September 2017 President’s Newsletter

Dear Fellow Workers in Christ’s Kingdom:

The pictures out of south Texas are devastating. Hurricane Harvey has wreaked havoc on the lives of so many and has caused numerous fatalities that are sure to rise. It is a time for prayer. It is an opportunity for fellow Christians to show love and support. While many of our members may donate to the Red Cross and other organizations that can logistically provide the necessary aid, another avenue for our ELS people to use is that of our Board for Christian Service. Some financial help already is being sent by the board, but other donations are needed and will be channeled to our sister churches in the affected areas. Any who wish to donate may send gifts to: ELS Hurricane Harvey Relief, 6 Browns Court, Mankato MN 56001 or go online to els.org/donate, noting your gift under the “other” category for Hurricane Harvey. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers,” Galatians 6:10.

Blessings in Christ,

John A. Moldstad

Home Missionary Installed

The Rev. James Kassera was installed on Sunday, August 27, as pastor of our home mission at Divine Mercy Lutheran Church, Hudson Oaks, Texas. The Rev. Larry Wentzlaff (Evangelism-Missions Counselor) conducted the liturgy, the Rev. Dan Ruiz preached the sermon, and the Rev. Dr. Michael K. Smith performed the rite of installation.

Installation at Norseland and Norwegian Grove

The Rev. Kyle Madson was installed on August 20 as pastor of Norseland and Norwegian Grove Lutheran Churches in rural St. Peter and Gaylord, Minnesota. We ask God’s blessings on Pastor Madson’s ministry!

Parkland Lutheran, Tacoma, Washington

May God’s blessings rest on the Rev. Steven Sparley as he was installed on August 27, 2017, at Parkland Lutheran Church & School in Tacoma, Washington. His new charge is that of pastor-teacher, with responsibilities including the upper grades at the school.

Also installed at Parkland Lutheran on the same day was Mrs. Megan Enstad (pictured at left with her husband Mike and family), joining the teaching staff at the congregation’s school. May the Lord richly bless Megan in her call as well.

Lutheran Military Support Group

The Lutheran Military Support Group (LMSG), comprised of ELS and WELS veterans, met in Mankato, Minnesota, for its second annual session on August 22, 2017. The group began the day with a devotion in Good Shepherd Chapel at Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary by its LMSG chaplain, the Rev. L. Wentzlaff, and conducted their business meeting at Bethany Lutheran College. For more information on their important work, visit lutheranmilitary.org.

Anniversary Offering Update

The Anniversary Offering is gathered in thankfulness to the Lord for his abundant grace: first for the five hundred years since the Lutheran Reformation that restored for the people the truth of God’s Word; and second that this truth has been preserved for us in the reorganization of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod one hundred years ago. May we continue to Proclaim the Wonders God Has Done.

Synod Centennial

Hopefully your congregation has made plans to study the ELS-produced Bible study, Proclaiming God’s Truth. This seven lesson study was written by members of the ELS Doctrine Committee and touches upon teachings which were important both to the Reformation (the 500th anniversary we are observing this year) and also to the re-organization of the synod (whose 100th anniversary we will celebrate next year). If your congregation needs additional printed copies, there are a limited number available for pick-up at the synod office.

Luther Movie

For this five-hundredth anniversary year of the Lutheran Reformation, PBS will be showing a movie called “Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World.” It will be broadcast on PBS nationally on Tuesday, September 12. Check for the times on your local station. More information and a trailer for the movie can be found at www.pbs.org/program/martin-luther-idea-changed-world/.

Synod Handbook

The synod Handbook has been updated to reflect action taken at this year’s convention and now is available on the synod’s website. You can find it under Our Work Together – Administration – Handbook of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod els.org/download/administration/ Handbook.html.

LYA Convention

At the end of June, 230 youth and counselors met for the annual Lutheran Youth Association Convention in Ohio. The group is pictured above on July 28 when they had the opportunity to visit the Ark Encounter.

Membership Transfer: The Rev. Luke Willitz was transferred to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod on August 3, 2017, upon the acceptance of the call to serve Immanuel Lutheran Church in Mosinee, Wisconsin

Resignation: The Rev. Matthew Crick resigned from Faith Lutheran Church in Medford, Oregon, on August 13, 2017, for family considerations.

Church Closing: Grace Lutheran Church in Redmond, Oregon, held its final service on August 27, 2017.

Upcoming Events els.org/about/calendar/

September 7 – Committee for Archives and History

September 14-15 – Circuit Visitors’ Conference

September 19 – Missions Advancement Project

September 20 – Synod Review Committee

September 25 – Bethany Lutheran College Women’s Auxiliary Day

September 29 – ELS Doctrine Committee meets with WELS CICR

October 3 – Board for Youth Outreach

October 4-6 – General Pastoral Conference

October 8 – Tenth anniversary of Hope (Farmington, MN)