art piece was done by Mrs. Campbell, a member of Saved By Grace Lutheran in Gresham, Oregon.
Convention Pages
On Wednesday, June 23, the young people serving as pages at our 99th ELS Convention were announced for the assembly. Pictured from right to left are: Austin Olsen, Greta Bloedel, Mizha Overn, James Van Kampen, Alexis Wharton, Sarah Strom, Sarah Schwartz, and Aaron Younge.
OrdinationCandidate of Theology Joshua Mayer was ordained and installed at Redeeming Grace Lutheran Church in Rogers, Minnesota on June 26, 2016. Dr. Michael Smith preached the sermon and the Rev. Erwin Ekhoff served as liturgist and performed the rite of ordination. May God bless his faithful servant!
Lutheran Youth Association Convention
The LYA Convention dates are set for July 28-31, 2016, and the location is the University of Texas at Dallas. Please check out our ELS webpage for details: <styleclass=” style_MainLink” style=”font-family: Arial; color: #d51e49; text-decoration: none;”>http://www.els.org/lya16/
Upcoming Events: http://www.els.org/about/calendar/
July 6-7 – Seminary Pastors’ Institute, Mankato, MN
July 17 – Ordination of Daniel Ruiz in Leander, TX
July 17 – Ordination of Andrew Soule in Belview, MN
July 28-31 – LYA Convention, Dallas, TX
August 2 – Board of Trustees
August 3 – Centennial Committee
August 3 – Synod Review Committee
August 4-5 – Board for Home Outreach
August 8-9 – Board of Regents
August 14 – Ordination of Jeffrey Hendrix in Ulen, MN
August 15-16 – Doctrine Committee
August 17 – Board for World Outreach
August 26 – ELS-WELS-CLC meeting in Mankato, MN
