Dear Fellow Workers in Christ’s Kingdom:
In a little over two weeks from the time of this newsletter pastors and delegates and friends of our synod will be gathering for the 98th annual ELS Convention in Mankato, Minnesota. This yearly meeting not only serves as the delegating authorization for the work we carry on together as members of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod; it is a wonderful opportunity to study and recommit ourselves to the teachings of our Savior as we strive to bring the message of the clear and free Gospel to more and more souls as the Lord enables us. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:3. Please pray for a safe journey for all who will be traveling, and ask our gracious God to have his blessing be upon the decisions and activities.
Blessings in Christ,
Work Day at Bell Gardens, California
On Saturday, May 2, a “work party” was organized at Christ the King Lutheran in Bell Gardens, California, that included the help of students from California Lutheran High School in Wildomar, California. The group included high school students from Korea and China, as well as many southern California communities. Pastor Dale Jaech, who serves the vacancy along with Pastor Mark Mammel (WELS), reports that the projects for the day involved cleaning windows, lights, carpeting and floors; also, a fresh coat of paint on one of the meeting rooms, plus power washing the exterior of the building. The congregation’s president, John Hammermeister, is pictured at the far left, together with Pastor Jaech standing next to him. (Pastor Andrew Schroeder, the CLHS advisor, took the photo.)
Seminary Commencement
Candidate of Theology Michael Lilienthal, pictured here with his father, the Rev. Gene Lilienthal, was the sole graduate this year from our Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary, May 13, 2015. Michael was assigned to serve as pastor of the joint parish of Redeemer, Iola, Wisconsin, and Messiah, Omro, Wisconsin. Michael’s father, who serves in Brownsburg, Indiana, preached for the occasion, basing his remarks on John 21:15-17. We wish Michael and his wife, Sarah, the Lord’s richest blessings!
Retirement Announcement
The Rev. E.C. Fred Subenvoll, Jr., has announced his retirement from the pastoral ministry, effective July 12, 2015. The Rev. Stubenvoll has served faithfully as pastor of First Lutheran in Marinette, Wisconsin, since 1990. We ask for God’s abundant blessings upon Pastor Stubenvoll, his wife Cindy, and family.
Retirement of Lutheran Sentinel Editor
The Rev. Theodore Gullixson has announced his retirement as the editor of the Lutheran Sentinel. His final issue will be the July/August 2015 convention summary. Pastor Gullixson served as the editor of the Sentinel for nearly twenty years, far and away the longest tenure of any editor of the Lutheran Sentinel or the Lutherske Tidende, its predecessor magazine. We extend our thanks for his many years of faithful service.
Announcement from northern Minnesota
Through our Circuit 8 Visitor, the Rev. Mark Faugstad, I have learned that Grace Lutheran in Crookston, Minnesota, is seeking fellowship once again with our synod. The congregation is an independent congregation that has declared itself in agreement with the doctrine of the ELS. This occurred officially at a meeting at Grace on May 17. We will ask the membership committee to ratify a fellowship arrangement at our convention. The Rev. Nick Proksch from East Grand Forks, Minnesota, is assisting the congregation with regular worship services at this time. We are pleased to welcome the members of Grace back into our fellowship circle. We are grateful to the River Heights, East Grand Forks, congregation for enabling the arrangement, for at least the immediate future, to have its pastor available for pastoral care at Grace.
Circuit 7 Pastoral Conference
On May 4, 2015, pastors from Iowa and southern Minnesota gathered at Forest Lutheran, Forest City, Iowa, for their semi-annual circuit meeting. Two papers that received much discussion were: “Lutherans in America: NALC and LCMC” by the Rev. Shawn Stafford, and “A Practical Primer on Witnessing to Mormons” by the Rev. Martin Hoesch.
Bethany Lutheran Seminary Vicarage Assignments 2015
Dan Ruiz (back row, left) – assigned to Hope Lutheran, Leander, Texas
Andrew Soule (back, center) – assigned to Norseland Lutheran & Norwegian Grove Lutheran, St. Peter, Minnesota
Joshua Mayer (back, right) – assigned to Redeeming Grace Lutheran, Rogers, Minnesota
Jeffrey Hendrix (front, left) – assigned to Good Shepherd Lutheran, Indianola, Iowa
Matthew Behmer (front, right) – assigned to Peace Lutheran, North Mankato, Minnesota & Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minnesota
Prayers Requested
The Rev. Karl Hermanson underwent successful heart surgery (valve replacement) on May 28 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison. We urge all to keep him in your prayers, asking God to grant him a speedy recovery.
Upcoming Events
June 21 – 65th Anniversary of Bethany Lutheran Church (Luverne, Minnesota)
June 21-25 – Synod Convention
July 4 – 50th Anniversary of Camp Lor-Ray
July 5 – Installation of the Rev. Erich Hoeft at Holton Lutheran (Holton, Michigan)
July 12 – Installation of the Rev. Phillip Lepak at Our Saviour Lutheran Church (Lake Havasu City, Arizona)
July 12 – Installation of the Rev. David Emmons at Northwood, Iowa
July 23 – Centennial Committee
July 23-26 – Lutheran Youth Association Convention (Mankato, Minnesota)
July 30-31 – Board for Home Outreach
Click here to view current vacancies and calls in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
Click here to download the newsletter bulletin insert.
