Staying Connected

This week the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis is considering policies that will direct our work and our prayer in the days, weeks and months to come. Many people will be listening carefully to the debates and subsequent decisions with the hope of receiving clarity about how they and their congregation will proceed. Some believe that the issues regarding human sexuality will be the source of division...that the emotional energy around these matters alone will create a scenario that will be of historic significance. When I pray about that concern, I am grateful for the statements our Presiding Bishop Hanson made at the assembly's opening worship service on Monday:

"It is important to recognize what fear and anxiety can do to us," he said. "Fear nurtures the suspicion and cynicism that lead us to act in ways that are downright mean-spirited and anti-neighborly. Fear can drive us to make demands of others for our own security rather than faith freeing us to serve others with confidence and humility."
But there is more to the story than fear in this assembly, Hanson said. "We will tell the story of Jesus Christ who is present in this assembly," he said. "This is the story that is waiting to be told about us."
"Christ is the source of our joy" and "the source of our peace" in a world without peace, Hanson said. "And into that world Christ sends you and me and all gathered for this assembly," he said.

I encourage all of you who spend time at the computer to stay connected this week to the sessions in Minneapolis. Even if you aren't inclined to view the video streaming or to read the various articles about the plenary sessions, please DO hold all who have gathered in Minneapolis for the assembly (including visitors and media representatives) in prayer.

Bishop Hanson emphasized that the story of this assembly has not yet been written...and that it remains to be seen how the church will address all of the issues it faces (yes...there is more to be discussed than sex!!!!!).

We pray that the peace and joy of Christ prevail in the gathering, so that next week we will be empowered and sent to engage in His Mission!