Reading Ecclesiastes you may have come away in despair, since it repeatedly characterizes life here “under the sun” as vanity, futile, worthless, and pointless. But God inspired Solomon to write this so that we might come to understand that life without Him is empty, and, instead we have life to its fullest with great purpose in His Son, our Savior. Here are some thoughts expressed in “Sacramental Preaching” by Hans Boersma:
“So how do we live in a culture that consistently tells us we are simply pleasure-seeking animals?… Instead, we are people with a positive aim that we look forward to and that guides us on how to live. After all,…if everything in Ecclesiastes tells us that life without God turns us into nothing but pleasure-seeking animals, then what is the implication? Isn’t the implication that there is more than life under the sun? Isn’t the implication that death is not the end? Isn’t the implication that the resurrection allows us to look beyond the sun, as it were?…St. Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 15:32: ‘If the dead are not raised’…But, Paul says, the dead are raised…Because there is a resurrection, we are not merely pleasure-seeking animals. Because there is a resurrection, it is the resurrection life for which we long with the most passionate desire… No more futility. Christ has risen from the dead!” (p. 34–35)
You are a child of God with an everlasting purpose given to you in Christ Jesus. Live now and forevermore covered in His holy blood and righteousness. His service to you was not futile, neither is yours to Him in response, i.e., a service of praise without end.
Glenn Obenberger
Installation in Sutherlin, Oregon
Homer Mosley was installed as interim pastor of Christ Lutheran in Sutherlin, Oregon on Saturday, September 6. Pastor Edward Bryant performed the rite of installation. Pastor Cody Anderson preached, Pastor Roger Edmonds served as lector, and Pastor Andrew Burmeister served as liturgist.
Our Bethany Lutheran College
Bethany Lutheran College professors are sharing insights from their areas of expertise through a new digital publication called Amid the Trees, a series of original articles exploring faith, learning, and creativity from a distinctly Bethany perspective. Read the articles at blc.edu/amid-the-trees/
“Hopeful, Cheerful, and Undaunted”
The next Pastoral Support Committee retreat will be held on February 3–5 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. We are inviting both pastors and their wives to this retreat with the desire to support not only the pastors, but also their helpmeets. We will cover such topics as: the blessings of the parsonage, the prayer life of the parsonage, common stressors on a pastor’s family, grief, and the Lord’s Supper. There will also be a breakout session for pastors and another for their wives.
The committee would encourage every congregation to consider supporting their pastors and wives so that they might attend the retreat. Registration will open on October 1 and includes room and board at the retreat. Wednesday afternoon/evening will be free time for the couple.
Pre-registration (Oct. 1–Nov. 30) Couple: $330 Single: $185
Registration (Dec. 1–Jan. 11) Couple $375 Single: $210
Register at: https://els.org/retreat
Mission Rally
St. John’s in Frankenmuth, Michigan, hosed the area 2025 ELS Mission Rally on Saturday, October 11, with 93 people in attendance. Speakers included Pastor Jacob Kempfert from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Saginaw, Michigan; Pastor David Choi from Seoul, South Korea (by Zoom); and Pastor Roger Emmons from Grace Lutheran Church, Redmond, Oregon (pictured), and his support dog Suess.
Pacific Northwest Women’s Mission Rally
On September 27, 2025, the Pacific Northwest Women’s Mission Rally was held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Port Orchard, Washington. Rev. Tony Pittenger serves Bethany Lutheran Church. The theme for this year’s event was, “One Thing Needful,” based on Luke 10:42. The guest speakers were, Rev. Thomas Heyn, Board for World Outreach Administrator, Rev Brad Kerkow, Evangelism and Mission Counselor, and Rev. Tim Bartels, who serves at Saved by Grace Church, Gresham, Oregon.
ELS Circuit Visitor Policy Regarding Extending & Deliberating Calls
Because deliberating a divine call is often a long, stressful process for a pastor, his family and parish, receiving calls too frequently can frustrate and exhaust those involved. It is also the case that if a pastor receives and accepts a call too soon after arriving at congregation, it may be detrimental to that parish. Therefore, the following recommendations have been given by the Circuit Visitors to guide the president in assembling the call lists. While a congregation may call any pastor on the ELS clergy roster (in consultation with the president, since he may have confidential information that would preclude calling that individual at that time), the president of the synod, when assembling the call list for a congregation should not include:
- A pastor who has been in a parish less than four years unless the president is informed of a special need.
- A pastor who has received a call within the past six months.
Additionally, because details regarding a call may be received rather efficiently thanks to digital communication, pastors are encouraged to limit their deliberations to 2–4 weeks. This will be especially helpful to congregations, in the case of a returned call, to be able to move forward with the calling process.
(While this policy is not binding upon ELS congregations, it is highly recommended by the Circuit Visitors. Initiated at the CV Conference Sept. 11&12, 2025 and passed at the GPC Oct. 1, 2025.)
Upcoming Events
November 12 – Board of Trustees
November 13–14 – Board for Home Outreach
November 18–19 – Board for World Outreach
View current vacancies and calls in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
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