Dear Members and Friends of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod,
As we approach another day of Thanksgiving, I was struck recently by this line in the Gospel lesson for the 14th Sunday after Trinity regarding the healing of the ten lepers. Jesus, seeing that the Samaritan was the only one who returned to give thanks after realizing he had been healed, asked: “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
We have had millions upon millions of undocumented immigrants that have entered our country illegally for quite some time. Most are looking to find a better life and once they have arrived have appreciated what we so often take for granted. Perhaps many of them even give praise to God for allowing them to enter this land of bounty and opportunity. It is not my intention to debate the politics of these circumstances, but for us to realize that by thinking we deserve all that we have we may fail adequately to consider that what we have in the United States are in fact gracious blessings from God. Would our Lord look upon our neglect of gratitude in these days of plenty and say: “Were there none found to return and give praise to God except these foreigners?”
God forbid that we approach Thanksgiving with such arrogant thoughts of deserving and instead be filled with the humble spirit that the Samaritan and perhaps many of our new neighbors have. God grant you a spirit of praise and thanksgiving for all His many blessings bestowed upon you in the name of His Son, who is the Father’s greatest blessing to us, so that we might be saved for all eternity.
Glenn Obenberger
Pastoral Retreat
The “Never Confounded” Retreat to be held on February 17–21, 2025 is an opportunity for our shepherds to be fed, to “lie down in the green pastures,” and to receive the waters of life. The retreat is to provide a relaxed setting for the “mutual conversation and consolation of the brethren” and will held at the Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center, Houston, Texas. Registration is open for the retreat. We encourage all our congregations to consider sending their pastor(s) to the retreat. You will find more information, including the schedule, the presentations, registration, flight registration, and financial assistance (both supplying and applying), at https://els.org/retreat. It is our goal to send your pastors back to you refreshed and encouraged for the work that the Lord has called them to do.
There may be pastors who would like to attend this retreat, but their congregations are not in the situation to financially support his attendance with travel and registration. Would you or your congregation be willing to help in such a situation? Please contact Mr. Paul Manning. If you would like to send your pastor to this retreat, but need financial assistance to give him this opportunity, please contact Mr. Paul Manning.
Evangelical Lutheran Confessional Forum
ELS and WELS representatives met at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, October 21–22 for the biennial “Evangelical Lutheran Confessional Forum.” This meeting brings together representatives of the various areas of ongoing work in the two synods, helping to keep one another informed, as well as finding ways to work together. “How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
Circuit Visitors Conference
The synod officers and circuit visitors met together on September 19–20, 2024.
Bethany Lutheran College Auxiliary
The Bethany Auxiliary supports and promotes Bethany Lutheran College. We recognize the importance of a Christ-centered education and we support it with our prayers and contributions. The donations that are received through Bethany Auxiliary are used to fund the “extra” projects of the college. Anyone is welcome to be a part of Bethany Auxiliary. It’s a great way to connect with old and new friends and to participate in a common goal of promoting our college.
On Monday, September 23, 45 members of the auxiliary gathered on Bethany campus for National Auxiliary Day. Old and new friends were treated as special guests of the college. We worshipped together, we learned about the legal studies program and witnessed a mock trial, we listened to beautiful music presented by the choir and student musicians, and we learned about the clay target sports program. We were greeted by Presidents Gene Pfeifer, Tim Hartwig and Glenn Obenberger. We had a business meeting to allocate funds for Bethany. Our day was closed with a devotion by Chaplain Don Moldstad. We thank Chris Kind and the auxiliary officers for planning a very enjoyable day.
Anniversary
On October 6, Parkland Lutheran Church, Tacoma, Washington, observed the 40th anniversary of Pr. Steven Sparley’s ordination (July 15, 1984). Pres. Obenberger preached on Matthew 9:1–8 about a minister of the Gospel’s eagerness to give forgiveness, in imitation of his Lord. The 5th–8th grades sung during the service. A program followed the service with the singing of “On My Heart Imprint Thine Image” in both the Norwegian and English by the Sunday school. Numerous presentations were given by Pr. Sparley’s son, David, Rev. James Krikava, Rev. Thomas Rank, Mr. Brent Sorn, and Pres. Obenberger. One of Parkland’s members presented Pr. Sparley with a Prie Dieu (a prayer kneeler) that he had made. And a sizable gift was given for the Sparleys to take an extended vacation. We thank the Lord for the faithful service of such men.
At right: Members of Ascension Lutheran Church, St. Helens, Oregon, gather around a new sign for their church.
Upcoming Events
November 6–7 – Board for Home Outreach
November 11–12 – Board of Regents
November 12–13 – Board of Trustees
November 19–20 – Board for World Outreach
December 25 – Christmas Day
View current vacancies and calls in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
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