Speakers inspire as synods met this spring Synod assemblies
Editor’s note: This year The Lutheran asked synod communicators to pro- vide a highlight of their synod assem- bly. What made a difference to par- ticipants? What was the most impor- tant part of the assembly? Responses received by presstime are included on these pages. When provided, a Web address for more information is included.
Alaska, April 24-25, Fairbanks, Alaska. The assembly was enriched by three laypeople who detailed the deepen- ing of their faith as God walked with them through traumatic medical injuries, petrifying family struggles or deep emotional distress. They tes- tified to God’s rich love and faithful- ness in securing them through these trials and God’s provision of faithful friends and family who also helped sustain them. Many at the assembly found parallels to their faith walks and were spiritually encouraged by the stories. —David Dunlap
Northern Texas-Northern Loui-
A helper dog in training was a big hit with many participants of the North/ West Lower Michigan and Southeast Michigan syn- ods’ joint assembly.
siana, April 25-27, Dallas (http://
ntnl.org/2014-mission-assembly- samaria). During the “University of ¡Samaria!” participants encountered today’s Samaritans: outsiders and issues that make us uncomfortable. They heard about institutional rac- ism from Joyce James, a consultant on racial equity and systematic oppres- sion, and learned about incarcerated people and those who are bullied or experiencing family violence. They met people ministering to veterans, those opposing the death penalty, Muslims and peacemakers. Gay and lesbian friends, including musicians Jason & DeMarco, taught about wel- come. Principal Jose Huerta held up Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, where students are no lon- ger suspended. —Ann Hafften
Southeastern Minnesota, May 2-3, Rochester, Minn. (
www.semnsynod. org/sa2014). Bishop Steven Delzer unveiled the synod’s six-year initia- tive “Enough Food for All.” The goal is to collaborate with congregations
and organizations in the region to end food insecurity in Southeast- ern Minnesota by 2020. On Satur- day, participants chose from eight hunger-related workshops. —Emily Carson
Minneapolis Area, May 2-3, Ramsey, Minn. The assembly was divided into five sections to consider how we are sent: with curiosity about our neigh- bors, grounded in God’s word, sensi- tive to what God is already doing, lis- tening deeply, and with courage then to speak. Actors from The Theater of Public Policy (T2P2) listened to the main speakers and participated in short table discussions with voting members before offering back to the assembly what they heard—with a humorous edge. —Bob Hulteen
Northeastern Minnesota, May 2-4, Breezy Point, Minn. (
www.nemnsynod. org). Winston Persaud, a professor at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa, continued his teach- ings begun last year from Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, focus- ing on baptism. Scott Jacob, synod director for evangelical mission, led the group in mission planning. Catherine Anderson, synod coordi- nator of youth ministry, and Chris Manisto, a pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Princeton, Minn., led a dis- cussion on “Framing Life Biblically.” —Marilyn Hull
Western Iowa Synod, May 2-4, Sioux City, Iowa. Highlights included thought-provoking forums and dis- cussions on social justice issues, including the Peace Not Walls cam- paign (the means by which the ELCA implements its strategy for engage- ment in the Holy Land conflict).
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